Practice a College Board-style Short Answer Question on Cold War and Contemporary Europe. Write your response, then reveal the model answer to see exactly what earns each point.
Short Answer Question · Unit 9 · Cold War & Contemporary Europe
"From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended across the Continent. Behind that line lie all the capitals of the ancient states of Central and Eastern Europe... all are subject, in one form or another, not only to Soviet influence but to a very high and, in many cases, increasing measure of control from Moscow."
Winston Churchill, "The Sinews of Peace" (Iron Curtain Speech), Fulton, Missouri, March 5, 1946
A
Using the excerpt, identify ONE specific claim Churchill makes about the division of postwar Europe.
✓ Model answer (earns the point)
Churchill claims that an "iron curtain" has descended across Europe, with the capitals of Central and Eastern Europe now falling under increasing Soviet control from Moscow rather than remaining independent.
Why it scores: Identifies a specific claim from the text (the iron curtain dividing Europe and Soviet control over Eastern Europe) rather than a vague statement like "Europe was divided."
B
Explain ONE specific historical development that supports the claims made in the excerpt.
✓ Model answer (earns the point)
The establishment of Soviet satellite states throughout Eastern Europe after Yalta and Potsdam, and the imposition of communist governments loyal to Moscow in countries like Poland and Hungary, directly support Churchill's claim that the region had fallen under Soviet domination.
Why it scores: Names a specific historical development (satellite states, Yalta/Potsdam outcomes) and explains specifically how it supports the excerpt's claim about Soviet control, rather than vaguely stating "the USSR took over."
C
Explain ONE way that a development NOT explicitly mentioned in the excerpt also reflects the broader Cold War tensions described in this unit.
✓ Model answer (earns the point)
The Berlin Blockade and Airlift (1948–1949) reflects the same underlying East-West tension Churchill described — when the Soviets blockaded West Berlin, the United States and Britain responded with a massive airlift rather than military confrontation, demonstrating how the "iron curtain" divide had hardened into direct standoffs between the two blocs.
Why it scores: Names a specific development not in the excerpt (the Berlin Blockade, the founding of NATO/Warsaw Pact, or the Marshall Plan) and explains specifically how it connects to the broader division between Soviet and Western spheres of influence, rather than just asserting "tensions got worse."
How to score points on AP European History SAQs
Answer exactly what's asked. "Identify" needs a name or fact only. "Explain" needs a claim PLUS supporting reasoning — don't skip the "why" or "how."
Use the stimulus, but don't just summarize it. Strong SAQ responses connect the source to outside historical knowledge, not just restate what the excerpt says.
Be specific, not general. Name specific developments and figures (the Berlin Blockade, NATO, the Marshall Plan, satellite states) rather than vague references to "the Cold War happening."
Keep each part short and focused. 2–3 sentences per part is usually enough — SAQs reward precision over length.
Connect cause to effect. Don't just describe a development; explain why it mattered or how it connects to the question's claim.