How to get a Perfect Score on AP Euro SAQ

This guide compiles tips from former students who scored 4s and 5s on their exams, offering fresh strategies and tools for your study sessions. Keep in mind, though, that everyone learns differently—what works for someone else may not suit you. If you already have a study method that works well, stick with it. Consider this guide as additional support rather than a complete change to your routine.

Overview

• Students must answer 2 required questions and choose between Question 3 or 4.

• All questions focus on analyzing historical developments, making connections between processes, and contextualization.

Key Details:

• 20% of Exam Score

• 40 minutes total to answer 3 questions.

• Questions are scored using a 3-point rubric, with a maximum of 9 points.

General Advice

Mindset, Strategy, Structure, and Time Management Tips:

• Allocate about 13 minutes per question, keeping in mind the total time of 40 minutes for three questions.

• Aim for 3 sentences each for parts A, B, and C in the SAQs (a total of 9 sentences per question). If you have sufficient knowledge, feel free to elaborate, but avoid overloading and taking too much time.

• Use your knowledge confidently when appropriate, but keep it concise and focused when unsure.

• Stay calm and focused—don’t stress, just give it your best effort!

What to Do in the First Few Minutes Before Writing

1. Brainstorm Key Information:
   Use scratch paper to jot down any relevant facts or ideas related to the question. This helps organize your thoughts and ensures you don’t forget crucial details.

   • Example: For a question like “Describe one cause of the Protestant Reformation in England during the reign of King Henry VIII (1509-1547),” you could note:

     • Henry VIII’s divorce and the Catholic Church’s refusal (due to Catherine being the Pope’s aunt).

     • Public dissatisfaction with the Catholic Church’s abuse of power.

2. Plan Your Responses:
   Next to parts A, B, and C of the question, write a word or short phrase summarizing your intended answer. This keeps your response focused and helps manage time effectively.

By organizing your thoughts early, you can write more confidently and efficiently.

Understanding the Sources

When tackling SAQs, you'll likely encounter two types of sources: picture prompts (e.g., paintings or photographs) and quote prompts. Here’s how to handle each effectively:

General Tips

• Pay attention to the time period. The time frame is critical for understanding the context of the source and answering questions effectively.

• Contextualize the source. Think about what was happening during that time—both locally and globally—and how those events influence or result from the source content.

• Take notes. Write key observations, underline important details, and identify the author or artist to help frame your response.

Quote Prompts

1. Understand the Perspective:

   • Before writing, ensure you grasp the viewpoint or argument presented by the author or speaker.

   • Consider their background, beliefs, or motivations.

2. Analyze the Task:

   • Be prepared to provide evidence supporting or challenging the author’s perspective.

   • Synthesize their viewpoint and relate it to broader historical themes.

Picture or Painting Prompts

1. Identify Key Details:

   • Note the time period and style of the artwork.

   • Consider any socio-political or cultural events that may have inspired the piece.

2. Contextualize the Image:

   • Think about developments or changes happening in the region and globally during that time.

   • Reflect on how these events connect to the artwork's purpose or significance.

Final Tips for Both Sources

• General Timeline Awareness: You don’t need exact dates, but having a rough timeline of major events will help provide context.

• Contextualize in Your Answer: Use your understanding of the time period to support your response.

• Organize Notes: Write down a few key phrases about the time period, author, or artwork next to the source to streamline your writing process.

By grounding your answers in historical context and carefully analyzing the prompts, you’ll create well-informed and structured responses.

Tips for Writing SAQ Responses

1. Keep It Concise:

   • Aim for 3-4 sentences per part (A, B, C). Avoid over-explaining or adding unnecessary details.

2. Plan Briefly:

   • Take a moment to outline your answers, but don’t spend too much time planning—you need to start writing quickly.

3. Label Clearly:

   • Label each response with A, B, C to ensure graders can easily follow your answers. Avoid combining all responses into one paragraph.

4. Understand Key Verbs:

   • Explain: Provide reasons or analysis about how or why something happens.

   • Describe: Focus on characteristics or features without delving into reasoning.

5. Restate the Question:

   • Begin your response by paraphrasing the question to confirm you’re addressing it correctly and meeting its requirements.

6. Stay Focused:

   • Keep your responses clear and direct. Ensure they’re neither too brief nor overly complicated—around 3 sentences per part is a good benchmark.

By following these strategies, your answers will be clear, well-organized, and aligned with the AP exam’s expectations.

Choosing Between SAQ 3 and SAQ 4

1. Pick What You Know Best:

   • Choose the question you feel most comfortable answering. If SAQ 3 feels unclear, but you’re confident about SAQ 4, go with 4 (or vice versa).

   • Consider the time period or event—if you know it well and can provide solid answers, that’s your best option.

2. Don’t Waste Time:

   • You only have 40 minutes for all 3 SAQs, so decide quickly to avoid losing time.

3. Test Both Questions Briefly:

   • Next to each part of the two questions, jot down a word or phrase summarizing potential answers.

   • Choose the set where you can confidently provide stronger responses for A, B, and C.

4. Go With Your Gut:

   • If you’re unsure, select the one where you know enough context or history to write a decent response.

Using the APE Acronym

To structure your answers effectively and maximize points, follow APE:

• A: Answer the question directly and accurately.

• P: Provide proof by including specific details or evidence to support your answer.

• E: Explain how your evidence supports your answer and ties back to the question.

By making a quick decision and using APE to guide your writing, you’ll save time and deliver well-organized responses.