A thesis statement is the main argument of your essay. It answers the prompt, takes a clear stance, and previews your reasoning.
For AP World History essays, your thesis should include:
Claim with Extent (What is your argument, and to what degree?)
By/Because (Connector to introduce reasoning)
Line of Reasoning #1 (First reason supporting your claim)
Line of Reasoning #2 (Second reason supporting your claim)
Identify the historical theme (political, social, economic, cultural, etc.).
Look for keywords like "evaluate the extent," "to what degree," or "causes and effects."
Determine what the prompt is asking you to argue.
Make a claim that directly answers the prompt.
Use extent words like "to a great extent," "to a limited extent," "minimally," or "significantly" to show how strong your argument is.
This connects your claim to the reasons that support it.
Choose "by" if explaining methods or ways something happened.
Choose "because" if explaining causes or reasons.
Think about two specific reasons that justify your argument.
Each line of reasoning should be broad enough to allow multiple examples in your body paragraphs.
The thesis should be one sentence (two if necessary).
Avoid listing facts—focus on argumentation.
"Evaluate the extent to which the Mongols fostered trade and economic growth in Eurasia during the 13th and 14th centuries."
✅ Strong Thesis (Using Your Format):
"The Mongols fostered trade and economic growth to a great extent by establishing a vast and secure trading network across Eurasia, which promoted the Silk Roads, and by implementing policies that encouraged commercial exchange and the movement of merchants."
🚫 Weak Thesis:
"The Mongols controlled a large empire and increased trade. They also impacted Eurasia in many ways."
(❌ Vague, lacks a clear claim or reasoning.)
"Evaluate the extent to which the Protestant Reformation contributed to state-building in early modern Europe."
✅ Strong Thesis:
"The Protestant Reformation contributed to state-building to a significant extent by weakening the power of the Catholic Church, allowing monarchs to consolidate control, and by fueling religious conflicts that led to greater centralization of authority."
🚫 Weak Thesis:
"The Protestant Reformation changed Europe and had a big impact on politics."
(❌ Too broad, no specific reasoning.)
✅ Answer the prompt with a clear stance.
✅ Use extent words (e.g., to a great extent, to a limited extent).
✅ Connect with "by" or "because."
✅ Include two distinct lines of reasoning.
✅ Keep it one strong sentence (or two if necessary).