How To Get A Perfect DBQ Score - AP World History: Modern
Claim
Must be related to the prompt and defensible
Must be in the introduction (I recommend putting it here so it is easier for the exam scorer to find it) or conclusion
Contextualization
Must discuss broader historical developments and themes before, during, or after the given time period (I don’t recommend going too far back or forwards; stay in a range of ~3 units so you don’t lose the point for contextualization)
Must be in the same category as prompt, e.g., social, political, economic, etc. or explain a cause/effect relevant to the prompt
I recommend writing a separate contextualization paragraph at the beginning of the response right before stating your claim
Throw in some of that vocabulary that you’ve learned from my Knowt flashcard sets! It shows higher level thinking and a complex historical understanding to the College Board!
Evidence
Must be from at least 4 documents (I recommend using all the documents so you earn the complexity point for Analysis & Reasoning, too)
DO NOT PULL DIRECT QUOTES!!! Inside, describe what the document is conveying
Use one piece of outside evidence not in any of the documents but still supports your argument
Analysis & Reasoning
HAPPY analysis (Historical situation, Audience, Purpose, Point of view, whY?); do this for at least 2 documents (I would do more just in case)
As stated before, using all the documents provided as evidence is the easiest way to earn the complexity point in this section of the rubric; however, you must effectively analyze them or else you will not earn this point
An alternative way to earn the complexity point that I’m a fan of is exploring limitations; sources many contains biases or misinformation, so you should make the reader aware of this
I also like exploring multiple perspectives/nuances to the argument in order to ensure a more comprehensive understanding of the historical context and to strengthen the overall argument presented in my response