1. Test Preparation

2. Step 1 Pre-game Get a good nights sleep on the night before the exam
Do not stay up all night doing last minute cramming
Eat before the test.
The test starts at noon.
Eat breakfast and lunch before the exam
Do not over stress
Prepare as much as you can
Do not worry about what is beyond your control
Be prepared
Two #2 pencils
Blue or black pen
Snack for the break

3. Multiple Choice Pacing Work at a consistent pace
Do not get stuck on one question
If you do not know an answer, skip it and go back
Remember- All questions are worth the same toward the final score

4. Multiple Choice 55 minutes, 80 questions Era 1450-1815 = 50%
1815-present = 50%
Themes
Political and diplomatic = 30-35%
Cultural and Intellectual = 30-35%
Social and Economic = 30-35%

5. Multiple Choice Types of Questions Standard Multiple Choice EXCEPT/NOT
Illustration – Map, Political Cartoon, Painting or Poster
Interpret a graph or chart

6. Multiple Choice No specific military history questions
- Questions about wars will involve political or diplomatic concerns, introduction of new technologies
Not strategy

7. Multiple Choice No trivial pursuit questions
Questions tend to focus on the big picture

8. No Sure? If you are unsure of answer…. Use Process of Elimination
Improve your odds of guessing correctly

9. Remember
Read question carefully
Read all of the answers carefully

10. Essays Read the question carefully Answer the question!
Address all aspects of the question
No narrative!
Show that you understand the big picture

11. Essays Remember that your time is limited
- The test graders understand that
Make your essay easy to read and understand, the grader will appreciate it.
Remember - Graders read 100 essays per day

12. Essays Read question carefully Underline key words, circle dates
Brainstorm ideas
Decide what point you will argue, this is your thesis
Tailor your argument to the information you have/remember

13. Essays Outline Paragraph with thesis statement
Three paragraphs that support your argument, packed up by evidence
Conclusion. Reiterate the thesis

14. Essays Address the question directly
Keep sentences as simple as possible
Write clearly and neatly
Define your terms
Use transition words to show where you are going (furthermore, also, in addition) or transition (however, yet)
Structural Indicators ex. 1st, 2nd, last or “on one hand” then “on the other hand”
Stick to your outline
Prove one big picture idea per paragraph
Provide evidence
Place essay in historical context

15. DBQ What must I discuss in order to answer the question successfully?
Address all parts of the question
Organize Essay
Gather Outside Information

16. DBQ
Read The Documents
Pay attention to the order in which the documents appear
Watch for inconsistencies, recognize contradictions
Identify Source
- Political ideology, class, race, gender, religion
- Could explain difference of opinion (POV, bias)
Look for evidence that can refute your argument
- Shows you understand the complexity of issue

17. DBQ Thesis Needs to provide an answer, not simply restate question
Make sure it addresses all aspects of the question
Should mention the groups you are going to use to organize your essay

18. REMEMBER THE RUBRIC