Cracking the A.P.-U.S. History Exam A Quick Review of Tricks, Tips, and Strategies for Passing With Less Anxiety and More Confidence

Format of the Exam Filling in the forms—10 to 15 minutes Multiple-choice section— 55 questions in 55 minutes (40%) Short Answer – 4 Questions in 50 minutes (20%) Break— 15 minutes DBQ – 55 minutes (15 to plan, 45 to write) (25%) Long Essay – One question (chosen from a pair) 35 minutes (5 to plan, 30 to write) (15%) Time Management is Critical!!!

US History Themes Ideas, Beliefs, and Culture Belief Systems America in the World Environment and Geography Geography Politics and PowerPolitics Identity Peopling; migration Peopling Work, Exchange, Technology Economics

Job One— To Pass Relax and show what you know Score roughly 60% correct on the multiple-choice section Read carefully and make good choices in the free-response section

National Averages (2013) 5 47, % 4 95, % 3 95, % 2 119, % 1 85, % Number of Students 442,890 3 or Higher % LCC Average (2013) – 83%

Things You Should Bring to the Exam Two #2 pencils and a good eraser Two dark blue or black ink pens Wristwatch Photo ID

Things You May NOT Bring to the Exam Cell Phones Backpacks, bags, purses, etc. Books, dictionaries, notebooks; etc. Laptop computers Cameras Portable stereos or radios/iPod Food Clothes with subject related information

In the Weeks Before the Exam… Take practice tests Commit 30 to 45 minutes per night to review Surf the Internet for history sites

In the Final Week Before the Exam… Maintain your usual routine Do a general history review/Focus on “big picture” issues and trends Know the exam directions in advance

On Exam Day… Bring everything you need Dress comfortably—in layers (wool blend, cotton, etc.) Natural Fibers!!! Relax and have fun!

Beating Exam Anxiety Take a reality check If you are prepared, recognize that fact. If not, don’t stress. Maximize the benefits of what you do know. Relax Slow, deep breathing works. Move around when it is allowed. Eliminate surprises Know where and when. Know format and question types. Know directions and exam length.

Cracking the Multiple-Choice Section Page 86 of Exam Description

Exam Breakdown by Historical Period –1607 5% – – – – % – – –198045% –present 5%

No Military History War questions will deal with political or social implications

The Guessing Penalty & Process of Elimination No Guessing Penalty!

Summary Pace yourself. Don’t spend too much time on a single question. Keep it steady. Look for “big picture” answers. Use process of elimination on all but the easiest questions. Use common sense and context clues.

Short Answer Questions Page 98 of Exam Description Write in PEN!!! 12 minutes per prompt Each prompt has 3 parts (a,b,c) Identify each part as you write Write clearly and neatly Do not write outside of specified area

Short Answer Questions

Section II - Essays Write in PEN!!! Read the question. Again! (3X) Brainstorm Plan in an outline REMEMBER TO CIRCLE THE ESSAY NUMBER AT THE TOP OF EACH PAGE!!!!!

Section II - Essays

Things That Make ANY Essay Better Include a clear, identifiable thesis statement. (Make sure it addresses prompt) Unless the prompt asks for TWO points, make three good points. Keep sentences simple. Write clearly and neatly. Define terms. Tie each piece of evidence to your thesis Conclusion should connect to some other historical period

Cracking the DBQ READ THE QUESTION. Many do not. Address the question FULLY. Gather outside information BEFORE reading the documents. Read documents with attention to… source of documents inconsistencies within and among documents Know what you are going to say BEFORE you start writing. Use an outline. Don’t necessarily make “the obvious choice” when choosing your thesis. There is no “correct” answer!

Cracking the Standard Essays Choose the questions about which you know the most, not the ones that look easiest. Brainstorm, write your thesis, and then outline. Keep your thesis easily identifiable and roadmap your response (categories!) Follow your outline and include examples/proof. Write clearly and neatly. Tie your main points to your thesis. Stay positive!