The AP US History Exam is made up of 3 sections:
1). Multiple Choice (80 questions, 50% of composite score)
2). 2 free response questions (22 ½%, 13 Ύ% per question)
3). 1 document-based question (DBQ, 22 ½%)
The student taking the exam is allowed 55 minutes to complete the multiple choice questions, 35 minutes for each free response question, and for the DBQ, the student is given 15 minutes for document reading period and 45 minutes to complete the essay. In both the multiple choice and free response portions of the AP US History Exam, the following historical approaches are reflected: political history 35%, social history 35%, diplomatic history 15%, economic history 10%, and cultural/intellectual history 5%.
Multiple Choice Test Taking Tips:
*Read the questions and answers completely.
*Answer the questions that you know first, bookmark the ones you dont.
*If time allows go back to book marked questions. If you can eliminate two possible answers, it is suggested to complete the question.
*If you cannot eliminate at least two possible answers, DO NOT complete the question!
Free Response Question Strategies:
*Read ALL of the questions carefully.
*Create a quick outline of all the questions, and THEN choose those questions which you can develop and support a thesis.
*Write a thesis statement and support it with factual evidence.
*Make sure you answer the question.
DBQ Writing Strategies:
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Do the following things with a DBQ |
Don't do the following things with a DBQ |
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Read carefully and make sure you understand the question being asked. |
Respond to a question that isn't asked. |
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Quickly jot down the major themes/events/people you associate with this topic or question. |
Use "I" statements such as "I think that Document A portrays..." |
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Read over the documents, noting the year and author/source of each one. If the document seems to support or oppose a possible perspective or opinion on the question, note that in the margin. |
Summarize the documents. The reader knows the content of the documents and is interested in how you view the document relating to the question. |
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Write out a preliminary thesis and outline of your major points. |
Quote long passages from the documents. Use an ellipsis "..." if you need to quote. |
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As you begin to write, remember to weave the documents into your answer, always focusing on the thesis. |
Try to impress the reader with big words that are used incorrectly. This has the opposite effect of what is intended. |
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Include your knowledge of the era along with your analysis of the documents. |
Spend so much time reading and underlining the documents that you have to rush your writing. |
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Be sure to include your own analyis/perspective on the question. |
Begin writing your answer until you have a good sense of your thesis and how you want to approach the question. |
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If you can knowledgeably quote or refer to an historian who has a perspective on this question, include his or her perspective. |
Write "I ran out of time" on the bottom of your essay. You had as much time as every test-taker in America. |
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Keep an eye on the clock so that you can have time to re-read your essay for any obvious technical errors. |
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Be as specific as possible when you include historical information. |
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Be assertive and forceful in making your points. |
Complete DBQs
1997 Exam: Women's Rights: 1890-1925
1998 Exam: Jeffersonians and Strict Constructionism
1999 Exam: Colonial Attitudes Prior to the American Revolution
Past Document-Based Questions
The College Board has been creating DBQs for over 25 years. This list puts the questions in chronological order.