AP WORLD HISTORY
AP World History Comparative Essay Generic Rubric Overview Basic Core
Historical skills and knowledge required to show competence.
Expanded Core
Historical skills and knowledge required to show excellence.
1. Has acceptable thesis. 1 Point (addresses comparison of the issues or themes specified) 2. Addresses all parts of the 2 Points of the question, though not necessarily evenly or thoroughly. (Addresses most parts of the (1) question: for example, deals with differences but not similarities) 3. Substantiates thesis with 2 Points appropriate evidence. (Partially substantiates thesis with (1) appropriate evidence.) 4. Makes at least three relevant, 1 Point direct comparisons between or among societies. 5. Analyzes at least three reasons 1 Point for a similarity or difference identified in a direct comparison. Expands beyond basic core of
1-7 Points. The basic core of a 0-2 Points score of 7 must be achieved before a student can earn expanded core points. Examples:
• Has a clear, analytical, and comprehensive thesis
• Addresses all parts of the question (as relevant): comparisons, chronology, causation, connections, themes, interactions, content.
• Provides ample historical evidence to substantiate thesis.
• Relates comparisons to larger global context.
• Makes several direct comparisons consistently between or among societies.
• Consistently analyzes the causes and effects of relevant similarities and differences. Subtotal 7 Points
Subtotal 2 Points TOTAL 9 Points Comparative Essay Notes
1. The time allotted for the essay is 40 minutes, 5 minutes of which should be spent planning and/or outlining the answer.
Historical skills and knowledge required to show competence.
Expanded Core
Historical skills and knowledge required to show excellence.
1. Has acceptable thesis. 1 Point (addresses comparison of the issues or themes specified) 2. Addresses all parts of the 2 Points of the question, though not necessarily evenly or thoroughly. (Addresses most parts of the (1) question: for example, deals with differences but not similarities) 3. Substantiates thesis with 2 Points appropriate evidence. (Partially substantiates thesis with (1) appropriate evidence.) 4. Makes at least three relevant, 1 Point direct comparisons between or among societies. 5. Analyzes at least three reasons 1 Point for a similarity or difference identified in a direct comparison. Expands beyond basic core of
1-7 Points. The basic core of a 0-2 Points score of 7 must be achieved before a student can earn expanded core points. Examples:
• Has a clear, analytical, and comprehensive thesis
• Addresses all parts of the question (as relevant): comparisons, chronology, causation, connections, themes, interactions, content.
• Provides ample historical evidence to substantiate thesis.
• Relates comparisons to larger global context.
• Makes several direct comparisons consistently between or among societies.
• Consistently analyzes the causes and effects of relevant similarities and differences. Subtotal 7 Points
Subtotal 2 Points TOTAL 9 Points Comparative Essay Notes
1. The time allotted for the essay is 40 minutes, 5 minutes of which should be spent planning and/or outlining the answer.