AP
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UNITED STATES HISTORY
2016 SCORING GUIDELINES
Question 3 (continued)
Examples of utilizing evidence to fully and effectively substantiate an argument:
• “Though America was never completely isolationist, WW1 led to a radical change in U.S. foreign
relat
ions. WW1 cemented America’s role as a protector of democracy, as specifically claimed by
Wilson in his declaration of war.”
• “Prior to World War 1, America had been the protectors of the Western Hemisphere, never leaving
it, a
s governed by the Monroe Doctrine and the Roosevelt Corollary. After it, America extended its
hemisphere of influence to the entire world.”
Examples of unsuccessfully attempting to substantiate an argument with evidence:
• “Because the war was originally between Germany and England, the U.S. was sort of a third party
part
icipant. The concept of intervention proved that the U.S. was still indecisive whether or not to
fully involve themselves.”
o The response does not link the evidence fully to substantiate the argument.
• “Some things that changed were the increased economic and political power after the war. We
grew
as an economy because people were working, fighting, spending, and buying.”
o The response is no more than a simple description.
D. Synthesis (1 point)
Essays earn a point for synthesis by extending their argument in one of two possible ways (1 point).
a) Responses can extend their argument by explaining the connections between their argument and a
development in a different historical period, situation, era, or geographical area (Synthesis proficiency C4).
These connections must consist of more than just a phrase or reference.
Possible connections could include the following:
• Explicitly comparing the impact of the First World War with that of another earlier or later conflict
(i.e.,
the Civil War, the Second World War, the Vietnam War).
Examples of synthesis by connecting the argument to a development in a different historical
period,
situation, era, or geographical area:
• Synthesis with inclusion in thesis:
o Thesis — “The US’s involvement in WWI marked a turning point in its role internationally,
as fo
reign policy shifted from that of isolation to a more imperialistic policy of intervention.”
o Student’s Synthesis: “Eventually, policy shifted even further to that of pure intervention.
American troops were sent to fight communists in both Korea and Vietnam. Instead of
offering economic aid, explicit military force was being used to contain communism. This
interventionist policy is still maintained today, where recently the US has intervened in
Middle Eastern countries like Iraq and Afghanistan under the guise of trying to establish
stability with the real intention of keeping its supply of raw oil secure.”
• Synthesis without inclusion in thesis:
o “Ever since WWI, to even present day, the USA has been perceived differently, not just a
glob
al power but a global power with responsibility to wield it in enforcing global peace and
human rights. When WWII ended and former high-ranking Nazis were put on trial for
crimes against humanity, it was an American lawyer who prosecuted them. When
communism threatened to engulf Korea, the US stepped [sic]. Ill-advised or not, when
Vietnam and Afghanistan needed aid, the US sent forces. When Syria continued to burn,
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