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How to Write an SAQ — Step-by-Step AP Guide
Learn how to write an AP SAQ step by step. Master the 3-point rubric for Short-Answer Questions — claims, 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.
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 Short-Answer Question (SAQ) section is worth 20% of your AP History exam score. You answer 4 SAQs in 40 minutes — each worth 3 points. This guide shows you how to earn every point.
The AP SAQ Rubric (3 Points)
- Part A (1 pt) — Make a claim and support it with specific evidence
- Part B (1 pt) — Make a second claim with different evidence
- Part C (1 pt) — Make a claim responding to a different aspect of the prompt
SAQ Writing Tips
- No thesis needed — go straight to the claim
- One specific piece of evidence per part is enough
- Write 2-3 sentences per part — concise wins
- Answer ALL three parts — partial credit is per-part
Practice SAQs with rubric feedback · DBQ Guide · LEQ Guide
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