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How to Write an LEQ — Step-by-Step AP Guide

Learn how to write an AP LEQ step by step. Master the 6-point rubric for Long Essay Questions — thesis, contextualization, evidence, and analysis — with practice and scoring breakdowns.

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Paste your prompt and your response. You get a point-by-point rubric breakdown in about 20 seconds — no account, nothing to install.

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Scored against the standard published point categories for this format. Because it is your own prompt there is no official scoring guide behind it, so treat this as practice feedback rather than a predicted score. How we tested the grader.

The Long Essay Question (LEQ) is worth 15% of your AP History exam score. You get 40 minutes and choose 1 of 3 prompts. This guide shows you how to earn every rubric point.

The AP LEQ Rubric (6 Points)

  1. Thesis/Claim (1 pt) — Historically defensible thesis with a line of reasoning
  2. Contextualization (1 pt) — Broader historical context beyond the prompt
  3. Evidence (2 pts) — Specific, relevant historical evidence supporting the argument
  4. Analysis & Reasoning (2 pts) — Historical thinking skills and complex understanding

LEQ vs DBQ: Key Differences

  • No documents provided — all evidence comes from your knowledge
  • You choose which prompt to answer (pick the one you know best)
  • 40 minutes instead of 60 minutes
  • 6-point rubric instead of 7-point (no document sourcing)

AimFive scores every LEQ against the AP rubric. Start practicing LEQs now.

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