Free Response Questions

 The first free response questions you will answer are the short answer questions. 

Each SAQ is divided into three parts. And each of these parts should be between two and three sentences. It is recommended to spend less than 5 minutes on each part of the question. You are asked to either compare, describe, evaluate, explain, identify, or support an argument.

You have 40 minutes for this section of the exam. It's recommended that you spend no more than 15 minutes on each question.

The DBQ assesses your ability to work with documents, just like historians!

You will  analyze a historical issue or trend by using seven provided primary sources (documents) as evidence to construct a well-supported argument, demonstrating your critical thinking and historical understanding.  

Knowing the rubric and how to work with documents as evidence are essential!

You have approximately one hour for this essay. It is recommended by College Board that you spend the first 15 minutes reading the documents.

 The long essay question requires that you  a  analyze a complex historical topic, construct a well-supported argument using evidence from your knowledge of the subject, and demonstrate your understanding of historical context and reasoning skills, all within a structured essay format; it typically requires a clear thesis statement, contextualization, relevant  historical evidence, and analysis to fully address the prompt.  

You have approximately 40 minutes for this essay.

In your responses, be sure to address all parts of the questions you answer. Use complete sentences; an outline or bulleted list alone is not acceptable. 

In your response you should do the following. 

• Respond to the prompt with a historically defensible thesis or claim that establishes a line of reasoning. 

• Describe a broader historical context relevant to the prompt. 

• Support an argument in response to the prompt using at least four documents. 

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

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

• Demonstrate a complex understanding of a historical development related to the prompt through sophisticated argumentation and/or effective use of evidence. 

In your response you should do the following. 

• Respond to the prompt with a historically defensible thesis or claim that establishes a line of reasoning. 

• Describe a broader historical context relevant to the prompt. 

• Support an argument in response to the prompt using at least two pieces of specific and relevant evidence. 

• Use historical reasoning (e.g., comparison, causation, continuity or change over time) to frame or structure an argument that addresses the prompt. 

• Demonstrate a complex understanding of a historical development related to the prompt through sophisticated argumentation and/or effective use of evidence. 

 One point is awarded for each acceptable answer.

A total of 9 point

Worth 20% of the exam

1- Thesis that makes a claim and is historically defensible

1- Context

1- Use of documents

1- Use of documents to support your claim

1- Evidence Beyond the Documents

1 - Sourcing or Analysis

1- Complex Understanding

A total of 7 points

Worth 25% of the exam

1- Thesis that makes a claim and is historically defensible

1- Context

1- Evidence (historical facts)

1- Evidence that is used to support your claim

1- Analysis- following the historical thinking skill

1- Complex understanding

A total of 6 points

Worth 15% of the exam