The AP United States History Exam is a standardized test administered by the College Board as part of the Advanced Placement (AP) program. It is designed to assess high school students' understanding of U.S. history from the pre-Columbian period to the present. Success on this exam can earn students college credit and/or advanced placement in college history courses.
The exam consists of two main sections: Multiple Choice/Short Answer and Free Response.
Part A: Multiple Choice
This section assesses students' ability to analyze historical texts, interpretations, and evidence. Questions are grouped into sets of two to five, each based on primary or secondary sources, including excerpts from historical documents, images, maps, and charts.
Part B: Short Answer
Students are required to answer three short-answer questions. The first two are mandatory, while students can choose between two options for the third question. These questions assess students' ability to analyze historical sources, interpretations, and propositions.
Part A: Document-Based Question (DBQ)
The DBQ requires students to develop an argument supported by an analysis of historical evidence. Students must incorporate and analyze documents provided during the exam to construct their response.
Part B: Long Essay Question
Students choose one of two prompts to demonstrate their ability to develop a historical argument. The essay should showcase their skills in argumentation and use of evidence.
To prepare effectively for the AP U.S. History Exam:
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