Will I lose points for errors such as incorrect dates? Refer to the description of scoring in
Question 6. If a date or other information is incorrect, the incorrect information will not be
scored. If you have included an abundance of correct evidence in your essay, the incorrect
material will not result in loss of opportunity to receive the points for historical evidence.
- What are some of the most common errors students make in answering the question? The
most common errors on the DBQ are forgetting to include a discussion of bias or point of view
and omitting a discussion of the additional document. Another common error is not answering
the question asked in the essay prompt. - Should I underline my thesis statement? No, the reader is capable of determining whether or
not you have included an appropriate thesis statement in your essay. - May I use a highlighter? Highlighters are not permitted.
Long Essay Question
The long essay question will test your ability to analyze continuty and change-over-time, or to
compare a society, event, theme, or process. You will be given a choice: pick one of two essays on
this part of the exam.
The continuity and change-over-time essay tests your ability to analyze how societies, trends, or
issues have changed then remained the same over long periods of time. The suggested writing time
for this essay is 35 minutes, including 5 minutes devoted to prewriting. You will be given a choice of
several geographical or cultural regions and will be asked to choose either one or two of those
regions on which to base your essay. The continuity and change-over-time questions will involve
change and continuity over one or more of the Advanced Placement World History time periods.
Begin by writing a thesis statement that addresses the topic. Be sure to mention the dates or time
periods from the essay prompt in your thesis statement.
Depending on the wording of the essay prompt, you may choose to divide your essay into three
sections. Begin by describing the region(s) that you chose at the beginning date mentioned in the
essay prompt. In the second part of your essay, describe the region(s) during the middle portion of the
time period. In the third section of your essay, discuss the region(s) at the end of the time period
addressed in the essay prompt.
In order to address continuity in your essay, consider how the societies or issues remained the
same at the beginning, during, and at the end of the time period included in the essay prompt. You
must explain how the changes and continuities in your essay relate to global processes occurring at
the same time. Analyze the causes and effects of the changes and continuities.
The following are some frequently asked questions regarding the continuity and change-over-time
essay: