Introduction: Why SAQs Matter in APUSH
On the AP U.S. History (APUSH) exam, Short Answer Questions (SAQs) make up 20% of your total score. Unlike DBQs and LEQs, SAQs require fast, precise answers.
To score well, you need to:
- Understand the SAQ format.
- Master the ACE method (Answer, Cite, Explain).
- Use historical evidence effectively.
- Avoid common mistakes.
This guide will give you strategies, examples, and practice tips with help from RevisionDojo’s SAQ practice bank.
Step 1: Understanding the SAQ Format
- 3 SAQs total (you must answer all 3).
- 40 minutes total (~13 minutes per SAQ).
- Each SAQ has 3 parts (A, B, C) worth 1 point each.
- Questions may be based on:
- Text excerpts.
- Political cartoons.
- Graphs or maps.
- Pure historical prompts.
👉 RevisionDojo’s SAQ Format Guide breaks this down visually for quick review.
Step 2: The ACE Method for Writing
The best formula for SAQs is ACE:
- A = Answer the question directly.
- C = Cite specific evidence (event, date, person, law).
- E = Explain how your evidence answers the question.
Example:
Prompt: Identify one cause of the American Revolution.
Strong Response (ACE):
- Answer: One cause of the American Revolution was colonial resentment of British taxation.
- Cite: For example, the Stamp Act of 1765 directly taxed printed materials.
- Explain: This angered colonists because they had no representation in Parliament, which fueled demands for independence.
Weak Response: Colonists were angry about taxes.
👉 RevisionDojo’s SAQ Writing Drills train students to use ACE consistently.
Step 3: Common Types of SAQs
- Cause-and-Effect Questions
- Example: Identify one cause of the Civil War and one effect.
- Comparison Questions
- Example: Compare Jefferson’s and Hamilton’s views of government.
- Change-over-Time Questions
- Example: Explain one change in American foreign policy between 1890–1920.
- Interpretation of Sources
- Example: Identify one point made by the author of the document and explain its significance.
👉 Practice with RevisionDojo’s SAQ Question Bank, organized by type.
Step 4: Time Management Tips
- Spend 13 minutes max per SAQ.
- Use 3–4 sentences per part (A, B, C).
- Don’t waste time writing intros/conclusions.
- Write directly, clearly, and to the point.
Step 5: High-Scoring SAQ Examples
Example 1 (Cause & Effect):
Prompt: Identify one cause of the Great Depression.
Response:
One cause of the Great Depression was over-speculation in the stock market. (Answer)
For example, in 1929, investors bought stocks on margin, borrowing heavily. (Cite)
This caused the market to crash when prices dropped, leading to widespread bank failures. (Explain)
👉 Would score full credit.
Example 2 (Comparison):
Prompt: Compare the New Deal with the Great Society in addressing poverty.
Response:
The New Deal addressed poverty through job creation programs such as the Works Progress Administration. (Answer + Cite)
The Great Society, however, expanded welfare with Medicare and Medicaid to help the elderly and poor. (Answer + Cite)
Both programs aimed to reduce inequality, but the Great Society went further in creating long-term safety nets. (Explain)
👉 Shows clear comparison = full credit.
Step 6: Mistakes Students Make
- Too vague: Saying “colonists were angry” without specific acts/events.
- Only restating the document: Must explain significance.
- Forgetting the Explain step: Without analysis, you won’t earn the point.
- Overwriting: Long paragraphs waste time — keep it tight.
👉 RevisionDojo’s SAQ Rubric Tracker shows you where you lose points.
Step 7: Practice Plan for SAQs
- Summer: Do 1–2 SAQs per week.
- Fall: Write at least 1 SAQ for every unit test.
- Spring: Do timed SAQ practice weekly.
- April–May: Drill with past AP exam SAQs + RevisionDojo’s practice hub.
Step 8: RevisionDojo Resources
- SAQ Question Bank: Organized by unit and type.
- ACE Writing Drills: Step-by-step practice.
- SAQ Rubric Tracker: Self-score and see progress.
- Timed Practice Simulations: Train under real exam conditions.
👉 Check out RevisionDojo’s APUSH SAQ Hub here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How many sentences should each SAQ part be?
A: 3–4 sentences (Answer, Cite, Explain).
Q: Do I need a thesis for SAQs?
A: No — just direct answers.
Q: Can I use outside knowledge?
A: Yes — it strengthens your answer.
Q: Do I need to reference all documents in a source-based SAQ?
A: No, only the ones required.
Q: What’s the fastest way to improve my SAQs?
A: Practice ACE daily with RevisionDojo drills.
Final Thoughts
SAQs are one of the most straightforward parts of the APUSH exam — if you master the formula.
Remember:
- Always use ACE (Answer, Cite, Explain).
- Be specific — dates, acts, leaders matter.
- Keep responses short and clear.
- Practice weekly with RevisionDojo’s SAQ drills to build confidence.
With consistency, SAQs can go from intimidating to easy points that help push your score toward a 4 or 5.
