Question 1
Historian 2 would most likely respond to Historian 1 by arguing that
The AP World History DBQ, LEQ and SAQ rubrics, point by point
The document-based question is worth 7 points, the long essay 6 and each short answer 3. Every point is earned on its own, so a clear thesis, real context and sourcing of two documents are worth more than a long essay.
| Document-based question | 7 points, about 60 minutes, 25% |
|---|---|
| Long essay | 6 points, about 40 minutes, 15% |
| Short answer | 3 questions, 3 points each, 40 minutes, 20% |
| Rubrics for 2027 | Unchanged; the question formats changed |
The DBQ: 7 points
- Thesis (1): a historically defensible claim that establishes a line of reasoning, not a restated prompt.
- Contextualization (1): a broader context before, during or after the period, in more than a phrase.
- Evidence (3): the content of at least three documents (1), or at least four documents used to support an argument (2); plus one piece of specific evidence beyond the documents (1).
- Analysis and reasoning (2): for at least two documents, explain how or why the point of view, purpose, historical situation or audience matters to your argument (1); and show a complex understanding (1).
The long essay: 6 points
- Thesis (1) and contextualization (1), as in the DBQ.
- Evidence (2): two specific, relevant examples (1), used to support an argument (2).
- Analysis and reasoning (2): structure the argument with causation, comparison or continuity and change (1), and show a complex understanding (1).
The short answer: 3 points each
- Three parts, A, B and C, one point each. Answer the task verb: identify names it, describe gives its features, explain gives how or why.
- Use a specific example, a ruler, a state, a trade route, a treaty, and tie it to the source and its period.
Try 2 questions
Historian 1 and Historian 2
Historian 1: What stands out between 1200 and 1450 is how often rulers in very different regions solved the same problems in similar ways. The Inca, the Song and the Delhi sultans all needed to feed armies, collect revenue and keep distant provinces loyal, and each turned to record keeping, roads or canals, and appointed officials.
Historian 2: Comparisons of this kind can hide how differently power was organized. European kings shared authority with nobles and the Church, Maya city-states never united, and the Swahili towns were independent trading ports. In many regions power was spread among many small centers rather than concentrated in one state.
Historian 1 and Historian 2
Historian 1: The Mongol conquests of the thirteenth century were among the most destructive in history. Cities such as Baghdad, sacked in 1258, did not recover their former greatness; irrigation works in Persia and Central Asia fell into ruin; and enormous numbers of people died in the campaigns. Whatever trade flowed afterward came at a terrible price.
Historian 2: Once the conquests ended, Mongol rule tied Eurasia together as never before. The khans protected merchants, ran a relay system across the steppe, and moved artisans, scholars and physicians between Persia and China. Paper money, gunpowder weapons, Persian astronomy and Chinese medicine circulated more widely because one family ruled from Korea to Russia.
Question 2
The two historians disagree mainly about
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Questions people ask
How many points is the AP World History DBQ worth?
7: thesis 1, contextualization 1, evidence 3 and analysis and reasoning 2. It is 25% of the exam score.
How many points is the AP World History long essay worth?
6: thesis 1, contextualization 1, evidence 2 and analysis and reasoning 2. It is 15% of the exam score.
Did the AP World History rubrics change for 2027?
No. The short-answer and long-essay formats changed for May 2027, but the scoring rubrics stayed the same.