Guide to the AP World History Exam

Overview

• Covers historical developments from approximately 1200 to the present.
• High scores may earn college credit.
• Important to understand the exam structure, question types, scoring, and preparation strategies.

Exam Structure

• Duration: 3 hours and 15 minutes.
• Sections:
  • Section 1, Part A: 55 multiple-choice questions (55 minutes, 40% of score)
  • Section 1, Part B: 3 short answer questions (40 minutes, 20% of score)
  • Section 2, Free Response:
    • 1 document-based question (60 minutes, 25% of score)
    • 1 long essay (40 minutes, 15% of score)

Question Types

Multiple-Choice

• Questions are grouped into sets of 3-4.
• Based on primary/secondary sources including documents, images, graphs, and maps.
• Tests ability to analyze sources and recall world history knowledge.

Short Answer

• Requires analysis of a secondary and a primary source.
• Covers historical developments between 1200 and 2001.
• Students choose between two options for the last question, focusing on different time periods.
• Tasks:
  • Analyze sources
  • Contextualize historical developments
  • Make connections

Document-Based Question (DBQ)

• Involves a prompt and seven historical documents.
• Focuses on a historical issue between 1450 and 2001.
• Requires developing an argument with evidence from documents and personal knowledge.

Long Essay Question

• Students choose one out of three questions.
• Questions cover different historical periods: 1200-1750, 1450-1900, 1750-2001.
• Requires developing and supporting an argument based on historical evidence.

Topics Covered

• Familiarity with world history events from nine units across four major time periods:
  1. Global Tapestry (1200-1450)
  2. Networks of Exchange (1200-1450)
  3. Land-Based Empires (1450-1750)
  4. Transoceanic Interconnections (1450-1750)
  5. Revolutions (1750-1900)
  6. Consequences of Industrialization (1750-1900)
  7. Global Conflict (1900-present)
  8. Cold War and Decolonization (1900-present)
  9. Globalization (1900-present)

Scoring

• Scores range from 1 to 5:
  • 5: Extremely qualified (13.2% of test takers)
  • 4: Well qualified (21.9%)
  • 3: Qualified (27.0%)
  • 2: Possibly qualified (23.7%)
  • 1: No recommendation (14.3%)

Preparation

• AP classes provide a foundation but additional resources may be necessary for thorough preparation.
• Recommended resources: AP World History prep books and courses.
• Consider various prep options that fit your learning style.

Additional Resources

• Princeton Review offers a comprehensive AP World History prep book.
• Online courses and cram sessions are available for focused study.

For a more detailed review, consult the Princeton Review's resources or consider engaging with their study materials and courses.