AP European History

The questions in the multiple-choice section come in sets of typically 3–4 questions based on the same stimulus. The questions will include one or more sources to respond to such as primary and secondary texts, images (for example, artwork, photos, posters, cartoons), charts, and maps.

 You’ll be asked to:

• Analyze the provided sources
• Analyze the historical developments and processes described in the sources

In the short-answer section, you’ll write answers to questions in your test booklet. Some questions include texts, images, graphs, or maps.

• Question 1 is required, includes 1 or 2 secondary sources, and focuses on historical developments or processes between the years 1600 and 2001.
• Question 2 is required, includes 1 primary source, and focuses on historical developments or processes between the years 1600 and 2001.
• You can choose between Question 3 (which focuses on historical developments or processes from the period from 1450 to 1648 and/or the period from 1648 to 1815) and Question 4 (which focuses on historical developments or processes from the period from 1815 to 1914 and/or the period from 1914 to the  present) for the last question. No sources are included for either Question 3 or Question 4.

You’ll be asked to:

• Analyze the provided sources
• Analyze historical developments and processes described in the sources
• Put those historical developments and processes in the context
• Make connections between those historical developments and processes

In the free-response section, you’ll write answers to questions in your test booklet. There are two questions: one document-based question and one long essay.

Document-Based Question (DBQ)
Recommended time: 60 minutes | 25% of Score
The 60-minute recommended time for this section includes a 15-minute reading period.

• You’ll be presented with seven documents that give various perspectives on a historical development or process.
• You’ll be asked to develop and support an argument based on these documents and other evidence from your own knowledge.
• The topic of the document-based question will include historical developments or processes between the years 1600 and 2001.

Long Essay
1 question | 40 minutes | 15% of score

• You’ll have a choice of three questions; you’ll pick one to answer.
• Each test the same skills but the questions focus primarily on different historical time periods (1450–1700, 1648–1914, or 1815–2001).
• You’ll be asked to develop and support an argument based on evidence.