A.P.
Scoring
Rubric for Essays
Scale:
1 - 9 for all essays including the Document Based Question (DBQ)
8 - 9:
Contains a clear, well-developed
thesis.
Supports thesis with
substantial, relevant information.
Understands complexity of question;
deals with question in depth.
Effective analysis.
May contain minor
errors.
5 - 7:
Contains a clear thesis with limited development.
Supports thesis with
some relevant information.
Limited understanding of complexity;
may deal with only one aspect of question in depth, or with all in a general
fashion.
Limited analysis, mostly describes.
May contain errors
that do not detract from overall argument.
2 - 4: Lacks a thesis, or thesis may be confused or
underdeveloped.
Lacks supporting information, or info
is minimal or not accurate.
Ignores complexity, may deal with only
one aspect of question or all superficially.
No analysis.
May contain major
errors.
0 - 1:
Incomplete response.
May simply paraphrase or restate the
question with no discussion.
Limited or no
understanding of the question.
General
grade equivalent:
9 = A 4 = C-
8 = A- 3 = D+
7 = B+ 2 = D
6 = B 1 = F
5 = C+ 0 = F
Ten Suggestions for Better A.P. Essays
1. Be
certain that you understand the question and you attempt
to answer it as best you can. Underline the command words. If there is more than one part to the
question, be sure to address each.
2. Use
facts to support your thesis, arguments, and generalizations. Make as specific references as possible, no matter how
general the question is. Load your essay with facts. You can never put too many in a good
essay. Three to five facts per paragraph
is a good rule
of thumb.
3.
Have a thesis which answers the question in the introduction. A good thesis
should attempt to tell why, explain, or somehow account for the reasons a
particular set of circumstances occurred.
All facts should reinforce the thesis.
4. Use
standard organization with an introduction, body, and conclusion. A.P. essays in the highest category will
often run six or more complete paragraphs (six or more sentences) with five or
more facts in each paragraph.
5. Use
good English grammar.
6. Use
the past tense consistently.
7.
Avoid first or second person pronouns (even if they appear in the question).
Use the term “one” if at a loss.
8. Be careful with your spelling, not your instructors. Pay special attention to key words such as
historical terms or names.
9.
Avoid sophomoric efforts at humor. These
usually fall flat. Instead, strive to employ literary devices such as metaphor
or irony if you must be cynical at all.
10.
Proofread your essay if time permits. Budget your time so
that you finish the essay.
-
Reference to other historical occurrences is helpful.
- Do not stray too far from the main idea of the question.