5 steps to a 5 annotating and precis assignment - Essay Example

5 Steps to 5 AP US History Stephen Armstrong’s publication, “5 Steps to a 5 AP U.S History” , exposes the essential Historical topics with specific emphasis to AP placement and readiness. Within his analysis, Armstrong backs up his arguments by tracing the major historical events that shaped the contemporary American society, with descriptions of each historical event and its place in the American context. Armstrong’s purpose within the context of his book is to place the reader at a familiar concept with the earlier occurrences of the American History.

The author has placed particular emphasis on topics, questions and responses that continuously emerge in AP readiness and examination and suggested guide for AP readiness. While reading the material, readers are more particularly drawn to the historical accounts of Jefferson and Mills and how their actions shaped American history and governance. Given the language used in this publication, Armstrong is communicating to an educated audience with some progressive knowledge on history and a preparation in future excellence in AP evaluations.

In its totality, it can be argued that Armstrong meets his objective of AP placement as he unearths significant issues that dominated the American past including the reform movement of the 1840s and associated personalities who participated in the events. More often than not, progressive mention of Jefferson and Miller in the historical context and their contributions to American history. Armstrong represents Jefferson as America’s founding icon and the creator of America’s declaration of independence.

(Armstrong)The author’s representation of his political and revolutionary antics saw him become America’s president. In the same description, tainted descriptions are made by Jefferson in his failures as a president and unpopular laws which would later make him lose his presidency during the elections. John Mill is constantly described as an influential contributor of social-political and economic theories of the nineteenth century. John Mill is represented as an important political philosopher and constantly associated with utilitarianism.

His progressive arguments for liberty made him a renowned philosopher among the Britons and commonly referred to as a political economist. (Armstrong) In a unique style and writing, Armstrong places important emphasis on capturing other emerging historical events including the Western women’s history and their struggle for independence. Though, very little information is offered on other historical concepts including republican motherhood, Seneca Falls convention and the emergence of separate spheres.

While Armstrong wants his readers to understand and appreciate these historical events, a closer look at his analysis provide a mere overview of the subject matter with no detailed information as matters relating to any topic of study. His analysis is therefore well intended for AP preparedness in providing a bulleted list of the things you need to know in order to score 5 which essentially summarizes the main issues as articulated in the chapter. His design of the tests is also quite informative with regards to matching the AP study level and style used in answering questions.

Work citedArmstrong, Stephen. 5 Steps to a 5 AP US History. 4. NY: McGraw Hill, 2011.Print