1. Short Answer Questions (SAQ)
APUSH Writing
Short Answer Questions (SAQ)

2. Short Answer 4 Questions 50 Minutes 20% of Exam Score
Questions provide opportunities for students to demonstrate what they know best.
Some questions include texts, images, graphs, or maps.

3. 10ȼ Tour On the exam, you should budget 12 min per SAQ.
Average SAQ length: 200 words.
You must use A, B, C to answer each point.
No synthesis required (unless directed to, don’t have to tie the three parts together).
Not an essay, no thesis or essay format required.
Must be written in complete sentences.
Must be written inside the box provided.

4. Tips for a high scoring SAQ
The most important thing is to RESPOND TO THE PROMPT! Be sure you answer all parts of the prompt.
Be very clear about answering the prompt. Be very deliberate and use key language from the prompt that helps to both organize your response AND act as a guidepost for the reader that you’re answering the prompt.

5. Context, context, context!
Try and provide context when you respond to the prompt. (Context > Example > Explain)
Context – establish your response inside the time period
Example – provide a specific, relevant example for the prompt
Explain - connect the example to the context
*Write 2-3 sentences per each of the above for a, b, and c.

6. Context, example, explain…
If the prompt provides a time period, which it usually does, you MUST stay within the parameters of that period. There is no latitude here.
Be precise with your use of language – be explicit! Assume the reader knows nothing!
If asked to link c. back to either a. or b. be very clear as to the link. For example: “In Part A…”