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

2. Time Management is Critical!!!
Format of the Exam
Filling in the forms—10 to 15 minutes
Section 1 (1 hour 45 min.)
Multiple-choice section—
55 questions in 55 minutes (40%)
Short Answer –
4 Questions in 50 minutes (20%)
Break—15 minutes
Section 2 (1 hour 30 min.)
DBQ –
55 minutes (10 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!!!

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

4. 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

5. National Averages (2013) 5 47,098 10.6 % 4 95,413 21.5 %
5 47, %
4 95, %
3 95, %
2 119, %
1 85, %
Number of Students 442,890
3 or Higher %
LCC Average (2013) – 83%

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

7. 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

8. 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

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

10. Beating Exam Anxiety Take a reality check Relax Eliminate surprises
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.

11. Cracking the Multiple-Choice Section
Write in PENCIL
Page 86 of Exam Description

12. Exam Breakdown by Historical Period
– %
–1754
–1800
–1848
– %
–1898
–1945
– %
–present 5%

13. 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.

14. Short Answer Questions
Write in PEN!!!
Put in your own words
Provide specific examples
Get right to the point
Complete Sentences REQUIRED!
Stay in the time period specified
Watch for categories of analysis
The debate over how to organize…
“To label or not to label…”

15. A.C.E The Question! ANSWER the question in each part
CITE specific evidence to support each answer
EXPLAIN the evidence and how it relates.

17. Short Answer Questions

18. 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!!!!!

19. Section II - Essays

20. 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

21. 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
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!

24. Cracking the Long Essay
Choose the question 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! 

25. Different Types of LEQ Questions:
Causation: Historical thinking involves the ability to identify, analyze, and evaluate multiple cause-and-effect relationships in a historical context, distinguishing between the long-term and proximate. Example: Evaluate how the French and Indian War impacted the relationship between Great Britain and the British colonies from Change and Continuity Over Time: Historical thinking involves the ability to recognize, analyze, and evaluate the dynamics of historical continuity and change over periods of time of varying lengths, as well as relating these patterns to larger historical processes or themes. Example: Evaluate the extent to which the Seven Years’ War (French and Indian War, 1754–1763) marked a turning point in American relations with Great Britain, analyzing what changed and what stayed the same from the period before the war to the period after it. Periodization: Historical thinking involves the ability to describe, analyze, evaluate, and construct models of historical periodization that historians use to categorize events into discrete blocks and to identify turning points, recognizing that the choice of specific dates favors one narrative, region or group over another narrative, region or group; therefore, changing the periodization can change a historical narrative. Moreover, the particular circumstances and contexts in which individual historians work and write shape their interpretations and modeling of past events. Example: Evaluate the extent to which the Mexican-American War (1846–1848) marked a turning point in the debate over slavery in the United States. Compare and Contrast: Historical thinking involves the ability to describe, compare, and evaluate multiple historical developments within one society, one or more developments across or between different societies, and in various chronological orders. Example: Compare and Contrast the colonies in the Chesapeake with the New England colonies. Be sure to address two of the three areas in your essay: economic, political, and social.