AP History Essay Types
The AP History exams contain two types of essays that students must complete – the document-based question (DBQ) essay and the long essay question. While both evaluate a student’s ability to think historically and analyze historical evidence, they differ in format and what they require of students. Understanding the specific requirements of each essay type is crucial for achieving success on the AP exam.
The DBQ Essay
The DBQ, or document-based question, asks students to analyze a set of primary and secondary source documents and use them as evidence to support an answer to a question. DBQ essays make up 25% of the total AP History exam score and students are given a maximum of 45 minutes to complete their response.
DBQ essays follow a basic structure that breaks down analyzes the provided sources. The introductory paragraph should introduce the issue or topic being addressed in the essay question and Thesis statement that establishes the argument. Subsequent body paragraphs should each focus on discussing and analyzing one or two of the source documents provided. Students should directly quote or paraphrase from documents to support their analysis and connect it back to the question. The conclusion paragraph should reiterate the thesis and significance of evidence discussed.
Some key things for students to keep in mind when crafting a DBQ response are:
Closely read and understand each document before writing to extract all necessary information.
Analyze how the documents relate to each other and the question as a whole to formulate an overarching argument.
Directly cite document details, features, authorship, and limitations to support analyses.
Include analysis of both perspectives and limitations in the documents to demonstrate complex/critical thinking.
Maintain focus on answering and addressing all components of the question.
Do not simply summarize the documents without tying them to the question or analysis.
Leave 10 minutes at the end to re-read and check for errors, omissions, and places to further develop.
For AP European History and AP US History, the DBQ is usually based around a specific time period or theme and students are provided 7 documents to analyze ranging from things like political cartoons, letters, memoirs, to official government documents and census data. Mastering the specific structure and techniques for optimal DBQ response is crucial for success on the AP exam.
The Long Essay Question
The long essay question, also called the LEQ, makes up the other 25% of the total AP History exam score and also has a 45 minute time limit. In contrast to the DBQ, LEQ questions do not provide any source documents for students to analyze. Instead, they pose a broader essay prompt focused on assessment of historical developments or trends over a defined period of time.
Since no documents are given, LEQ responses must rely entirely on outside historical evidence, examples, and context provided entirely from the student’s own knowledge. Well written LEQ essays should follow a basic structure:
Introductory paragraph containing a thesis statement that directly answers the question and establishes the framework.
Multiple body paragraphs each dedicated to discussing a different aspect related to proving and expanding on the thesis.
Direct citation of specific historical examples, context, timelines, and trends as evidence to support each point.
Analysis and explanation of how examples tie back into proving points related to the thesis.
Concluding paragraph that restates main argument and significance of evidence covered.
Some best practices for LEQ essays are to:
Closely read and outline the exact components/requirements contained in the prompt.
Formulate a clear, comprehensive thesis directly addressing all aspects of the question.
Provide a balanced discussion of multiple perspectives when applicable rather than a one-sided view.
Cite specific names, dates, locations and historical context when using examples as evidence.
Maintain focus on timeframe indicated in the question.
Leave extra 5-10 minutes at end to proofread and extend any points that need strengthening.
LEQ prompts may ask students to comparatively analyze historical developments over a period of centuries or assess the political, economic and social impacts of major historical events and individuals. Thorough preparation and practice with long essay responses is crucial to excel in this part of the exam.
Overall, both DBQ and LEQ questions evaluate important historical thinking skills but require somewhat different approaches. Mastering the specific strategies, techniques and structures for each essay type will allow students to best demonstrate their knowledge on AP History exams and increase their chances of achieving a qualifying score. Careful practice responding to sample questions under timed conditions can help reinforce the necessary format and response elements. Those who fully prepare themselves for both DBQ and LEQ styles will be well equipped for success on test day.