APUSH Debate
- Rosie Jayde Uyola
- Oct 6
- 2 min read
APUSH Debate:
Evaluate the extent to which colonization fostered change in the Americas, 1607–1754
Objective
You will work with your assigned group to develop and defend a historical argument.
Your task is to write and present three specific pieces of evidence that support your assigned claim.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Read the Prompt and Your Group’s Claim
Carefully read the debate prompt and your assigned group’s claim.
Underline key words that tell you what kind of change your argument focuses on (for example, rivalry, inequality, impact on Natives, or religion).
Step 2: Write Your 3 Pieces of Evidence
Individually, write three specific historical examples that support your group’s claim.
Each piece of evidence should be:
A specific fact (event, law, person, policy, or group)
From the correct time period (1607–1754)
Followed by a short analysis sentence that explains how this evidence supports your claim.
Use this format:
Evidence #1: [Specific fact]. This shows that [explain how this supports the claim].
Step 3: Compare Evidence with Your Group
Once everyone has written their own evidence, share your ideas with your group members.Together, decide which three pieces of evidence best support your claim.
You may combine or edit sentences for clarity.
Step 4: Write Your Final Group Argument
On your group chart or shared document, write your claim at the top, followed by your group’s three best pieces of evidence and explanations.
Make sure each piece of evidence:
Names a specific event or example
Clearly connects back to the claim
Uses correct historical reasoning (cause/effect, continuity/change, comparison)
Step 5: Prepare to Debate
Choose one or two group members to present your argument.
Each presenter should be ready to:
Read the claim clearly
Explain the three pieces of evidence
Respond briefly to questions from other groups
Success Criteria
1. You wrote and explained three specific, historically accurate pieces of evidence.
2. Your evidence connects directly to your assigned claim.
3. Your group can clearly explain how your claim answers the prompt: “Evaluate the extent to which colonization fostered change in the Americas from 1607 to 1754.”
