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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