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AP US Help Session. Reading Strategies FRQs 8/30/2010. Reading Issues. Reading Practice. Group Practice : Everyone read “Frustrated Freemen and Bacon’s Rebellion” from Chapter 4 Determine the main idea of that section – try to do it in 1-2 sentences List 2-3 supporting details
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AP US Help Session Reading Strategies FRQs 8/30/2010
Reading Practice • Group Practice: • Everyone read “Frustrated Freemen and Bacon’s Rebellion” from Chapter 4 • Determine the main idea of that section – try to do it in 1-2 sentences • List 2-3 supporting details • Individual Practice: • Select and read a subsection from Chapter 6 • Determine the main idea of that section – try to do it in 1-2 sentences • List 2-3 supporting details
Keys to Active Reading and Retention • Do it in chunks – it gives your brain a chance to rest and process • Take notes as you read – that way you check your comprehension throughout the process • Ask yourself, “Is this significant? Is this testable?” Don’t worry about taking notes on anecdotes. • Explain your reading to someone – often the best way to learn is to teach • Review the material – you can’t expect yourself to understand everything after one viewing • Make flashcards and try to categorize the supporting details into groups so that you can see relationships
Elements of a Strong Essay • Clear Thesis that is argued throughout the essay. • All paragraphs relate back to and clearly support the thesis. • Substantial, specific evidence is provided. • Provides analysis (why and how), not just description (what). • Smooth transitions and effective organization. • The closing paragraph reaffirms the thesis (no new info)
Additional Tips • If you don’t know the content, you can’t write a strong essay. Regularly reviewing the material is essential. • Show what you know – don’t stop at just one example, provide as much details as you can, and use specific content vocabulary where you can. • At the end of each paragraph, clearly explain how it relates back to your thesis – this keeps you focused and can improve transitions.
Let’s Practice • Make sure you understand the question. • Brainstorm applicable content. • Develop a thesis – position, categories, “so what” • Outline your essay – determine topic sentences and what specific content you’ll include in each paragraph Americans often pride themselves that theirs is a “land of opportunity”. How much economic opportunity truly did exist in colonial America, and what factors affected the colonists’ opportunities to succeed?