I'm signed up for the AP World History exam, but I don't know how long it takes. Can someone tell me the duration of this exam, and any tips to cope with the time limits when answering questions?
The AP World History: Modern exam is typically 3 hours and 15 minutes long. Here's a breakdown of the sections and their time limits:
1. Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs): 55 questions in 55 minutes, accounting for 40% of your total score. To manage time effectively in this section, try to spend about 1 minute per question.
2. Short Answer Questions (SAQs): 3 questions in 40 minutes, accounting for 20% of your total score. It's a good idea to allot around 12-15 minutes per question in this section. Read the prompts carefully and outline your answers briefly before writing to ensure clarity and coherence.
3. Document-Based Question (DBQ): 1 question with a recommended time of 60 minutes, accounting for 25% of your total score. This includes a 15-minute reading period and 45 minutes to write the essay. Spend the initial 15 minutes analyzing the documents, identifying key ideas, and planning your essay. Use the remaining 45 minutes to write the essay, being sure to cite specific evidence from the documents.
4. Long Essay Question (LEQ): 1 question with 40 minutes to complete, accounting for 15% of your total score. It's essential to dissect the question, brainstorm your response, and outline your essay in the first 10 minutes. Then, use the remaining 30 minutes to write the essay, incorporating specific evidence and examples to support your argument.
To cope with the time limits, practice taking timed exams using official AP World History practice materials before the actual test. This will help you build endurance, learn to manage time effectively, and develop strategies to answer questions more efficiently. Familiarize yourself with the exam structure and question types, and come up with methods for tackling each section. Lastly, stay calm and focused during the exam, and remember to take short mental breaks when necessary to maintain your concentration.
Good luck on your AP World History exam!
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