If you’re taking AP World History, congratulations! You’re taking on a challenging course that will push you to learn about the history of the entire world.
But with such a broad subject, it can be overwhelming to know where to start studying. Here are some tips and strategies for how to study for AP World History and succeed on the exam.
1. Know the Format of the Exam
Before you start studying, it’s important to understand what you’re preparing for. The AP World History exam is divided into two sections: multiple choice/short answer and free response/essay questions. The multiple choice section consists of 55 questions that must be answered in 55 minutes, while the free response section has three essay prompts that must be answered in 2 hours and 10 minutes.
2. Create a Study Schedule
With so much material to cover, it’s important to create a study schedule that works for you. Break down the topics into manageable chunks and schedule specific times each week to review them. And don’t forget to give yourself breaks – studying for long periods without breaks can lead to burnout.
3. Utilize Different Study Materials
There are a lot of different resources available for studying AP World History – textbooks, review books, online resources, etc. It’s important to find what works best for you and use a variety of materials, so you don’t get bored or overwhelmed with one source.
- Textbooks: Your textbook will likely be your main source of information throughout the course, but they can be dense and overwhelming at times.
- Review Books: Review books like Barron’s or Princeton Review can provide concise summaries of key information.
- Online Resources: Websites like Khan Academy or Crash Course offer video lectures and interactive practice quizzes to help reinforce concepts.
4. Take Notes
Taking notes is an effective way to help you remember important information. Try to write down key terms and concepts, as well as any connections between different events or time periods. And don’t forget to review your notes regularly!
5. Practice Active Reading
Reading actively means engaging with the material rather than just passively absorbing it. This can mean underlining key terms, asking questions, or summarizing important concepts in your own words.
6. Use Flashcards
Flashcards are a great tool for memorizing key information like dates, events, and important figures. You can make physical flashcards or use online resources like Quizlet to create digital ones.
7. Review Frequently
It’s important to review frequently throughout the course rather than cramming everything in at the end. Regularly reviewing will help you retain information and make studying for the exam less overwhelming.
Conclusion
Studying for AP World History can be a daunting task, but with the right strategies and resources, you can succeed on the exam. Remember to create a study schedule that works for you, use a variety of study materials, take notes, practice active reading, use flashcards, and review frequently throughout the course. Good luck!