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AP® EUROPEAN HISTORY
2009 SCORING GUIDELINES
Question 6
Analyze the various ways in which the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648) represented a turning point in European history.
9–8 Points
• Thesis is explicit and fully responds to the question. o Refers to three significant results of the Thirty Years’ War representing a turning point.
• Organization is clear and effectively supports the argument. o Body paragraphs go on to develop the various results of the Thirty Years’ War as alluded to in the thesis.
• Essay is well balanced; multiple turning points required by the question are covered at length.
• All major assertions in the essay are supported by relevant, specific examples. o Examples document major turning points in European history caused by the Thirty Years’ War.
• May contain errors or off-topic content that does not detract from the argument.
7–6 Points
• Thesis is explicit and responds to the terms of the question. o May refer to only two results, or may refer to three results in a less sophisticated manner.
• Essay is organized and supports the argument, but may stray off task. o May merge factors in single paragraphs.
• Essay is relatively balanced; at least two turning points are covered. o Some factors may be more developed than others.
• All major assertions in the essay are supported by at least one piece of relevant evidence.
• May contain an error or off-topic content that detracts from the argument but does not significantly interfere with the task of the essay.
5–4 Points
• Thesis is explicit but not fully responsive to the question. o May only refer to one significant turning point factor or to two factors minimally. o Some turning point factors may be inaccurate.
• Essay is organized and consistently followed, but may ineffectively connect to the question. o May be more of a chronological narrative of the Thirty Years’ War rather than an analytical essay dealing with the requirements of the question.
• Essay shows some imbalance, perhaps
2009 SCORING GUIDELINES
Question 6
Analyze the various ways in which the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648) represented a turning point in European history.
9–8 Points
• Thesis is explicit and fully responds to the question. o Refers to three significant results of the Thirty Years’ War representing a turning point.
• Organization is clear and effectively supports the argument. o Body paragraphs go on to develop the various results of the Thirty Years’ War as alluded to in the thesis.
• Essay is well balanced; multiple turning points required by the question are covered at length.
• All major assertions in the essay are supported by relevant, specific examples. o Examples document major turning points in European history caused by the Thirty Years’ War.
• May contain errors or off-topic content that does not detract from the argument.
7–6 Points
• Thesis is explicit and responds to the terms of the question. o May refer to only two results, or may refer to three results in a less sophisticated manner.
• Essay is organized and supports the argument, but may stray off task. o May merge factors in single paragraphs.
• Essay is relatively balanced; at least two turning points are covered. o Some factors may be more developed than others.
• All major assertions in the essay are supported by at least one piece of relevant evidence.
• May contain an error or off-topic content that detracts from the argument but does not significantly interfere with the task of the essay.
5–4 Points
• Thesis is explicit but not fully responsive to the question. o May only refer to one significant turning point factor or to two factors minimally. o Some turning point factors may be inaccurate.
• Essay is organized and consistently followed, but may ineffectively connect to the question. o May be more of a chronological narrative of the Thirty Years’ War rather than an analytical essay dealing with the requirements of the question.
• Essay shows some imbalance, perhaps