Learn about the AP World History Exam

AP World History: Multiple-Choice and Short Answer Questions

The AP World History multiple-choice section consists of 55 questions, each with four answer choices, to be completed in 55 minutes.  A primary or secondary document is provided for each question set, which will contain two to five questions. You’ll then have 40 minutes to answer three short-answer questions, each of which will have two to three parts.

What’s tested on the AP World History Exam?

The AP World History exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes long. Section I is 1 hour and 35 minutes long and consists of 55 multiple-choice questions and 3 short-answer questions. Section II is 1 hour and 40 minutes long and consists of one document-based question (DBQ) and one long essay question (LEQ).

AP World History: Long Essay Questions

The long essay question on the AP World History exam assesses your ability to apply knowledge of history in a complex, analytical manner. In other words, you are expected to treat history and historical questions as a historian would. You must be able to write a strong, clearly developed thesis and supply a substantial amount of relevant evidence to support your thesis.

AP World History Quiz

In order to track your progress in preparing for the AP World History Exam, it’s important to take quizzes and practice tests from time to time. You can start with this five-question quiz that spans several of the time periods you’ll see on the AP World History Exam.

AP World History Periods 1 & 2 Notes (up to 600 C.E.)

Check out our AP World History Periods 1 & 2 (up to 600 C.E.) key definitions and takeaways. You’ll find a printable version of the notes that you can save, take notes on, and use to supplement your learning in class.

AP World History Period 3 Notes (600-1450 C.E.)

Check out our AP World History Period 3 (600-1450 C.E.) key definitions and takeaways. You’ll find a printable version of the notes that you can save, take notes on, and use to supplement your learning in class.

AP World History: Sample DBQ Thesis Statement

Let’s take a look at a sample AP World History DBQ question and techniques to construct a solid thesis. Remember that your thesis can be more than just one sentence. With the compound questions often asked by the DBQ, two sentences might be needed to complete the idea.

AP World History Prep Resources

Kaplan has a variety of prep resources available for the AP World History Exam. Check out your test prep options for AP World History and many other AP exams.

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