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AP World History

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DBQ

Facts

7 documents

60 minutes

15m planning

45m writing

25% of AP Exam score

Format

contextualization

⁠

thesis⁠

⁠

evidence from documents - at least 3

sourcing (HIPP) - at least 2

supporting arguments - at least 4

outside evidence

complexity - one of:

using 7 documents to support the argument

sourcing at least 4 documents

using the documents and outside evidence to explain different perspectives

Thesis (1pt)

Responds to the prompt with a historically defensible claim that establishes a line of reasoning.

make a claim that responds to the prompt (does not rephrase/restate)

located in one place (such as introduction or conclusion)

must be specific

Despite [counterargument], because of [evidence 1 and 2], [argument].

Contextualization (1pt)

Describes a broader historical context relevant to the prompt.

historical events, developments, or processes

occuring before, during, or continuing after the time frame

immediate history

specific circumstances of time and place

broader regional, national, or global

4-5 sentences

2-3 vocabulary words (define and connect)

Evidence (3pt)

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

describe

do not quote

use content to support an argument

connect the evidence to the argument

use the grouped documents

create topic sentences for each part

Extra point:

Uses at least one additional piece of specific historical evidence (beyond that found in the documents) relevant to the argument in response to the prompt.

describe the evidence

more than a phrase or reference

different from the evidence used for contextualization

name it, explain it, connect it

does not need to be in the same time period

Analysis and reasoning (2pt)

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

does not just identify

identify and explain one of the four

HIPP⁠

⁠

historical situation (where it sits in larger historical context)

intended audience (for whom the documents was produced)

purpose (what the document was intended to do)

point of view (what they say, why they say it)

Complexity (1pt)

Demonstrates a complex understanding of the historical development that is the focus of the prompt through sophisticated argumentation and/or effective use of evidence.

one of the following:

effectively uses seven documents to support the argument

sources at least four documents

uses documents and evidence beyond the documents to demonstrate understanding of different perspectives

part of the argument

does not need to be woven throughout the response but more than a phrase or reference

can be a counterargument