I'm going to take the AP World History exam next year. I'm slightly confused about how it's scored though. How much does the multiple choice section weigh in comparison to the essays? Would greatly appreciate any insight!
The AP World History exam is weighted using three main sections: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Short Answer Questions (SAQs), and Free-Response Questions (FRQs).
The Multiple Choice Section is worth 40% of your total score. This part of the exam consists of MCQs that test your knowledge of world history. The questions in this section will include both individual, stand-alone questions and sets of questions that are based on the same stimulus or source.
The Short Answer Section is worth 20% of your total score. This part of the exam has 4 questions, from which you will answer 3. The first two are mandatory, and are concerned with historical developments between the years 1200 and 2001. These two questions include primary or secondary sources. You will get to choose to answer either the third question—which concerns history between 1200 and 1750—or the fourth question—which concerns history between 1750 and 2001. Neither of these questions includes sources.
The Free Response Section is worth 40% of your total score. This section is where you'll show your understanding of world history through written arguments. The free-response section consists of a Document-Based Question (DBQ), which is worth 25% of your total score, and the Long Essay Question (LEQ), which is worth 15% of your total score.
Keep in mind that, regardless of weights, doing well in all the sections is crucial for a good overall score on the AP World History Exam.
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