If you’re planning to take the AP World History exam, you might be wondering how scoring works. The AP World History exam is a challenging test that assesses your knowledge of world history from prehistory to the present day. In this article, we’ll explain how the exam is scored and what you need to know to get a high score.
The Scoring System
The AP World History exam is scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest score possible. The College Board, which administers the AP program, sets the standards for each score level. Here’s what each score means:
- A score of 5 indicates that you are extremely well-qualified and have demonstrated mastery of the material.
- A score of 4 indicates that you are well-qualified and have a good understanding of the material.
- A score of 3 indicates that you are qualified and have an adequate understanding of the material.
- A score of 2 indicates that you are possibly qualified but may not understand some key concepts or themes in world history.
- A score of 1 indicates that you are not qualified and do not understand the material.
The Exam Sections
The AP World History exam consists of two main sections: multiple-choice questions and free-response questions.
The multiple-choice section includes 55 questions and lasts for one hour and 15 minutes. This section tests your knowledge of world history from prehistory to the present day. You will be asked to analyze primary sources, interpret maps and graphs, and answer questions about historical events and processes.
The free-response section includes three essay questions and lasts for two hours and 15 minutes. This section tests your ability to analyze historical evidence, develop an argument, and write clearly and persuasively. You will be asked to write one document-based question (DBQ) essay and two long essay questions.
The Scoring Breakdown
The multiple-choice section is worth 40% of your total score, while the free-response section is worth 60%. Here’s how the scoring works for each section:
Multiple-Choice Section
Each correct answer on the multiple-choice section is worth one point. There is no penalty for incorrect or unanswered questions, so it’s always best to guess if you’re not sure about an answer.
Free-Response Section
Each essay question on the free-response section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6. The total score for each essay question is then converted to a scaled score between 0 and 5. The DBQ essay is worth 25% of your total free-response score, while each long essay question is worth 37.5%.
Tips for Getting a High Score
To get a high score on the AP World History exam, it’s important to prepare thoroughly and practice effectively. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Study consistently throughout the year.
- Take practice tests to get familiar with the format and content of the exam.
- Focus on key themes and concepts in world history.
- Develop your analytical skills by analyzing primary sources and historical events.
- Practice writing clear, concise essays that make a strong argument with supporting evidence.
By following these tips and understanding how scoring works on the AP World History exam, you’ll be well-prepared to earn a high score and demonstrate your mastery of world history.