AP History Writing Rubrics (DBQ, LEQ, SAQ)

AP History courses (AP U.S. History, AP World History, AP European History) use a consistent set of writing rubrics across the exam’s core free-response formats:

• DBQ (Document-Based Question): 7 points
• LEQ (Long Essay Question): 6 points
• SAQ (Short-Answer Question): 3 points per question

These rubrics help teachers grade faster and give targeted feedback that matches what the AP readers award.

Key components across AP History rubrics

Most scoring breaks into the same skills:

1. Thesis + line of reasoning
2. Contextualization
3. Evidence (specific and relevant)
4. Reasoning (causation, comparison, continuity/change)
5. Complexity (nuance, multiple perspectives, insightful connections)

DBQ Rubric (7 points)

DBQ at a glance

How to grade DBQs quickly

Step 1: Thesis

Look for one clear sentence in the intro or conclusion that answers the prompt and signals categories (or a reason why).

Quick checks

• Does it answer the prompt (not restate it)?
• Does it set up an argument, not a topic?

Step 2: Context

Credit context only if it situates the argument in a broader historical setting and connects to the prompt. It must be more than a name drop.

Step 3: Documents

• 1 point: uses content from at least 3 documents to address the topic
• 2 points: uses content from at least 4 documents to support an argument (across claims is fine)

Fast scan tip: underline each document used and mark whether it supports a claim or just summarizes.

Step 4: Outside evidence

Award the point only if the student adds a specific historical example beyond the documents and uses it in the argument. It must be different from contextualization evidence.

Step 5: Sourcing

Award only if the student explains how sourcing matters to the argument for at least 2 documents (not just “the purpose is to inform”).

Step 6: Complexity

This point shows up when the student builds nuance (multiple themes/perspectives, both cause and effect, meaningful connections across time/space). It can also appear through strong evidence use (for example, effective use of all seven docs or strong sourcing across multiple docs).

DBQ teacher-ready feedback bank

Thesis

• “Your thesis names the topic, but it does not make a claim that answers the prompt.”
• “State your claim and the main categories that drive your argument.”

Context

• “Add 2 to 3 sentences that set up the broader conditions that shaped the events in the prompt.”
• “Tie the context to your claim so it supports the line of reasoning.”

Documents

• “Use the document’s content as evidence for a claim. Summary alone does not raise the score.”
• “Add 1 to 2 more documents that directly support your argument’s main reasons.”

Outside evidence

• “Add one specific historical example not found in the documents and connect it to your claim.”

Sourcing

• “For two documents, explain how the author’s POV or purpose changes how the evidence should be read.”

Complexity

• “Add a counterpoint, tension, or tradeoff and explain how it fits with your claim.”

LEQ Rubric (6 points)

LEQs reward the same core skills without documents:

Fast grading tip: if the essay has (1) a real claim, (2) two concrete examples, and (3) reasoning words that signal causation/comparison/CCOT, it is usually in scoring range.

SAQ Scoring (3 points)

Each SAQ is worth 3 points, usually one point per part. Points are earned independently.

Teacher shortcut

• Each part needs a direct answer with historically defensible content.
• Short, specific, and accurate beats long.

Practical classroom uses (teacher intent)

• Before students write: give them the “At a glance” table and highlight what earns points.
• During drafting: require one line for thesis, two lines for context, and a checklist for evidence.
• During grading: circle which points are earned, then paste 2 to 3 feedback lines from the bank above.

FAQ

How many documents does a DBQ need for evidence points?

To earn document evidence points, students must use the content of at least 3 documents to address the topic, and at least 4 documents to support an argument.

What counts as evidence beyond the documents?

A specific historical example not found in the documents that supports the argument (and is not the same evidence used for contextualization).

How many documents need sourcing?

At least two documents need sourcing where the student explains why POV, purpose, audience, or historical situation matters to the argument.

What earns the complexity point on DBQs?

Nuanced argumentation (multiple themes, perspectives, or insightful connections) and/or effective evidence use that shows complex understanding.

Use it in CoGrader

If you want faster rubric-aligned scoring and cleaner feedback, CoGrader can score DBQs and LEQs using the same categories teachers grade for.

Try CoGrader for AP History writing: Grade an AP History essay with CoGrader