CHAPTER 2
IN THIS CHAPTER
Summary: The right preparation plan for you depends on your study habits and the amount of time you have before the test.
Key Idea
Choose the study plan that’s right for you.
Three Approaches to Preparing for the AP World History Exam
What kind of preparation program for the AP exam should you follow? Should you carefully follow every step, or are there perhaps some steps you can bypass? That depends not only on how much time you have, but also on what kind of student you are. No one knows your study habits, likes, and dislikes better than you. So you are the only one who can decide which approach you want and/or need to adapt. This chapter presents three possible study plans, labeled A, B, and C. Look at the brief profiles below. These may help you determine which of these three plans is right for you.
You’re a full-school-year prep student if:
1. You have a definite love of world history.
2. You are certain that history will be your major in college.
3. You are not a procrastinator; you like to get things done.
4. You like detailed planning and everything in its place.
5. You feel you must be thoroughly prepared.
6. You have been successful with this approach in the past.
If you fit this profile, consider Plan A .
To review for the World History AP test, I went over the major concepts and periods in my notes. I also found it helpful to read outside world history books and sources. Also, practice, practice, practice on multiple-choice world history questions, because they are one-half of the AP test. As far as the AP essay section, DBQ practice all year was great preparation. —AP student
You’re a one-semester prep student if:
1. You are pretty interested in world history.
2. You usually plan ahead but sometimes skip some of the little details.
3. You feel more comfortable when you know what to expect, but a surprise or two does not floor you.
4. You’re always on time for appointments.
5. You have been successful with this approach in the past.
If you fit this profile, consider Plan B .
You’re a four-to-six-week prep student if:
1. World history is somewhat interesting to you.
2. You work best under pressure and close deadlines.
3. You think the work you have done in your world history class has prepared you fairly well for the AP test.
4. You decided late in the year to take the exam.
5. You like surprises.
6. You have been successful with this approach in the past.
If you fit this profile, consider Plan C .
Look now at the following calendars for plans A, B, and C. Choose the plan that will best suit your particular learning style and timeline. For best results, choose a plan and stick with it.
Calendar for Each Plan
Plan A: You Have a Full School Year to Prepare
September–October
(Check off the activities as you complete them.)
— Determine into which student mode you would place yourself.
— Read Step 1 of this manual.
— Take a look at the Diagnostic Test in Step 2 to get an idea of the expectations of the AP exam.
— Become acquainted with the College Board AP website.
— Read and study the sections for Periods 1 and 2 in this manual.
— Begin to do outside reading on world history topics.
— Begin to use this book as a resource.
November
— Read the section of Chapter 4 on strategies for the continuity and change-over-time essay.
— Write a continuity and change-over-time essay as part of the Diagnostic Test.
— Read and study the world history review sections that correspond with the period(s) you are studying in class.
December
— Study the world history review sections in the manual for the areas you have already studied in class. Note the connections of trade, exchange, and migration among world societies.
— Read additional sources to supplement the material in your textbook. Consult the bibliography of this manual for suggested titles.
January
— Form a study group to prepare for the AP exam.
— Continue critical reading of material to supplement your textbook.
— Study the world history review sections for material you are currently covering in class.
February–March
— Read the section of Chapter 4 of this manual on the comparative essay.
— Write the comparative essay from the Diagnostic Test.
— Read the section of Chapter 4 of the manual on the document-based essay question.
— Write the DBQ (document-based essay question) from the Diagnostic Test.
— Continue reviewing content from the world history review chapters.
— Read the section of Chapter 4 on the multiple-choice section.
— Answer the multiple-choice questions in the Diagnostic Test.
April
— Take the practice test in the first week of April.
— Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses.
— Study appropriate chapters to correct weaknesses.
— Study the Period Summary for each period in this manual to review key comparisons and changes and continuities.
— Within your study group, construct your own comparative and continuity and change-over-time charts for each unit.
May —First Two Weeks (You’re almost there!)
— Make a list of materials that you are unsure of, and ask your teacher or study group to explain them.
— Review the practice test.
— Evaluate your performance.
— On the day before the test, put away your books, do something fun, and get a good night’s rest.
— Walk into the examination room with confidence; you’re ready!
Get more in-depth with your readings. If you can spark a stronger interest in the subject, it is much less difficult to retain the information.—AP student
Plan B: You Have One Semester to Prepare
January–February
— Carefully read Chapters 1 , 2 , and 4 of this manual.
— Take the Diagnostic Test.
— Read and study the world history review sections that pertain to material that you have covered in class.
— Read at least one source outside of class on a topic you are studying.
March
— Review the world history content sections that cover the material you have studied in class.
— Form a study group.
— In your study group, practice writing and answering comparative and continuity and change-over-time questions.
April
— Take the practice test in the first week of April.
— Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses.
— Study appropriate chapters to correct weaknesses.
— Review the Period Summary after each period in this manual to review key comparisons and changes and continuities.
— In your study group, create your own comparative and continuity and change-over-time charts.
May —First Two Weeks (You’re almost there!)
— Ask your teacher to clarify things in your textbook or in this manual of which you are unsure.
— Review the historical material for as much of the year as you can.
— Review the practice test.
— Score your answers and analyze what you did wrong.
— On the day before the test, put away the books, do something fun, and get a good night’s rest.
— Walk into the testing room with confidence; you’re ready!
Commitment and discipline in studying are the most important factors in preparing well for the test.—AP student
Plan C: You Have Four to Six Weeks to Prepare
April
— Read Chapters 1 , 2 , and 4 of this manual.
— Take the Diagnostic Test.
— Review your strengths and weaknesses.
— Read the world history review chapters in this manual.
— Score your exam and analyze your errors.
— Develop a weekly study group.
— Skim the glossary.
May —First Two Weeks (You’re almost there!)
— Complete the practice test.
— Score your exam and analyze your errors.
— Review the world history review section of this manual.
— Review Chapter 4 on strategies for each question type if necessary.
— On the day before the test, put away the books, do something fun, and get a good night’s rest.
— Take the AP exam with confidence; you’re ready!