AP EUROPEAN HISTORY ESSAY SCORING GUIDE – Updated 6/11
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4
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FOCUS
Sharp, distinct controlling
point made about a single
topic with evident
awareness of task
All parts of the question are
addressed thoroughly
Thesis statement contains at
least 3 divisions and is
clearly stated in
introductory paragraph.
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CONTENT (x2)
Substantial, specific, and/or
illustrative details are
included to support the
thesis statement
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Explanations demonstrate
strong development and
sophisticated ideas
ANALYSIS
Analyzes how & why the
content supports the thesis
Understands the complexity
of the question and addresses
all parts of the question
equally.
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Includes explanation of all
historical terminology.
Minimal historical errors.
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3
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Apparent point made about
a single topic with sufficient
awareness of task
All parts of the question are
addressed
Thesis statement contains 3
divisions and is stated in
introductory paragraph.
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Sufficiently developed details
are included to support
thesis
Essay includes adequate
elaboration or explanations
Includes explanation of most
historical terminology.
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No more than one major
historical error.
Analysis may be limited.
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Mostly describes.
Understands question, but
not the complexity of the
question.
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May fail to equally address
all part of the question
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2
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No apparent point but
evidence of a specific topic
Most parts of the question
are addressed
Thesis statement does not
contain 3 divisions and/or
is not in the introductory
paragraph
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Limited details are included
that may or may not support
the thesis statement
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Minimal analysis.
Essay includes inadequate
elaboration or explanation
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Includes explanation of some
historical terminology
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Simplistic approach to
question.
Contains multiple historical
errors.
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Listing of information
without explanation.
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May occasionally wander off
topic.
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1
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Minimal evidence of a topic
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No thesis statement
Few to no parts of the
question are addressed
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Superficial and/or minimal
content is used
Essay includes very little
elaboration of ideas
Does not explain historical
terminology
Few facts, major historical
errors.
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No analysis.
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No explanation.
Little understanding evident.
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MECHANICS
Evident control of
grammar, mechanics,
spelling, usage and sentence
formation
Precise, illustrative use of a
variety of words and
sentence structures to create
writer’s voice, tone and
point of view appropriate to
audience at all times
Body follows thesis
organization with subtle
transitions
Essay includes a thorough
and relevant introduction
and conclusion paragraphs
Sufficient control of
grammar, mechanics,
spelling, usage and sentence
formation
Generic use of a variety of
words and sentence
structures that creates
writer’s voice, tone and
point of view appropriate to
audience most of the time
Body follows thesis
organization and uses
transitions
Essay includes a relevant
introduction and conclusion
paragraph
Limited control of
grammar, mechanics,
spelling, usage and sentence
formation
Limited word choice and
control of sentence structure
that inhibit voice and tone
and point of view
Body does not follow thesis
organization OR does not
use transitions
Essay includes an
introduction and conclusion
paragraph
Minimal control of
grammar, mechanics,
spelling, usage and sentence
formation
Minimal variety in word
choice and minimal control
of sentence structure and
point of view
Body does not follow thesis
organization AND does not
use transitions
Essay lacks an introduction
and/or conclusion
paragraph