AP US HistoryWhat’s its all about…

Course PurposeAP US is a college level survey course designed to explore major themes, people, and events in American

history in greater depth and teach the reading, writing, and analysis skills necessary

to master course content so that you can approach the national AP exam in May with confidence!

AP US History Exam:Main Sections:

1. Multiple choice section = 50% of score2. 3 essays = 50% of score

3 hours and 5 minutes long Friday, May 11 Fee= $87

Multiple Choice 80 questions in 55 minutes Tests thinking as well as knowledge Grade based upon number answered correctly,

no “guessing penalty” anymore

Sample MC QuestionThe First Great Awakening led to all of the

following EXCEPT

(a) secession from established churches

(b) the renewed persecution of witches

(c) the growth of institutions of higher learning

(d) a flourishing of the missionary spirit

(e) a greater appreciation for the emotional experiences of faith

Document Based Questionor DBQ Essay 1 required question Must interpret and reference provided primary

source excerpts as part of essay Scored on a 0-9 scale for thesis, argument,

supporting evidence, use of documents DBQ is 45% of essay grade

Sample DBQ

In what ways did ideas and values held by Puritans influence the political, economic, and social development of the New England colonies from 1630 through the 1660s?Puritan DBQ

Free Response Questionsor FRQs 2 sets of questions, choose 1 from each set Scored on a 0-9 scale for thesis, argument and

supporting evidence Each essay is approx 25% of writing grade

Sample FRQHow did economic,

geographic, and social factors encourage the growth of slavery as an important part of the economy of the southern colonies between 1607 and 1775?

Exam ScoresScores range from 1-5 5 = extremely well qualified 4 = well qualified 3 = qualified 2 = possibly qualified 1 = no recommendation

Colleges vary in awarding of credit; less than 3 usually does not earn credit

How We Prepare: Engage in thought provoking classroom activities Cover content with depth and breadth Read and interpret primary sources Practice writing both types of essays Take multiple choice tests in AP format Get excited about history!

Work Expectations

Be ready for 1+ hours of homework a night. if nothing else, study your daily notes!

Remove yourself from distractions while doing homework.

Study for tests over several nights. Participate in class. Do (only) your work!

History Day: Required! National competition in

historical research Individual or group Boards, papers,

websites, dramas, documentaries

Regional competition in March

2012 Theme: Revolution, Reaction, and Reform

Keys to Success Do your work. Be organized. Ask questions. Learn from your

mistakes. Focus on growth,

not grades.

What do you get? Great skills! Weighted high school

credit! Potential college credit! College

recommendations! The ability to win

Jeopardy! Fame and fortune!