1. About the SAQ
There are four short-answer questions on the exam. You have 12 ½ minutes to do each one; 50 minutes total.
This section is 20% of your total exam score.
At least two of the four questions will have elements of internal choice – this is an opportunity for you to demonstrate what you know best.
Questions can include: response to a primary source; historian’s argument; data or maps; or general propositions

2. About the SAQ You are NOT required to develop and support a thesis.
In EACH short-answer question, you will be asked to do three things. Each one is assigned a point.
To receive each point, you must CLEARLY and DIRECTLY address what is being asked.

3. 1) Read the Prompt 2) Write Find and underline the key phrase
Make sure you have determined, “What is the prompt asking?”
2) Write
Each of the three tasks you will be asked to do should be a separate paragraph.
This will ensure the readers can clearly follow your response.
Answer the tasks in the order in which they appear in the prompt.
Do NOT write an introduction OR a conclusion

4. Short Answer Questions
Remember the ACE Format
A – answer the question [this is the assertion or claim]
C – cite specific factual evidence
E – explain how the evidence proves the assertion
5-7 sentences per paragraph
12 ½ minutes per essay

5. Explain two similarities in cultural characteristics of Ancient Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt
First needed to answer this question is the definition of culture as used in AP World History
Religions
Belief systems, philosophies and ideologies
Science and technology
The arts and architecture
Study your SPICE chart handout

6. Explain two similarities in cultural characteristics of Ancient Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt
A good response would explain two similarities in cultural characteristics of Ancient Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt (1 point each). Some possible similarities might include:
Both had sophisticated writing systems (cuneiform and hieroglyphics).
Hammurabi’s Code written in cuneiform written on steles
Hieroglyphics found on Egyptian halls and preserved papyrus
Both societies were polytheistic with deities associated with agriculture.
Amon-Re – Egyptian God of Sun
Adad – Mesopotamian God of rain and storm

7. Explain two similarities in cultural characteristics of Ancient Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt
Religion played a strong role in shaping both societies.
Epic of Gilgamesh
Book of Dead
Pyramids and Ziggurats similar architecture designed as part of the religious beliefs
People in both societies believed that gods intervened in human affairs.
Egyptian God Isis: Goddess of magic, marriage, healing, and protection
Epic of Gilgamesh story involving humans and gods; life and death

8. Explain one difference in cultural characteristics between Ancient Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt
A good response would explain one difference in cultural characteristics of Ancient Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt (1 point). Some possible differences include
Mesopotamians tended to believe that they had little control over their destinies and gods were unforgiving; Egyptians appear to have more confidence in control over their destinies, with views of gods as more supportive in human endeavors
Difference in predictability of the Nile flooding and the unpredictability of the Tigris and Euphrates

9. Explain one difference in cultural characteristics between Ancient Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt
Egyptians had impressive art and artifacts, whereas Mesopotamian achievements in mathematics and astrology were far more advanced than those of Egyptians
Mesopotamian mathematics was developed
for both practical purposes
and to create a professional
distinctions between those
who could and those who
could not solve advanced
problems.
In Egypt only a very small group of professional
scribes could read and write.

10. Explain one difference in cultural characteristics between Ancient Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt
Whereas both societies were concerned with the afterlife, Egyptians put greater emphasis on preparation for afterlife and the need to control it.
Literary skill of Ancient Mesopotamians much greater than that of Egyptians. No comparison to Epic of Gilgamesh.