There is a format that is good for APUSH papers for the introductory paragraph that my APUSH teacher taught me

Thesis- The main idea of the paper, this should be the sentence where all your information refers back to.

ALSO make sure you have a “concussion” (or whatever you call it) which is a statement/acknowledgement of the opposing view or the other side so that way your paper will not be just one-sided. (For example, in a prompt about the 13 colonies and their differences in economy, you can mention that they shared an economical aspect such as slavery even though it was not widely used in the north as it did in the south)

Explain- Go more into depth about the thesis, don’t just state the thesis and move on, if you explain, it will be more clear to the read why you support your position.

List- This goes at the end and should list your 3 strongest points which will be the 3 paragraphs that go into depth of each point. It’s best if you list your strongest point first so that your reader will continue reading the essay and give you a good score.

I hope this helps, it helped me for my essays which I have to do in class

***In reply to Sam’s answer, my teacher said you didn’t need an outside reference necessarily for APUSH (although it was done in WHAP- World History AP) but if you do know alot of outside info, you can include it on the essay.

I agree with Fire’s answer, but I would suggest that along with going in depth with your answer, you should also mention a lot of outside reference. By that I mean, compare the circumstances you are writing about with things that happened in the periods before that time mentioned in the prompt. Also give lots of correct details about the historical facts you put in, so that it looks like you actually know what you are talking about. If you are not sure about something, don’t write it. It would be very obvious and the AP people will take points off like crazy. Follow a format that works the best for you and you know you are comfortable with. Just remember you thesis and support it.

Go with the standard formula:

5 paragraph essay

1st paragraph: First sentence present the thesis. Next three sentences should present the next three paragraphs. Last sentence should lead into next paragraph.

2-4: Thesis points

5: Conclusion

are you talking about a AP u.s history paper?

if you are then your first sentece should ALWAYS be your thesis sentence in a ap history paper.