Helpful Hints for the AP World
History Test
Mr. Millhouse
AP World History
Hebron High School
Multiple-Choice Tips
Tip 1: Know the Rules
 70 M/C questions in 55 minutes
 You may not have time to answer all of the questions
 No penalty for guessing
 Tests are graded on a curve
 It isn’t how many questions you get correct; it’s how many
questions you get correct compared to how many questions
everybody else gets correct!
 Based upon previous years performance, your goal should be 50
questions correct
Tip 2: Attack the Test
 Answer the easy questions first. Skip text-based stimulus
questions.
 Easy questions you know the answer to with very little thought
needed.
 There are often easier questions at the end of the test.
 Answer harder questions next including stimulus-based
questions.
 Don’t spend more than 1 minute on a question!
 Guess on questions where you have no clue. Don’t waste your
time on these questions. Spend your time where it’s needed.
AVOID This At ALL Costs
Tip 3: Use Good M/C Strategies
 Tips for M/C Questions
 Eliminate options you know are incorrect.
 Question answer choices unfamiliar to you.
 Question answer choices with absolutes such as:
 all, always, every, never, none, only, etc.
 Note answers with qualifiers such as:
 but, generally, however, may, often, rarely, seldom, usually, etc.
 If guessing between two answers that look alike, choose the
one with the more detailed answer.
Tip 4: Simplify M/C Questions
Without changing the meaning of the
question!
 Sample Question #1
Archaeological evidence indicates that Paleolithic
hunter-gather societies used which of the following
technologies?
 Revise the question
What technology did early hunter-gatherers use?
Tip 5: Search for What You Know
 Sample Question #2
Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the Inca
and Roman Empires?
A. Both empires required all inhabitants to practice only the
state religion.
B. Both empires enslaved all conquered populations.
C. Both empires relied on an extensive network of maritime
trade.
D. Both empires were able to integrate distant provinces
through extensive roadways.
Essay Tips
THE ONLY RULE
 MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT THE PROMPT
WANTS YOU TO ACCOMPLISH!
 Every year students misunderstand the question or fail to
answer the question being asked.
 ATTACK THE QUESTION!!!
Tip 1: Have a Timing Plan
 AP suggests the following essay timing:
 DBQ – 50 minutes
 CCOT & Comparison – 40 minutes each
 I believe the following is more manageable:
 DBQ – 60 (or 70) minutes
 CCOT & Comparison – 35 (or 30) minutes each
 Start by looking at the three essays and create a timing plan for
you. The more familiar you are with the CCOT and Comparison
the more time you will need for the essays.
 FINISH the DBQ!!!!
Tip 2: Know the Rules
 Know the nuances of each question
 DBQ
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Use ALL of the documents
“Add value” to earn evidence when using documents
Create THREE groups
Try 3 point of view statements & 2 additional document statements
 CCOT
 Quantify the change in your thesis statement & body paragraphs
 Global Context
 Comparison
 Quantify the difference in your thesis statement & body paragraphs
Tip 3: What if I don’t know the
answer?
 What if I don’t know the answer to the CCOT essay and/or
Comparison essay?
 Write what you know. Sometimes you know more than you think.
There is no harm in trying the essays.
 Asset model grading means you EARN points for what you do correct.
 Remember the “rules” of history
 Example: Population will increase when a healthy food product is
introduced to a region capable of growing the product
 Make sure your DBQ is PERFECT!
Tip 4: What if I finish early?
 PERFECT the DBQ!
 Here’s how you can attempt to PERFECT your DBQ
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Start your conclusion with “In conclusion…”
Put a * before your conclusion paragraph.
Put a * after your conclusion paragraph. Write a POV paragraph with
several attempts at POV.
Put a ** before your conclusion paragraph.
Put a ** after your conclusion paragraph. Write an additional
document paragraph with several attempts at additional document.
General Advice to Improve
Test Performance
Tip 1: Don’t Study
 Study on Tuesday night
 Review the regions, social science vocabulary, themes,
chronology, essay rubrics, etc.
 Don’t fail the AP test because you didn’t study the basics
 Do NOT study on Wednesday night
 Relax
 If you MUST study, keep it light. Cramming only increases test
anxiety.
 Go to bed early (before midnight)
Tip 2: Wake Up Early
 Don’t wake up too early. Wake up early enough to:
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Eat breakfast! It is a LONG test.
Bring pencils, blue or black ink pens, and a watch.
Make it to the testing area early. Don’t rush.
When you get to the testing area, RELAX!
Don’t scramble to study last minute material.
Be confident. You are an elite student with great teachers at a
high performing high school. You can be confident that you can &
will do well.
Tip 3: Sneak a snack
 Store a granola bar, power bar, etc. 7:30 AM to noon is a long
time to go without food.
 Eat your snack during break time between multiple-choice
section and essay section.
 If you get caught, I eschew all responsibility.