S.A.Q.

Mr. Wenz's Advice on Tackling the S.A.Q.

"Task the Verbs":
Different task verbs can clue you into how much detail or explanation is needed for a particular part of an SAQ. A simpler task can use a shorter answer, saving you time and energy for the more complex questions.

Some of the terms typically used on AP-style questions include:
Identify: provide information about a topic, without elaboration or explanation - typically this means you just need to give a basic answer with a specific example. You may be able to answer this question in only one sentence.
Describe: provide relevant characteristics about a topic - typically this means you just need to give a basic answer with the specific detail or examples needed. This answer may be slightly longer than an “identify” prompt but still doesn’t require as much explanation.
Explain: explain comes in two flavors, “why” and “how.” Explain “how” means to analyze the historical development itself, using specific historical evidence. Explain “why” means to analyze the motivations or reasons for the historical development, using specific historical evidence.

In short, in both cases, “explain” questions require the most writing. You will not only need an answer and an example, but you may need to develop the initial claim of your answer somewhat to fully address the question.