🌍AP World History: Modern Review
How do I prepare for AP World History over the summer?
How do I prepare for AP World History over the summer?
1. Practice writing ✏️
AP World History: Modern covers global history from c. 1200 to the present. Over the summer, it helps to get comfortable with the course's big-picture themes and periods rather than trying to memorize every event in advance.
Writing is a major part of AP World History: Modern. On the current exam, students complete one multiple-choice section, three short-answer questions, one DBQ, and one LEQ—so all of the free-response portions require historical writing under time pressure. It is best to begin strengthening your writing and learning to write in a limited amount of time. Writing is a skill that needs to be practiced! You will not be as stressed during the year and on the final exam if you can improve your writing. In order to ace this section check out this 🎥 video on how to master the DBQ for world history!
Before the school year starts, make sure you know the exam format. AP World History: Modern is 3 hours and 15 minutes long and includes 55 multiple-choice questions, 3 short-answer questions, 1 document-based question (DBQ), and 1 long essay question (LEQ). The SAQs test concise historical reasoning, the DBQ asks you to analyze documents and outside evidence, and the LEQ asks you to build an argument using specific historical evidence.
One of the most important things to know about writing is that teachers have taboo words such as 'a lot' and 'many.' They value more detailed explanations and terminology. You need to make sure you can write using evidence without making a list. To do this, analysis is key.
If you want to succeed, you have to write, write, write.
2. Look over the writing rubrics 📝
The rubrics are some of the most important tools for the writing portions of this class because they show exactly how SAQs, DBQs, and LEQs are scored. Pair rubric practice with strong content review and historical thinking skills.
You should aim to memorize the rubrics if you can! Check The College Board for each of the history rubrics (DBQ, LEQ, SAQ).
3. Identify your best learning strategy 🧠
Teachers tend to go by-the-book because that might be the method that they think is best. Yet, how can someone tell you to take notes on a chapter if that is not how you learn best?
Identify whether you learn best by reading, watching videos, taking notes, or making posters and drawings. All of these methods can work if you do them the right way. If you are unsure about your learning style, you can even try all of them to figure out your individual fit.
I personally remember that when studying for the exam I would fall asleep while reading review packets. Once I switched to videos and sped them up, I was able to pay more attention and stay focused. There is no reason to try and learn with a specific method if it doesn't work for you!
4. Be prepared for a lot of work 📚
Stress in an AP class is inevitable unless you have reached enlightenment like the Buddha.
If you are a student taking an AP history course while overloading yourself with responsibilities and after school activities, then buckle up for a long ride. There is a lot to learn, and assignments and tests pop up every day in this class.
Remember that it is all to prepare you for the test and all in your best interest, but make sure that you understand what you are committing to.
I would work in the car on the way home from sports practice or take my notes when not needed on stage. There is always a loophole or trick you can find to make some extra time, but try not to stress and sacrifice your sleep. Otherwise, you will have bigger problems than not finishing your homework.
You can still learn and be busy, but make sure to give this class the time it needs! If you need some extra help, don't worry, Fiveable has you covered. Check out this list of all the best study guides for each unit in AP World!
5. Remember that it’s not about the memorization of dates 📅
At first, I thought I would need to be memorizing dates for every piece of history. However, this class is not about memorizing. It is about understanding!
Understanding history and how everything is connected will lead you to success in AP World History. Some memorization will be useful for little details that can make your writing go from good to great, but other than that, don’t stress about memorizing. It is best to prepare yourself for this ahead of time because you may need to practice the skill of understanding big-picture ideas across the course's nine units.
Using these preparatory skills will allow you to be comfortable before starting this class, and your teachers will definitely be there to help you along the way.
Good luck preparing! 💛