c&crubric

C&C Rubric

Taken from the College Board's World History Course Description Guide

Part C: Comparative Essay

This essay is comparative over a wide set of issues—for example: how societies handle technology, or social structure, or religion. This question focuses on developments in at least two societies and/or regions, relating to major themes such as culture, trade, migrations and/or interactions between or among societies.

The generic scoring guide for the comparative essay is on the next page, followed by a sample comparative essay question, the directions that appear in the AP Exam booklet, and a discussion of what a good response should include.

Generic Core-Scoring Guide for AP World History -Comparative Essay

BASIC CORE - Historical skills and knowledge required to show competence 0-7 Points

1. Has acceptable thesis. (Addresses comparison of the issues or themes specified.) 1

2. Addresses all parts of the question, though not necessarily evenly or thoroughly. 2

(Addresses most parts of question: for example, deals with differences but not similarities.) (1)

3. Substantiates thesis with appropriate historical evidence. 2

(Partially substantiates thesis with appropriate historical evidence.) (1)

4. Makes at least one relevant, direct comparisons between/among societies. 1

5. Analyzes at least one reason for a similarity or difference identified in a direct comparison. 1

EXPANDED CORE - Historical skills and knowledge required to show excellence 0-2 Points

Expands beyond basic core of 1–7 points. A student must earn 7 points in the basic core area before earning points in the expanded core area.

Examples:

•Has a clear, analytical, and comprehensive thesis.

• Addresses all parts of the question thoroughly (as relevant): comparisons, chronology, causation, connections, themes, interactions, content.

• Provides ample historical evidence to substantiate thesis.

• Relates comparisons to larger global context.

• Makes several direct comparisons consistently between or among societies.

• Consistently analyzes the causes and effects of relevant similarities and differences.

TOTAL 9

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