AP World History: Modern · Exam guide
AP World History Thesis and Contextualization: Two Points You Can Plan Before You Write
A thesis and contextualization are two of the points on both written essays. One prompt runs through this guide: Evaluate the extent to which the Mongol Empire changed trade and cultural exchange in Eurasia, c. 1200 to c. 1450.
The thesis point
The thesis must make a historically defensible claim that responds to the prompt and sets up a line of reasoning. It cannot restate the prompt or only list topics. It can sit in the introduction or the conclusion.
It repeats the prompt and takes no position on the extent.
It makes a claim about the extent (secured, not created), gives reasons, and includes a limit.
Tests for a thesis
- Could a reasonable historian argue a different answer?
- Does it answer the verb in the prompt (evaluate the extent, compare, explain continuity and change)?
- Does it contain a reason that the body paragraphs can follow?
The contextualization point
Contextualization describes the broader historical situation: developments before, during, or after the prompt's period, in more than a phrase. In World History, a good context often steps back to a wider region or longer period.
It describes the topic itself, not the situation around it.
It describes the setting before the period, names a problem, and ties it to the thesis.
Where each point lives
| Point | Where it goes | How long |
|---|---|---|
| Contextualization | The introduction, before the thesis | Three or four sentences |
| Thesis | The end of the introduction (or the conclusion) | One to three sentences |
Common mistakes
- A thesis that lists three topics with no claim.
- Context that retells the topic of the prompt instead of setting the stage.
- Context from the wrong region or period.
- A conclusion that states a different thesis from the introduction.
Frequently asked questions
Can the thesis be in the conclusion?
Yes. The rubric accepts it in the introduction or the conclusion.
How long should contextualization be?
More than a phrase. Three or four connected sentences usually does it.
How do I choose a context in World History?
Step back from the prompt: look at the earlier situation in the region, or the larger network that the topic belongs to.
Is a thesis the same on the DBQ and the LEQ?
The rubric row is the same. The DBQ thesis should also be supported by the documents.
Where can I find the official scoring rules?
Exam formats change a little from year to year, so check the current course and exam description on the College Board site before test day.
Keep practicing
The AP World History course has practice prompts for the DBQ, LEQ and short-answer questions, with a writing space that scores your response against the 7-point and 6-point rubrics. These free lessons also build the skills the free-response section tests:
See the AP World History: Modern course Free lessons and lesson list
More AP World History: Modern guides (7)
Start here
- AP World History DBQ Rubric Explained: How the 7 Points Are Scored
- AP World History LEQ Rubric Explained: How the 6 Points Are Scored
- AP World History SAQ Explained: How the Short-Answer Questions Are Scored
Free-response and writing
- AP World History Sourcing and Complexity: How to Earn the Last Analysis Points
- AP World History Mini-DBQ: Ideas of Rights and Equality, 1750 to 1900
- AP World History Evidence Bank: Specific Examples by Unit for the LEQ and DBQ
Multiple choice
AP is a registered trademark of the College Board, which is not affiliated with and does not endorse this site. This guide is our own explanation of the question types and scoring. For the official scoring guidelines, see the College Board.