AP History Exam Response Preparation

Strategies for the Short Answer Question (SAQ)

• Foundational Requirements: Success on the SAQ involves two primary components: understanding the specific prompt and utilizing a three-part writing formula.
• Applicability: These strategies apply universally across AP World History, AP European History, and AP United States History (APUSH), as all are scored using the same criteria.
• SAQ Species:     * Species 1: Includes a stimulus (document or image) followed by three prompts labeled $A$, $B$, and $C$.     * Species 2: Contains no stimulus and consists only of the three prompts ($A$, $B$, and $C$).
• Scoring and Quantity:     * Each prompt is worth either $1$ point or $0$ points. Occasionally, a prompt may be worth $2$ points if it requires two distinct tasks.     * The AP Exam provides four total SAQs; students must choose and answer three of them.     * Answers are not formal essays; they should typically be between $2$ and $3$ complete sentences.
• Approaching the Stimulus and Prompt:     * Prompt-First Method: Students should read the prompts before the stimulus to avoid wasting time. Knowing what to look for prevents aimless analysis of the document or image.     * Marking the Prompt: Underline three specific elements:         1. Category: Specific themes like economic, political, or social developments.         2. Time Period: Ensure the answer falls within the exact years requested.         3. Historical Thinking Skill: Identify if the prompt requires causation (evidenced by phrases like "led to"), comparison, or continuity and change.
• The TEA Formula:     * T (Topic Sentence): A single declarative sentence that restates the prompt and names a specific piece of evidence. Example: "One significant intellectual change during the Renaissance was the emphasis on humanism."     * E (Explanation of Evidence): Define the evidence named in the topic sentence. Example: "Humanism described the Renaissance belief in the unlimited potential of human beings as ends in themselves."     * A (Analysis): Show how the evidence proves the topic sentence. This involves explaining the transition or mechanics of the point. Example: "Prior to the Renaissance, the prevailing view of human potential was limited by the doctrine of original sin. However, due to the work of Petrarch and other humanists, a new confidence in human potential emerged."
• Critical Shift in Scoring Advice: Previously, "Identify" prompts only required a topic sentence. However, following the national scoring of the AP World exam, readers did not award points unless the evidence was also explained. Therefore, the new recommendation is to "TEE" (Topic, Explanation, Analysis) every single prompt regardless of the verb used.

Long Essay Question (LEQ) Fundamentals

• Overview: The LEQ is the final section of the exam, providing $40$ minutes for completion. It is scored on a $6$ point rubric.
• Prompt Options: The College Board provides three options from different time periods; students must choose the one they are most knowledgeable about.
• Structured Marking: Similar to the SAQ, students must underline:     * Time Period: If a century is given (e.g., $20$th century), write out the years ($1900$s) to avoid confusion.     * Historical Thinking Skill: Identify if it is causation, comparison, or CCOT (Continuity and Change Over Time).     * Categories: Note specific constraints, such as "economic developments" versus social or political ones.

The LEQ Rubric and Drafting Process

• The Thesis Point ($1$ Point):     * Must be historically defensible (take a stand/position).     * Must establish a line of reasoning (how you will prove it).     * Formulas:         * John Irish Method: "Although $X$ (counter-argument), because $A$ and $B$ (specific evidence), therefore $Y$ (main argument)."         * Simple Method: "[Restate prompt] because $A$ and $B$."
• Contextualization ($1$ Point):     * Recommended to place this in the first paragraph before the thesis.     * Should consist of $3$ to $4$ content-rich sentences describing events $50$ to $100$ years prior to the prompt.     * Must explicitly demonstrate how the context is relevant to the argument.
• Evidence ($2$ Points):     * Point 1: Describe at least two pieces of evidence relevant to the prompt (name and define them).     * Point 2: Use evidence to support an argument (link it back to the thesis).     * Strategy: Aim for four pieces of evidence ($2$ per body paragraph). Use the structure: Topic sentence -> Name evidence -> Define/Explain -> Analyze/Link to thesis.
• Analysis and Reasoning ($2$ Points):     * Historical Reasoning ($1$ Point): Successfully use the thinking skill (e.g., showing causes for a causation prompt).     * Complexity ($1$ Point): Awarded to the essay as a whole ($2\%$ success rate). Can be earned by weaving a counter-argument throughout or using nuanced evidence that contradicts the thesis while explaining why the main argument is superior.

Document-Based Question (DBQ) Mastery

• Overview: Scored on a $7$ point rubric. Includes $7$ documents and a suggested $15$ minute reading period.
• Understanding the Prompt:     * Annotate dates (convert centuries like $16$th century to $1500$s).     * Mark the specific category (e.g., "society" instead of "politics").     * Identify the historical thinking skill (Causation, Comparison, or CCOT).
• Interpreting Documents:     * The Citation Hack: Read the citation first. It provides the author, year, and context (e.g., "de-Stalinization"), which clarifies the document's perspective before reading the text.     * Annotation: Summarize the document's main idea in the margin. Do not quote.     * Grouping: Organize documents into $2$ to $3$ thematic categories (e.g., Economics, Religion, Positive/Negative impacts).

The DBQ Rubric and Points

• Thesis ($1$ Point): Must be historically defensible and establish a line of reasoning. Avoid vague statements. Example: Instead of saying identity developed, say it developed despite marginalization due to the War of $1812$ and Jacksonian democracy.
• Contextualization ($1$ Point): Set the stage with $2$ to $4$ sentences regarding events roughly $50$ to $100$ years prior. Must use specific vocabulary.
• Evidence ($3$ Points Total):     * Describe Documents ($1$ Point): Accurately summarize the contents of at least $3$ documents.     * Support Argument ($2$ Points): Use at least $4$ documents to prove the thesis. Structure: "Topic sentence -> Summarize document -> 'This demonstrates…' -> Connection to thesis."     * Evidence Beyond the Documents ($1$ Point): Bring in a piece of outside information not found in the documents. Must name it, explain it, and connect it to the argument.
• Analysis and Reasoning ($2$ Points Total):     * Sourcing ($1$ Point): Perform HAPI analysis for at least $2$ documents (Historical Situation, Audience, Purpose, or Point of View). Must explain why the sourcing matters to the argument.     * Complexity ($1$ Point): Earned by using all $7$ documents to support the thesis, sourcing at least $4$ documents, or providing a multifaceted argument.

Questions & Discussion

• Question: Does the DBQ advice apply to all history subjects?
• Answer: Yes, everything stated applies to APUSH, AP World History, and AP Euro because they use the exact same rubric.
• Question: Why should I read the citation first in a DBQ?
• Answer: The citation often reveals the author's intent or the historical climate. For instance, knowing a document was written during "de-Stalinization" immediately explains its negative view of Stalin's policies, saving time on interpretation.
• Question: Is a conclusion necessary for the LEQ?
• Answer: No. A conclusion is not on the rubric. You only need enough paragraphs to make your argument effectively.
• Question: How many pieces of evidence should I use in an LEQ?
• Answer: While the rubric requires a minimum of two ("pieces" plural), it is recommended to aim for four pieces to ensure the points are secured and the argument is robust.