The AP European History course is often seen as challenging by many students, particularly because of the well-known DBQ that appears on the exam. However, there's no need to be intimidated! The tips and resources provided by CollegeVine can help you grasp what’s expected and guide you in crafting a strong response to the Document-Based Question (DBQ) on the test.

AP European History: A Brief Introduction

The AP European History exam is considered one of the more challenging AP exams, with only 11.7% of students earning a score of five. As a result, it’s crucial to understand the exam's structure, the knowledge you should have beforehand, and how to approach your responses. Although it may seem intimidating at first, the following tips and ideas can help simplify the writing process.

The exam is organized as follows:

• Multiple choice: 55 minutes, 55 questions, worth 40% of the score

• Short answer questions: 40 minutes, 3 questions, worth 20% of the score

• Free response: 1 hour 40 minutes, 2 questions, worth 40% of the score (includes DBQ)

Tips for Tackling the AP European History DBQ

• Understand the Format:

  • The DBQ is a one-hour, free-response question worth 25% of your total score. You’ll be given seven documents with various perspectives and must construct a coherent argument using both the provided evidence and your own knowledge.

• Know the Rubric:

  • Familiarize yourself with the DBQ rubric so you know what’s expected to earn a higher score. Understanding what examiners are looking for will help you focus your response.

• Actively Read the Documents:

  • Rather than skimming, read the documents thoroughly to grasp their meanings. Make sure to note key details and perspectives that will support your argument.

• Create an Outline or Plan:

  • Before writing, create a structured outline or plan to organize your thoughts and arguments. This will help you stay on track and make your response more coherent.

• Form a Strong Thesis:

  • A solid thesis is the foundation of your DBQ response. Make sure your thesis directly addresses the prompt and provides a clear argument to guide your essay.

• Link Back to Your Thesis:

  • Throughout your essay, consistently refer back to your thesis to ensure that your argument remains focused and aligned with the prompt.

• Use Documents and Outside Knowledge:

  • Integrate evidence from the documents as well as additional historical knowledge you have. This shows a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

How is the AP Euro DBQ Evaluated?

As mentioned before, having a solid understanding of the rubric is essential to earning a good score. Let’s take a look at the scoring guidelines from the most recent test so that you can better understand what the AP graders are looking for in particular. Note that the DBQ is scored out of seven points.

Row A: Thesis/Claim (0–1 points)

• 0 points: Does not meet the criteria for one point.

• 1 point: Responds to the prompt with a historically defensible thesis/claim that establishes a line of reasoning.

Row B: Contextualization (0–1 points)

• 0 points: Does not meet the criteria for one point.

• 1 point: Describes a broader historical context relevant to the prompt.

Row C: Evidence (0–3 points)

• Evidence from the Documents

  • 0 points: Does not meet the criteria for one point.

  • 1 point: Uses the content of at least three documents to address the topic of the prompt.

  • 2 points: Supports an argument in response to the prompt using at least six documents.

• Evidence beyond the Documents

  • 0 points: Does not meet the criteria for one point

  • 1 point: Uses at least one additional piece of the specific historical evidence (beyond that found in the documents) relevant to an argument about the prompt.

Row D: Analysis and Reasoning (0–2 points)

• Sourcing

  • 0 points: Does not meet the criteria for one point.

  • 1 point: For at least three documents, explain how or why the document’s point of view, purpose, historical situation, and/or audience is relevant to an argument.

• Complexity

  • 0 points: Does not meet the criteria for one point.

  • 1 point: Demonstrates a complex understanding of the historical development that is the focus of the prompt, using evidence to corroborate, qualify, or modify an argument that addresses the question.

The graders reference these scoring guidelines as they read your essays, so it’s really important that you cater your response to very clearly meet each criterion.

Tips for Improving Your DBQ Performance

• Take Practice Exams:

  • Regularly taking practice exams helps you understand the structure and expectations of the DBQ. Make sure to grade each exam to see where you stand and to identify areas for improvement. Refer to the scoring criteria to evaluate your work. By noticing common mistakes, you can adjust your approach before the actual test, enhancing your chances of success.

• Pay Attention to Timing:

  • Practice DBQs under timed conditions to get familiar with the exam’s time constraints. Use the 15-minute reading period wisely to outline your essay, as this helps you organize your thoughts without eating into your writing time. Being aware of time limits will reduce stress and help you stay on track during the exam.

By consistently practicing and timing yourself, you will develop the skills and confidence needed to excel in the DBQ portion of the exam!

Your Test Day Plan for the AP Euro DBQ

• Glance at the Documents:

  • Skim through the documents after reading the prompt during your reading period.

  • Look for key words or context to identify the main message of each document.

  • Take notes, highlight, or circle important terms to save time later and avoid rereading the documents.

• Construct a Strong, Provable Thesis:

  • Develop a clear and defensible thesis that directly answers the prompt.

  • Base your thesis on evidence found in the documents identified during skimming.

  • A strong thesis sets a solid foundation for your essay and argument.

• Find Evidence within the Documents:

  • Revisit the documents and extract specific evidence that supports your thesis.

  • Cite at least six documents in your essay and relate them to your thesis.

  • For at least three documents, explain their point of view, purpose, historical situation, and audience to show deeper analysis.

• Find Your Additional Piece of Specific Historical Evidence:

  • Include at least one external piece of evidence (not from the documents) that supports your thesis.

  • The external evidence should be specific and relevant to the argument.

  • Use your knowledge from the course or the multiple-choice section to recall useful information.

• Write Your DBQ:

  • Start with a clear introduction, ensuring your thesis is stated.

  • Structure the essay logically, with each body paragraph exploring different aspects of the prompt.

  • In each paragraph, link to the documents and incorporate point of view, purpose, or context where relevant.

  • Conclude by summarizing your argument and tying everything back to the thesis.

  • Consider writing the conclusion first to guide the rest of the essay.

How Will AP Scores Affect My College Chances?

• AP Scores vs. College Admission:

  • Your AP exam scores don’t significantly impact your chances of admission.

  • Admissions teams prioritize the AP classes you take over your actual scores on the exams.

• Importance of AP Classes:

  • The number and difficulty of AP classes you take are more influential than your exam scores.

  • The relevance of these AP classes to your intended major can strengthen your application.

• CollegeVine’s Admissions Calculator:

  • Use CollegeVine’s free tool to better understand how your AP classes, GPA, standardized test scores, and other factors impact your college chances.