Part B
Essay
Directions: Write a well-organized essay that includes an introduction, several paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Use evidence from at least four documents in your essay. Support your response with relevant facts,
examples, and details. Include additional outside information.
Historical Context:
In the early years of the republic, various controversial issues divided the American
people. Three such issues were ratification of the Constitution, purchase of the
Louisiana Territory, and expansion of slavery into the territories.
Task: Using the information from the documents and your knowledge of United States
history, write an essay in which you
Choose two issues mentioned in the historical context and for each
• Describe the historical circumstances surrounding the issue
• Discuss arguments of those in favor of and of those opposed to the issue.
In your discussion, include at least one argument on each side of the issue.
Guidelines:
In your essay, be sure to
• Develop all aspects of the task
• Incorporate information from at least four documents
• Incorporate relevant outside information
• Support the theme with relevant facts, examples, and details
• Use a logical and clear plan of organization, including an introduction and a conclusion that
are beyond a restatement of the theme