What Is a Passing Score on the AP World History DBQ?

Are you preparing for the AP World History exam and wondering what constitutes a passing score on the Document-Based Question (DBQ) section? Look no further! In this article, we will delve into the details of what a passing score on the AP World History DBQ actually means.

Understanding the AP World History DBQ

The DBQ section of the AP World History exam is one of the most challenging parts of the test. It requires you to analyze and interpret primary sources from different historical periods and make connections between them. You are given a prompt with a historical question or statement, and then you must use evidence from at least seven of the provided sources to construct an argument that addresses that prompt.

Scoring System for AP World History DBQ

The AP World History DBQ section is scored on a scale of 0-7 points. Each point is equivalent to a different level of performance, and each level corresponds to a specific set of skills demonstrated in your response.

A score of 0 means your response was completely off topic or failed to address any part of the prompt. A score of 7 means your response demonstrated excellent analysis, interpretation, and synthesis skills.

Passing Score on AP World History DBQ

To pass the AP World History exam, you need to earn a total composite score of 3 or higher. Your composite score is calculated by adding together your scores on each section (multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, document-based question, and long essay question) and converting them into a scaled score between 1-5.

On the DBQ section specifically, scoring at least a 2 out of 7 points is considered passing. While this may seem like a low bar, it’s important to remember that earning just two points requires demonstrating some basic analytical skills such as making comparisons between sources or identifying patterns and trends in the evidence.

Why Is the DBQ Important?

The DBQ section of the AP World History exam is important because it tests your ability to analyze and interpret primary sources, which are central to the study of history. It also requires you to use evidence to construct a persuasive argument, which is a critical skill for any academic discipline or career field. Furthermore, earning a passing score on the DBQ section can significantly boost your overall score on the exam and help you earn college credit.

Conclusion

In summary, earning a passing score on the AP World History DBQ requires demonstrating some basic analytical skills and constructing a persuasive argument using evidence from at least seven primary sources. While scoring just two points may seem like a low bar, it’s important to remember that this section of the exam is designed to test your ability to analyze and interpret historical documents. By preparing thoroughly and practicing these skills, you can increase your chances of earning a passing score on this challenging section of the AP World History exam.