AP® World History: Modern Free-Response Questions Overview

General Information

  • Publication: 2025 AP® World History: Modern Free-Response Questions Set 2
  • Copyright: © 2025 College Board
  • Trademarks: AP, Advanced Placement, AP Central, and the acorn logo are registered trademarks of College Board.
  • Website: Official resources available at collegeboard.org.

Section I Part B

  • Duration: 40 minutes
  • Content: 3 short-answer questions
  • Instructions:
      - Answer Question 1 and Question 2 and either Question 3 or Question 4.
      - Responses must include all parts of the questions.
      - Use complete sentences; outlines or lists are not acceptable.
      - Suggested timing: ~13 minutes per question.
      - Scratch paper can be used for notes and planning (credit only for responses entered in application).
      - Go back and forth between questions until time expires.
      - The clock will signal when 5 minutes remain; no additional time updates will be given.

Question Set 1: Tea Production Argument

  1. Document Discussion (Tom Standage, 2006)
       - A. Argument on Tea Production:
         - Industrialization caused a significant decrease in tea production costs.
       - B. Reason for Change in Tea Imports:
         - By 1913, the production cost of tea in India dropped by 75%, making it more competitive than China.
         - Import statistics: 31,000 tons from China in 1859 down to 7,000 tons by 1899; imports from India increased to nearly 100,000 tons.
       - C. Additional Evidence:
         - One relevant historical event: The Opium Wars intensified instability in China, contributing to chaos and decline.

Question Set 2: U.S. Concerns about Communism

  1. Document Discussion (George Padmore, 1956)
       - A. U.S. Officials' Concerns:
         - Fear of communism influencing Africa and potentially leading to broader geopolitical instability.
       - B. Context of Colonialism:
         - Colonialism was characterized by European powers exerting control over African territories, leading to social and economic exploitation.
       - C. Reflection of Political Situation:
         - The call for racial equality and genuine aid highlights the rising anti-colonialist sentiment during the mid-20th century.

Question 3 or 4: Technological Developments

  • Respond to either:
      1. Question 3: Military and Economic Technologies (before circa 1500 and circa 1450-1750)
      2. Question 4: Communication and Transportation in the 20th century
      - A. Identify Development: Example could be radio technology.
      - B. Nuclear Technology Impact:
        - Contributed to a climate of fear and eventual arms treaties, reshaping international relations post-WWII.
      - C. Economic Activity Growth:
        - Enhanced global trade through improved transport methods (air freight, container shipping).

Section II: Exam Format and Practice Questions

  • Duration: 1 Hour and 40 Minutes
  • Content: 1 Document-Based Question (DBQ), 1 Long Essay Question (LEQ)
  • Instructions: Same expectations for complete sentences and planning as Section I.
  • Timing Recommendations:
      - DBQ: 15 minutes planning, 45 minutes writing.
      - LEQ: 40 minutes writing.

DBQ/Essay Questions

  1. Evaluate the impact of industrialization on women from 1850 to 1950.
       - Requirements: Thesis claim, broader historical context, support from documents, external evidence, and document analysis.
       - Document Examples:
         - Document 1: Vera Karelina’s organization among factory workers (1890s).
         - Document 2: Factory supervision in Ottoman silk factory (1902).
         - Document 3: He-Yin Zhen's commentary on women's labor conditions in China (1907).
         - Document 4: Russian rural labor conditions (1912).
  2. Evaluate demographic and cultural changes from 1450 to 1750 due to new connections across the Atlantic.
  3. Evaluate the influence of Enlightenment ideas on political change and social reform (1750-1900).
  4. Evaluate how nationalism influenced global conflicts in the 20th century.

Conclusion

  • Preparation: Focus on historical themes, document analysis, and essay-writing strategies to formulate strong, defensible arguments.
  • Resources: Visit College Board for additional materials and guidance related to the exam.