AP Historical Skills Master Class Study Notes

Total of four master classes are planned.
Not a review of historical facts but a skills-oriented approach to prepare students for the AP exam.
Topics covered include MCQs, Short Answer Questions (SAQs), Long Essay Questions (LEQs), and Document-Based Questions (DBQs).

Ben Freeman
  - Teaches AP World History.
  - Runs freemanpd.com with resources for AP preparation including an 80-day countdown to the exam.
  - Involved in international Kahoot tournaments.
Emily Pool
  - Specialist in AP European History.
  - Creates short video content covering AP Euro topics quickly.
  - Also provides comprehensive review resources for AP students.
Kristen Funderberg
- Expert in AP U.S. History (APUSH).
- Collaborates with Dana Zimmer for comprehensive materials and TikTok content to help APUSH students.

AP World History, AP European History, and APUSH share the same skills despite differing content.
Fundamental skills include:
  - Causation
  - Comparison
  - Continuity and Change Over Time (CCOT)
Exam Format
  - 55 multiple choice questions (MCQs) in 55 minutes.
  - Followed by short answer questions (SAQs) requiring 40 minutes for 3 questions.
  - Lastly, the DBQ and LEQ sections take a total of 100 minutes (60 for DBQ and 40 for LEQ).

Section 1: Multiple Choice
  - 55 questions, all stimulus-based.
  - Stimuli can include primary sources, charts, images, etc.
  - It is crucial to practice under timed conditions as the MCQ section is fast-paced.
Section 2: Short Answer
- You will answer two and choose one from a total of four SAQs.
- Take a break between MCQs and SAQs.
DBQ and LEQ:
- Generally, the DBQ is suggested to be tackled first due to its complexity and scoring weight.
- Planning time is critical for both sections; allocate specific minutes for reading and writing.

Stimulus-based MCQs: Focus on the source or caption first, then read relevant parts of the stimulus based on the question asked.
Reading Strategies:
- Identify key focus points from the source before diving into the full text.
- Confirm all answer choices directly address the stem question and are not merely true statements.

Practicing with actual stimuli can help students improve their accuracy:
- Identify major figures, contexts, and events indicating historical relevance quickly.
Polls for Engagement: Use polls during practice to test understanding and review correct answers afterward.

Source or Main Argument: What is the main argument of the author?
Historical Situation: What best describes the historical situation or context?
Causation: Which of the following most directly contributed to…?
Comparative Analysis: What are the similarities or differences?
Sentiments: How do sentiments compare between two documents/stimuli?
Opposing Views: What is the opposition to this viewpoint or statement?
Evidence Support: Which evidence supports the author's argument?

Don’t Linger: Avoid spending too much time on any single question.
Answer all Questions: Make sure to answer all questions, even if guessing is necessary.
Utilize Digital Tools: Use highlighting and note tools to keep track of key points and eliminate distractors when needed.
Final Review: Use any extra time to flag uncertain questions and revisit them, rather than submitting early.

Ultimate Review Packet: Offers structured resources and practice questions tailored to AP history subjects.
Exam Slayer: A tool to mimic the digital exam experience and practice multiple choice questions effectively.
AP Classroom: A free platform but requires teacher involvement for assigning tests and resources.

Encouragement to practice these skills actively leading up to the exam day.
Further sessions cover SAQs, DBQs, and LEQs, stressing the need for students to attend for comprehensive understanding and skill development.
Reminders about exam timing and strategies should help manage time effectively during the actual exam.