How to get a Perfect Score on AP Euro DBQ

Some terms in order to expound or enhance your vocabulary

AP European History exam

One of the more challenging AP exams with only 11.7% of students scoring a five.

DBQ

Document Based Question, a crucial part of the AP Euro exam worth 25% of the total score.

Scoring guidelines

A set of criteria the AP graders use to evaluate DBQ responses.

Thesis/Claim

A historically defensible statement that establishes a line of reasoning.

Contextualization

Describing a broader historical context relevant to the prompt.

Evidence from the Documents

Using content from at least three documents to address the prompt.

Evidence beyond the Documents

Including at least one additional piece of specific historical evidence relevant to the argument.

Sourcing

Explaining the relevance of a document's point of view, purpose, historical situation, or audience.

Complexity

Demonstrating a nuanced understanding of historical developments with supporting evidence.

Multiple choice section

The portion of the exam consisting of 55 questions and accounting for 40% of the score.

Short answer questions

A segment of the exam that includes three questions and is worth 20% of the score.

Free response section

Accounts for 40% of the total score and includes the DBQ among two questions.

Active reading

Engaging deeply with the documents to create an outline or plan.

Solid thesis

A strong, defendable claim that serves as the foundation for your argument in the DBQ.

Practice exams

Simulated tests that help prepare for the AP exam and improve DBQ responses.

Timing

Managing allotted time effectively during the DBQ to reduce stress.

Skimming documents

Quickly reading through documents to understand their overall message.

Citing evidence

Referencing specific pieces of information in the response to support the thesis.

Linking back to the thesis

Consistently relating arguments and evidence to the central claim.

Introductory paragraph

The opening section of an essay that introduces the thesis and main argument.

Conclusion

The closing portion of an essay that summarizes and connects back to the thesis.

Holistic view

A comprehensive perspective that encompasses all components of the argument.

Additional historical evidence

Extra information beyond the documents necessary to strengthen an argument.

Highlight or circle keywords

Emphasizing important terms in the documents for better recall during writing.

Peer grading

Evaluating practice DBQs to understand structure and identify mistakes.

Historical situation

The context surrounding a document's creation that influences its content.

Diverse perspectives

Multiple viewpoints presented in the documents for a well-rounded argument.

AP classes

Advanced Placement courses that can influence college admissions more than exam scores.

Admissions Calculator

A tool that assesses the impact of GPA and test scores on college applications.

Structured essay

A clearly organized written response that presents a logical argument.

Feedback mechanism

Using results from practice exams to identify weaknesses and improve responses.

Stress management

Techniques and strategies used to remain calm during the exam process.

Keyword strategy

Identifying important terms to guide arguments in the DBQ.