SAQ Tutorial

SAQS (Short Answer Questions) Guidelines
  • Structure: TEA Format
    • Topic Sentence: Directly answers the question and introduces evidence.
    • Explain/Example:
    • Use specific terms, people, and events relevant to the time period.
    • Provide detailed examples to support your explanation.
    • Analysis: Tie the information back to the prompt and discuss its overall significance.
    • Timing: 13.5 minutes and a maximum of 1 page.
General Scoring Notes
  • Scoring: Each point is earned independently based on accuracy and clarity.
  • Accuracy:
    • Responses must demonstrate historically defensible content knowledge.
    • Minor errors may not detract from the overall quality, as long as the historical content is accurate.
  • Clarity:
    • Responses should be considered first drafts; grammatical errors will not negatively impact the score unless they obscure the content knowledge demonstrated.
  • Describe and Explain:
    • Describe relevant characteristics of a topic in more than simply mentioning terms.
    • Explain how or why historical developments occur or relationships exist.
Rubric for APUSH SAQs
  • Scoring Scale: 4, 3, 2, 1
    • 4 Points:
    • Topic sentence directly answers the question (what + why).
    • Specific evidence is thoroughly explained.
    • Insightful analysis present, with connections to larger themes.
    • 3 Points:
    • Topic sentence answers the question but may be superficial.
    • Some evidence provided but needs more thorough explanation.
    • Limited analysis, more factual or simple.
    • 2 Points:
    • No clear topic sentence; jumps straight to information.
    • Evidence may contain minor errors or be tangentially related.
    • 1 Point:
    • Major errors in interpretation or vague answers provided.
  • Scoring on the AP Exam: You’ll earn 1 point or 0 points for each section. A score of 3.5 indicates a response that meets most criteria of a 4 but lacks detail or sophistication.
Sample SAQ Analysis
  • Prompt Example: Identify ONE factor that increased tensions between Great Britain and its North American colonies (1763–1776) and briefly explain how this factor led to the American Revolution.
    • 4-Point Response:
    • The increased taxes imposed by Britain created direct tension as colonists felt unrepresented.
    • The Stamp Act example shows resistance due to taxation without representation, leading to the Stamp Act Congress and further agitation over perceived violations of their "English liberties."
    • 3-Point Response:
    • The Stamp Act, passed without colonist consent, led to protests and increased tensions.
    • 2-Point Response:
    • Taxes imposed by Britain made things expensive and created discontent among colonists.
    • 1-Point Response:
    • There were many reasons for tension between colonists and Britain, including political disagreements.
Steps for SAQ Preparation

  1. Understand the Stimulus and Prompts:

    • Read prompts before analyzing the stimulus.
    • Identify the category/categories, time period, and necessary historical thinking skill.

  2. Annotate the Stimulus:

    • Highlight important information from the stimulus that may assist in answering prompts.
Task Verbs
  1. Identify
  2. Describe
  3. Explain