AP World History—A Guide

Back to January 25 Issue

Ready to take on the AP World History exam and aim for the top score? We’ve got your back with tips, strategies, and free resources to help you feel confident and prepared. With the right mindset and tools, earning a 5 is within your reach! 

Free AP World History Resources 

Before diving in, let’s review some essentials. Starting in the 2019-2020 school year, the AP World History exam shifted focus to history from 1200 CE onwards, renaming it AP World History: Modern. This means you can skip over ancient history and concentrate on the material covered in the updated syllabus. 

If you’re short on time and need a quick cram session, here are a few helpful resources: 

• AP World History: Modern Study Kit: A one-stop shop for mastering exam content. Includes practice questions, practice tests, flashcards, games, and more! 

• College Board: Offers information you'll need to know leading up to, during, and after exam day. 

  
  

What You’ll Learn in AP World History: Modern 

This course covers pivotal events, major historical figures, transformative changes, and the broader connections between societies from 1200 CE to the present. You'll also develop key skills like analyzing primary and secondary sources, identifying patterns, and building evidence-based arguments. Let’s break it down by units: 

Unit Summaries: click on any of the units below for FREE study materials!

The Global Tapestry (1200-1450)

• Developments in East Asia, Dar al-Islam, and South/Southeast Asia 

• State-building in the Americas, Africa, and Europe 

• Cross-cultural comparisons 

Networks of Exchange (1200-1450)

• The Silk Roads, Indian Ocean trade, and Trans-Saharan networks 

• The cultural and environmental impacts of connectivity 

Land-Based Empires (1450-1750)

• Expansion, governance, and belief systems of major empires 

• Comparative analysis of land-based empires 

  
  

Transoceanic Interconnections (1450-1750)

• Maritime empires and the Columbian Exchange 

• Technological advancements and challenges to power 

Revolutions (1750-1900)

• The Enlightenment, industrialization, and economic changes 

• Global revolutions and their impacts 

Consequences of Industrialization (1750-1900)

• Imperialism, migration, and global economic shifts 

• Resistance and adaptation during this period 

Global Conflict (1900-Present)

• World wars, the interwar period, and mass atrocities 

• Analyzing the causes and outcomes of major conflicts 

Cold War and Decolonization (1900-Present)

• The Cold War’s origins, effects, and conclusion 

• Decolonization and challenges to established powers 

  
  

Globalization (1900-Present)

• Technological advancements and economic shifts 

• Cultural changes, global institutions, and resistance movements 

AP World History: Modern Exam Format

Let’s break down the exam so you know what to expect: 

Section I 

• Part A: Multiple Choice 

• 55 questions, 55 minutes 

• Makes up 40% of the exam score 

• Part B: Short Answer Questions (SAQs) 

• 4 questions, 50 minutes 

• Accounts for 20% of the score 

  
  

Section II 

• Part A: Document-Based Question (DBQ) 

• 1 question, 55 minutes (includes a 15-minute reading period) 

• Worth 25% of the score 

• Part B: Long Essay Question (LEQ) 

• Choose 1 of 2 prompts, 35 minutes 

• Contributes 15% of the score 

  
  

Exam Tips and Study Strategies 

1. Upload your notes: Upload your notes to Thea. We have the AP World History: Modern Study Kit built in for free use, but your teacher may touch on topics not always covered.  

2. Practice Writing: Hone your DBQ and essay-writing skills with Thea’s Smart Study feature. Simply select “short answer” on the question type option bar.  

3. Watch Videos: Videos are a fun way to learn, find some on YouTube that cover topics you’ll find on the exam. For further studying, upload the YouTube link to Thea to quiz yourself on what you learned! 

4. Review Frequently: Don’t wait for the day before or the week before exam day. Spend 15-30 minutes a day on Thea leading up to the exam to ensure you’re fully prepared for exam day.  

   
   

How Hard Is the AP World History Exam? 

The exam is challenging but manageable with preparation. It focuses on skills and understanding rather than memorization. Focus on grasping big-picture themes, and use targeted resources to fill in gaps. 

Final Thoughts 

With determination and smart strategies, you can tackle AP World History: Modern confidently. Use the resources, study efficiently, and practice regularly. Good luck on your journey to a 5!