The "complexity" point on the rubric rewards essays which develop complex arguments which is essential for analytical writing. There are a number of ways that essays can demonstrate complexity. If an essay follows the writing program emphasized in this course, that would be one way of attempting to achieve complexity. In fact, it is not just one way, but attempts to achieve complexity in four different ways! Complexity is difficult to earn, so attempting to achieve this task in multiple ways will go a long way to helping you develop stronger analytical essays and at least potentially receive this rubric point.
Explaining nuance of an issue by analyzing multiple variables
Explaining both similarity and difference, or explaining both continuity and change, or explaining multiple causes, or explaining both cause and effect
Explaining relevant and insightful connections within and across periods
Confirming the validity of an argument by corroborating multiple perspectives across themes
Qualifying or modifying an argument by considering diverse or alternative views or evidence
Complexity can be achieved FOUR different ways by using this writing program:
establishing a complex argument by following the THESIS FORMULA. The developed "X" statement potentially hits the bullet #2 and/or #5
establishing a complex argument by organizing the information around the APUSH course theme. This corroborates multiple perspectives across different themes. This potentially hits bullet # 4
establish a complex argument by developing a conclusion which continues the effect of the essay argument (this can also assist with contextualization). This potentially hits bullet #2
establish a complex argument by juxtaposing two documents (or in the case of the LEQ, bringing in two opposing pieces of evidence and reconciling them) in the same paragraph. This potentially hits bullet #1