About the Book
THE DEFINITIVE BLUEPRINT FOR HISTORICAL ARGUMENTATION AND COMPLEXITY
Many AP U.S. History students master historical content but struggle to "connect the dots" between isolated facts and disparate developments. While standard resources often treat history as a static list of dates and names, Making Connections uses a step-by-step, scaffolded approach to help students synthesize information into cohesive, high-scoring arguments. By teaching students to see the "Big Picture," this workbook provides the analytical tools required to earn the elusive Complexity Point on both the Long Essay Question (LEQ) and Document-Based Question (DBQ).
Unmatched Quality and Scaffolded Mastery
Developed by Sherpa Learning, an independent publisher dedicated to AP educator success, this resource removes the mystery from high-level synthesis and replaces it with a proven learning pathway.
- 15 Prompt-Centric Units: Every unit is built around an essential argumentative prompt, ensuring all study time is focused on analysis rather than just rote memorization.
- Four-Part Unit Scaffold: Every unit follows a consistent structure—Introduction (narrative review), Document Exercise (evidence analysis), Graphic Exercise (organization), and Rubric Template (planning)—to bridge the gap between content knowledge and exam success.
- Visual Argument Organizers: Students use specialized tools like the Thesis Pyramid, Venn diagrams, and flow charts to map out multi-variable arguments and organize evidence logically.
- Academic Precision & Modern Standards: Models the high-level, precise terminology used in current historical scholarship and the latest AP® Exam materials.
- Strict CED Alignment: Every unit and key term is meticulously aligned with the latest College Board Course and Exam Description (CED) to ensure students are prepared for exactly what they will see on exam day.
The Author Credibility Advantage
Success on the AP Exam requires professional-grade guidance from an author who has seen the "Reading" from the inside.
- Proven AP Expertise: Authored by Michael Henry, Ph.D., who taught AP U.S. History for over 20 years and has written seven authoritative books for the AP community.
- The Exam Leader’s Edge: Dr. Henry served as an AP Exam Leader for 8 years and has extensive experience as a Reader and Table Leader.
- Inside Logic: Having seen tens of thousands of student essays, Dr. Henry ensures every exercise aligns precisely with official scoring standards and official College Board rubrics.
Essential Features for Student and Teacher Success
- "Accessible Academic" Narrative: The introduction to each unit is written in an engaging, active voice that maintains AP rigor without sacrificing readability for high schoolers.
- LEQ Rubric Templates: Guides students through the official 6-point rubric requirements, demystifying the grading process and ensuring their planned responses hit every necessary mark.
- Primary Source Mastery: Features canonical primary sources with short-answer questions that prompt students to interpret the text and link it directly back to the unit’s central argument.
- Versatile Implementation: Functions equally well as a primary textbook companion throughout the year or as a targeted review tool in the weeks leading up to the exam.
Making Connections is more than an essay manual; it is a professional-grade "Complexity Blueprint" that transforms historical facts into powerful, persuasive arguments. Discover how this authoritative resource can provide your students with a decisive advantage on exam day.
About the Author
