How To Get A Perfect Score On SAQs - AP World History: Modern

1. ❓ Understand the Question and Task Verbs:

• Identify the specific question, task verbs (like "describe," "explain," "compare," "contrast," "analyze," etc.), and the key concepts

• Understand what each verb requires; for example, "explain" necessitates providing evidence and then explaining its connection to the question, while "identify" requires a simple answer (a sentence or two is sufficient)

2. 🫖 Implement the TEA Method:

• Topic Sentence (T):

  Start with a clear and concise topic sentence that directly addresses the question (this sets the stage for your answer and establishes your claim)

• Evidence (E):

  Provide specific historical evidence to support your topic sentence (this can be a specific event, person, detail, or concept from the stimulus or your broader historical knowledge)

• Analysis (A):

  Explain how the evidence supports your claim and connects it to the question.

  • Be sure to provide context, discuss implications, and show how the evidence answers the prompt

3. 🖼 Stimulus Analysis and Synthesis:

• If the SAQ includes a stimulus or stimuli (usually a written document, photograph, or infographic like a graph, chart, or table), identify the author(s), the purpose of the source(s), its/their context, and any biases

• Use the source material to support your analysis, but don't just quote or paraphrase or summarize it (explain how it proves your point)

4. ✍ Practice and Review:

• Practice writing SAQs:

  Work through past SAQs provided by the College Board to become familiar with the format and types of questions, or try the practice ones provided by Knowt

• Review AP World History content:

  Regularly review your notes, textbook, and other study materials to ensure a strong understanding of the historical context

• Learn from past exams:

  Analyze scored SAQs to understand what graders look for and how they evaluate responses, whether they are the samples provided by the College Board or your own past SAQs scored by your teacher 

5. 📅 Exam Day Strategies:

• Time management:

  Allocate your time effectively and don't spend too much time on any single question

• Stay calm and focused:

  Manage your stress and focus on answering the questions to the best of your ability (remember: you got this!)

• Double-check your answers:

  Before submitting, briefly review your answers to ensure you have addressed all parts of the questions and provided sufficient evidence; add additional information if needed (vocabulary, explanations, descriptions, etc.)