AP World History Modern Rubrics

​AP World History Rubrics
​Document-Based Question (DBQ) Rubric (7 Points)
Thesis (1 point):

• Responds to the prompt with a historically defensible thesis/claim.
• Must be located in the introduction or conclusion.

Contextualization (1 point):

• Describes broader historical context relevant to the prompt.
• Should be a few sentences that connect the topic to larger events, developments, or processes.

Evidence (3 points total):

• Using the Documents (2 points)
  • Uses at least three documents to support the argument (1 point).
  • Uses at least six documents to support the argument (2 points).
• Beyond the Documents (1 point)
  • Provides an additional piece of specific historical evidence beyond the documents to support the argument.

Analysis & Reasoning (2 points total):

• Sourcing the Documents (1 point):
  • Explains at least three documents in terms of their historical situation, purpose, point of view, or audience.
• Complexity (1 point):
  • Demonstrates a complex understanding by explaining nuances, considering multiple perspectives, or making connections to other historical developments.

Short Answer Question (SAQ) Rubric (3 Points per Question)
Each SAQ consists of three parts (A, B, C), and each is worth
1 point.

• A (1 point): Accurately responds to the first part of the prompt with a specific fact or explanation.
• B (1 point): Accurately responds to the second part with another specific fact or explanation.
• C (1 point): Accurately responds to the third part, often requiring a connection, cause/effect, or comparison.

Guidelines for Success:

• Use specific historical evidence.
• Write in complete sentences but avoid unnecessary details.
• No thesis statement required.

Long Essay Question (LEQ) Rubric (6 Points)
Thesis (1 point):

• Presents a historically defensible thesis that responds to the prompt.
• Must be in the introduction or conclusion.

Contextualization (1 point):

• Describes a broader historical context relevant to the prompt.
• Should be a few sentences connecting the topic to larger historical developments.

Evidence (2 points total):

• Uses specific examples of evidence to support the argument.
  • Provides at least two pieces of relevant historical evidence (1 point).
  • Supports an argument using at least three pieces of relevant evidence (2 points).

Analysis & Reasoning (2 points total):

• Historical Reasoning (1 point):
  • Uses comparison, causation, or continuity and change over time to structure the argument.
• Complexity (1 point):
  • Demonstrates a nuanced understanding by considering multiple perspectives, explaining nuances, or making connections to broader themes.