Lecture Notes: Interpreting Historical Documents for AP Exams

Importance of Interpreting Documents

• AP exams (APUSH, AP World, AP Euro) require quick interpretation of historical documents.
• Knowing how to interpret documents efficiently is crucial for exam success.
• The aim is to think like a historian with a purpose tied to a specific question.

Steps to Interpreting Documents

Step 1: Read the Prompt or Question

• Always start by reading the prompt or question associated with a document.
• This helps you understand the purpose of reading the document – to answer a specific question.
• Take note of the main idea and historical thinking skill required.

Step 2: Read the Document

• Sub-step 1: Read the Source or Attribution

  • This is often skipped but offers crucial context.
  • Information like who wrote it, type of document, context, and date help in understanding.
  • Example: A cartoon from a satirical magazine indicates exaggerated realities.

• Sub-step 2: Read the Document/Image Quickly

  • Focus on identifying the main idea related to your question/prompt.

Step 3: Summarize the Document

• Write a short summary (1-2 sentences) for SAQs and DBQs.
• Summarizing helps in using the document as evidence in your answer, not just quoting it.

What to Do If You Can't Understand the Document

• Focus on the question or prompt using attribution information if the document is confusing.
• Example given: A document about Portuguese trade transformation in the Indian Ocean.
  • Use the attribution information to infer that luxury goods were made in India for export to Portugal, answering the prompt without fully understanding the image.

Conclusion

• Interpreting documents effectively requires practice and strategic reading.

• Utilize provided resources for exam preparation.

• Note: Further resources and review packs are available for exam preparation.