AP US History Essay Rubric
(Adapted from: U.S. History: Preparing for the A.P.Exam, AMSCO Publishers, 1998, pp. xxix-xxx)
Name______Date______
AP essays are graded based on the quality of their thesis, supporting evidence, effectiveness of analysis, organization, presentation, and written expression.
The 8 – 9 Essay
v Contains a well-developed thesis that clearly addresses the question.
v Effectively analyzes of all parts of the question, although treatment may be somewhat uneven.
v Provides substantial, relevant outside information to support thesis.
v Is well organized and well written.
v May contain minor errors.
The 5 – 7 Essay
v Contains a thesis, which may be partially developed, that addresses the question. Not as focused or comprehensive as above.
v Analyzes all parts of the question in some depth, but may focus more substantially on one part.
v Supports thesis with some relevant outside information.
v Has acceptable organization and writing.
v May contain errors that do not seriously detract from the quality of the essay.
The 2 – 4 Essay
v Presents a limited, confused, and/or poorly developed thesis, or presents no thesis.
v Analysis deals with only one aspect of the question in a general way, or all parts in a superficial way with simplistic explanations.
v Contains little relevant information, information that is inaccurate or irrelevant, or may contain only generalizations.
v Demonstrates weak organization and/or writing skills that interfere with comprehension.
v May contain major errors.
The 0 – 1 Essay
v Contains no thesis or a thesis that does not address the question, or simply restates the question.
v Demonstrates inadequate or inaccurate understanding of the question.
v Includes no relevant information on the topic.
v Is disorganized and poorly written.
v May contain numerous errors, both major and minor.
Score: ______
Comments:
Grading Scale: AP Scale 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Grade 100 97 95 90 85 80 75 70 65