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AP Test Taking Tips. AP World History. Overall Reminders. Do NOT study just the night before – you WILL NOT pass! Bring several pencils and pens with you to take the test (blue or black ink only). Bring ID with you and leave your cell phone at home (if possible).
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AP Test Taking Tips AP World History
Overall Reminders • Do NOT study just the night before – you WILL NOT pass! • Bring several pencils and pens with you to take the test (blue or black ink only). • Bring ID with you and leave your cell phone at home (if possible). • Wear comfortable clothing and eat a light breakfast the morning of the test.
Multiple Choice • As of the May 2011 exam – no more are you given a “guessing penalty.” • If you are running out of time, make sure to guess on the questions. • Remember, NOT a good overall strategy, however. • Roughly, 45 seconds per question. • Two strategies: Guess and Go, or Don’t. • Try to eliminate 1-2 choices for each question right away.
Multiple Choice continued • 1. Read the Question and try to put it into your own words. • 2. Answer in Your Own Words then look for the choices. • 3. Process of Elimination – again get rid of the ones you know for sure are wrong. • 4. Guess and Go
Essay Questions • 3 Types • Document-Based question • Change over Time • Comparative
DBQ Thesis • Open with something like, “After reviewing these documents, it is clear that…” • Rephrase the question as an answer; include all key phrases. • Address each part of the question with a statement and a document reference or an example. • Make the transition to the body of the essay by citing the additional document: “To better understand how these documents relate to each other, a document about “x” would be useful…”
DBQ • Analyze the documents • What was the context in which the document was authored? What else is going on around the author at the time this was written? • How does the perspective affect what he or she wrote and why? • How does the content and tone of the document relate to that of other documents? What does one document say that another doesn’t? • When was it written? Who was the intended audience?
DBQ • Group the documents in at least two different ways – but three is preferable. • Identify and explain at least one, but preferably two or more, additional types of documents or points of view that are not represented that add to your argument.
Change-Over-Time Thesis • Rephrase the question as an answer; include all key phases. • Address each part of the question with a statement and evidence. • Make the transition to the body of the essay with a sentence like, “To better understand these changes…”
Change-Over-Time • Write a thesis that points out the change over time. • Support your thesis with historical evidence. • Answer all parts of the question. • Show the change over time using relevant history. • Contrast how things turned out with how things were originally, and weigh what changed against what remained the same. • Analyze the process of change and/or continuity over time. • Explain how and why it happens.
Comparative Thesis • Restate the question as an answer; include all key phrases. • Address each part of the question with a statement and evidence. • Include both similarities and differences. • Make the transition to the body of the essay with a sentence like, “To better understand the similarities and differences between these two societies…”
Comparative • Write a thesis that makes your major points of comparison. • Support your thesis with historical evidence. • Answer all parts of the question. • Make at least two direct, relevant comparisons given societies. • Include both similarities and differences. You lose core points if you don’t!
Comparative • Analyze relevant reasons for those similarities and/or differences. • Explain why these societies are similar or different.
Essay Overall • Should be a minimum of 4-6 paragraphs. • Use transitional words and trigger words to highlight important points. • Contrast or Change • but, however, although, though in contrast, alternatively • Similarity or Continuity • since, moreover, similarity, as well as, still, likewise, therefore
Essay Overall continued • Write NEATLY • If it cannot be read = NOT A GOOD SCORE! • If you don’t know how to spell a word, choose another. • Not supposed to grade spelling… but can affect your essay negatively. • Watch your time. • Think before you write.