Four skills, in order of pain.
Each FRQ type has a rubric, an annotated approach, and a writeable practice prompt. Type your response and submit it to the AP Tutor for rubric-aligned feedback.
CollegeBoard 2025 rubrics
What you’re actually scored on
| Type | Points | Categories |
|---|---|---|
| SAQ | 3 | Part (a) · Part (b) · Part (c) — 1 pt each. Identification, explanation, often a limitation or comparison. |
| LEQ | 6 | Thesis (1) · Contextualization (1) · Evidence (2) · Analysis & Reasoning (2) |
| DBQ | 7 | Thesis (1) · Contextualization (1) · Evidence (3, including HIPP) · Analysis & Reasoning (2) |
Same rubrics for APUSH and AP World History: Modern. Click into a lab to see the full rubric and try a prompt.
I.
~12 minutes
SAQ
Three quick parts. The art of saying enough — and no more. Easiest entry point.
II.
~40 minutes
LEQ
One big argument, three paragraphs, all the evidence you can muster. The thinking essay.
III.
~60 minutes
DBQ
Seven documents, a thesis, contextualization, and the patience to do all of it under time. The big one.
