AP US History
What’s its all about…
Course Purpose
AP US is a college level survey course designed to
 explore major themes, people, and events in American
history in greater depth and
 teach the reading, writing, and analysis skills necessary
to master course content so that you can approach the
national AP exam in May with confidence!
AP US History Exam:
Main Sections:
1.
2.
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Multiple choice section = 50% of score
3 essays = 50% of score
3 hours and 5 minutes long
Friday, May 11
Fee= $87
Multiple Choice
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80 questions in 55 minutes
Tests thinking as well as knowledge
Grade based upon number answered correctly,
no “guessing penalty” anymore
Sample MC Question
The First Great Awakening led to all of the
following EXCEPT
(a) secession from established churches
(b) the renewed persecution of witches
(c) the growth of institutions of higher
learning
(d) a flourishing of the missionary spirit
(e) a greater appreciation for the
emotional experiences of faith
Document Based Question
or DBQ Essay
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1 required question
Must interpret and reference provided primary
source excerpts as part of essay
Scored on a 0-9 scale for thesis, argument,
supporting evidence, use of documents
DBQ is 45% of essay grade
Sample DBQ
In what ways did ideas
and values held by
Puritans influence the
political, economic,
and social
development of the
New England colonies
from 1630 through the
1660s?
Puritan DBQ
Free Response Questions
or FRQs
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2 sets of questions, choose 1 from each set
Scored on a 0-9 scale for thesis, argument and
supporting evidence
Each essay is approx 25% of writing grade
Sample FRQ
How did economic,
geographic, and social
factors encourage the
growth of slavery as an
important part of the
economy of the southern
colonies between 1607
and 1775?
Exam Scores
Scores range from 1-5
 5 = extremely well qualified
 4 = well qualified
 3 = qualified
 2 = possibly qualified
 1 = no recommendation
Colleges vary in awarding of credit; less than 3 usually
does not earn credit
How We Prepare:
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Engage in thought provoking classroom activities
Cover content with depth and breadth
Read and interpret primary sources
Practice writing both types of essays
Take multiple choice tests in AP format
Get excited about history!
Work Expectations
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Be ready for 1+ hours of homework a night. if
nothing else, study your daily notes!
Remove yourself from distractions while doing
homework.
Study for tests over several nights.
Participate in class.
Do (only) your work!
History Day: Required!
National competition in
historical research
 Individual or group
 Boards, papers,
websites, dramas,
documentaries
 Regional competition in
March
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2012 Theme: Revolution,
Reaction, and Reform
Keys to Success
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Do your work.
Be organized.
Ask questions.
Learn from your
mistakes.
Focus on growth,
not grades.
What do you get?
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Great skills!
Weighted high school
credit!
Potential college credit!
College
recommendations!
The ability to win
Jeopardy!
Fame and fortune!