AP World History Exam Tips

Don’t Panic!!!!!!!! Tests are graded on a curve – It isn’t how many questions you get correct; it’s how many questions you get correct compared to how many questions everybody else gets correct!

Before the Test SLEEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!! – Cramming the night before the test will not gain you as much as a good nights sleep will. – Thinking skills are as important as how many facts you remember. Eat a good Breakfast – Lawnmowers don’t run well on low fuel and neither do you. – Test is approximately 3 hours. If you walk in on low fuel you will be on empty half way through.

Be Prepared Have at least two Number 2 pencils. (No Mechanical Pencils Allowed) A separate high polymer eraser is a good idea as well. Have at least two pens for the writing portion. (Blue or Black ink ONLY) Leave your phone in your locker.

Multiple Choice 70 M/C questions in 55 minutes – About 47 Seconds per Question – Move steadily through the questions – If you can’t understand a question don’t linger. Try to make an educated guess. – No penalty for guessing – Answer every question

Think Through the Questions Read it carefully. Read all of the answer choices. Look for obviously wrong answers. (There is usually at least one.) Question answer choices with absolutes such as: – all, always, every, never, none, only, etc. Note answers with qualifiers such as: – but, generally, however, may, often, rarely, seldom, usually, etc.

Educated Guessing Eliminate two possible answers If guessing between two answers that look alike, choose the one with the more detailed answer. Guess and Go!!

Sample Question #1 Archaeological evidence indicates that Paleolithic hunter-gather societies used which of the following technologies? Revise the question What technology did early hunter-gatherers use?

Search for What You Know Sample Question #2 Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the Inca and Roman Empires? A.Both empires required all inhabitants to practice only the state religion. B.Both empires enslaved all conquered populations. C.Both empires relied on an extensive network of maritime trade. D.Both empires were able to integrate distant provinces through extensive roadways.

Essays

Know what you are being asked to do MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT THE PROMPT WANTS YOU TO ACCOMPLISH! – Don’t misunderstand the question or fail to answer the question being asked because you didn’t take the time to break it down. Answer the FULL question

Time Management is Key AP suggests the following essay timing: – DBQ – 50 minutes (10 Analysis and 40 Writing) – CCOT & Comparison – 40 minutes each I believe the following is more manageable: – DBQ – 60 (or 70) minutes – CCOT & Comparison – 35 (or 30) minutes each Start by looking at the three essays and create a timing plan for you. The more familiar you are with the CCOT and Comparison the more time you will need for the essays. FINISH the DBQ!!!!

Know the nuances of each question – DBQ Thesis in the Intro and restated in the Conclusion Don’t forget Time and Place Provide evidence when using documents. Don’t just mention them Create THREE groupings 3 point of view statements & 2 additional document statements – CCOT Make sure you address both Change AND Continuity – Compare and Contrast Show both Comparison AND Contrast of the two things they are asking for.

What if I don’t know the answer? What if I don’t know the answer to the CCOT essay and/or Comparison essay? – Write what you know. Sometimes you know more than you think. – You lose nothing by trying the essays. Asset model grading means you can only EARN points for what you do correct. No points will be taken away. – You are guaranteed to gain nothing by leaving them blank. – No matter what happens write an essay!!!!!!!!