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
 Contains a well-developed thesis that clearly addresses the question.
 Effectively analyzes of all parts of the question, although treatment may
be somewhat uneven.
 Provides substantial, relevant outside information to support thesis.
 Is well organized and well written.
 May contain minor errors.

The 5 – 7 Essay
 Contains a thesis, which may be partially developed, that addresses the
question. Not as focused or comprehensive as above.
 Analyzes all parts of the question in some depth, but may focus more
substantially on one part.
 Supports thesis with some relevant outside information.
 Has acceptable organization and writing.
 May contain errors that do not seriously detract from the quality of the
essay.

The 2 – 4 Essay
 Presents a limited, confused, and/or poorly developed thesis, or presents
no thesis.
 Analysis deals with only one aspect of the question in a general way, or
all parts in a superficial way with simplistic explanations.
 Contains little relevant information, information that is inaccurate or
irrelevant, or may contain only generalizations.
 Demonstrates weak organization and/or writing skills that interfere with
comprehension.
 May contain major errors.

The 0 – 1 Essay
 Contains no thesis or a thesis that does not address the question, or
simply restates the question.
 Demonstrates inadequate or inaccurate understanding of the question.
 Includes no relevant information on the topic.
 Is disorganized and poorly written.
 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