Cracking theA.P.-U.S. History Exam

A Quick Review ofTricks, Tips, and Strategies

for Passing With Less Anxiety

and More Confidence

Format of the Exam

Filling in the forms—10 to 15 minutesMultiple-choice section—

55 questions in 55 minutes (40%) Short Answer –

4 Questions in 50 minutes (20%)Break—15 minutesDBQ –

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 America in the World

Environment and Geography Geography

Politics and Power PoliticsIdentity IdentityPeopling; migration Peopling

Work, Exchange, Technology Economics

Job One—To Pass

Relax and show what you knowScore roughly 60% correct on the multiple-choice sectionRead carefully and make good choices in the free-response section

National Averages (2013)

5 47,098 10.6 %4 95,413 21.5 %3 95,660 21.6 %2 119,665 27.0 %1 85,054 19.2 %Number of Students 442,890 3 or Higher - 53.8 %

LCC Average (2013) – 83%

Things You Should Bring to the Exam

Two #2 pencils and a good eraserTwo dark blue or black ink pensWristwatch Photo ID

Things You May NOT Bring to the Exam

Cell PhonesBackpacks, bags, purses, etc.Books, dictionaries, notebooks; etc.Laptop computersCamerasPortable stereos or radios/iPodFoodClothes with subject related information

In the Weeks Before the Exam…

Take practice testsCommit 30 to 45 minutes per night to reviewSurf the Internet for history sites

In the Final Week Before the Exam…

Maintain your usual routineDo a general history review/Focus on “big picture” issues and trendsKnow the exam directions in advance

On Exam Day…

Bring everything you needDress comfortably—in layers (wool blend, cotton, etc.) Natural Fibers!!!Relax and have fun!

Beating Exam Anxiety

Take a reality checkIf you are prepared, recognize that fact.If not, don’t stress. Maximize the benefits of what you do know.

RelaxSlow, deep breathing works.Move around when it is allowed.

Eliminate surprisesKnow where and when.Know format and question types.Know directions and exam length.

Cracking theMultiple-Choice Section

Page 86 of Exam Description

Exam Breakdown by Historical Period

1 1491–1607 5% 2 1607–1754 3 1754–1800 4 1800–18485 1844–1877 45%6 1865–1898 7 1890–19458 1945–1980 45%9 1980–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 DescriptionWrite in PEN!!!12 minutes per promptEach prompt has 3 parts (a,b,c)Identify each part as you writeWrite clearly and neatlyDo not write outside of specified area

Short Answer Questions

Section II - Essays

Write in PEN!!!Read the question. Again! (3X)BrainstormPlan in an outlineREMEMBER TO CIRCLE THE ESSAY NUMBER AT THE TOP OF EACH PAGE!!!!!

Section II - Essays

Things That MakeANY 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 thesisConclusion 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 documentsinconsistencies 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!