Taking an AP exam can be quite daunting, and the AP World History Exam is no exception. The exam covers a vast amount of information from prehistoric times to the present day, and it can be challenging to know where to start when preparing for it.
However, one question that many students ask is – What is the hardest part of the AP World History Exam? Let’s dive in and find out.
Multiple-Choice Questions
One of the most challenging parts of the exam is the multiple-choice section. This section consists of 55 questions that must be answered within 55 minutes. The questions are designed to test your knowledge of world history and your ability to analyze primary and secondary sources.
One difficulty with this section is that there are often several answer choices that could be correct, but only one option is the best answer. To succeed in this section, you need to have a deep understanding of historical events and their significance.
Tips:
- Read each question carefully, paying close attention to details.
- Eliminate answer choices that are clearly incorrect.
- Use context clues from primary and secondary sources to help eliminate incorrect answers.
- Make educated guesses when you’re not sure about an answer.
Free-Response Questions
The free-response section consists of three essay prompts that you must complete in two hours and 10 minutes. These prompts require you to analyze historical documents or events and develop a well-supported argument.
The challenge with this section is time management. Two hours may seem like a lot of time, but it goes by quickly when you’re writing essays. You also need to have strong writing skills to convey your thoughts in a clear and concise manner.
- Read each prompt carefully and make sure you understand what is being asked.
- Take a few minutes to plan your essay before you start writing.
- Use evidence from the provided documents or your knowledge of world history to support your argument.
- Write in a clear and concise manner, avoiding unnecessary fluff.
Short-Answer Questions
The short-answer section consists of four questions that you must answer within 50 minutes. These questions ask you to analyze historical events and developments in greater detail than the multiple-choice section.
The challenge with this section is that you need to provide specific details and examples to receive full credit. You also need to manage your time effectively, as each question should take no longer than 12.5 minutes.
- Read each question carefully and make sure you understand what is being asked.
- Provide specific details and examples to support your answer.
- Manage your time effectively by spending no more than 12.5 minutes on each question.
- If you’re not sure about an answer, make an educated guess rather than leaving it blank.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, the hardest part of the AP World History Exam varies from person to person. However, many students find the multiple-choice section challenging due to the number of questions and the analytical nature of the prompts. The free-response and short-answer sections can also be challenging due to time management and the need for strong writing skills.
To prepare for this exam, it’s essential to have a deep understanding of world history and its significance. Practice analyzing primary and secondary sources, developing well-supported arguments, and writing in a clear and concise manner. With practice, dedication, and these tips in mind, you can conquer the AP World History Exam and earn a high score.