How to Prepare for the AP World History Examination

by John McCannon

Book Overview

The just-published book-only version of this test preparation manual is now available with an optional CD-ROM, which presents virtually all of the book's contents, including the two full-length model... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764118161
• ISBN13: 9780764118166
• Release Date: February 2002
• Publisher: Barrons Educational Series
• Length: 504 Pages
• Weight: 1.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 7.8" x 10.9"

Customer Reviews

Depends on what you prefer...

I took the AP World History exam in 2004. This book was my primary source of information, since my teacher was absolutely useless. We were given "study outlines" that were never gone over, and the material was very rarely taught. I didn't really begin studying for the AP exam until March/April. I started to read this book, and found it to be very helpful. When I took the test, I got a 5. On the other hand, many of my friends expressed a great dislike for this book. They found that Princeton's book was much more concise and easy to understand. Most of the people who used the Princeton book got 4's and 5's. It really depends on your study habits. Barrons tends to give A LOT of information, some of which is extraneous. Princeton gives you only what you need, but sometimes there are questions on the AP that go beyond the material they cover. So, if you prefer to have all the information you might possibly need (and good practice questions that follow the format of those on the AP), go with Barrons. If you prefer a more concise review (I don't know what the practice questions are like), go with Princeton

The best review for the AP World Exam!

I took the test last year as a sophomore and for a first time AP test taker this book made me fell at ease and comfortable. The information is good but not an overload like a text book is. I was able to read the whole thing in the month before the test. However I would NOT recommend this for someone who wants to cram in all the info the week before the test. Although the information doesn't go over your head there is simply a lot of it. If your prefer the cramming style then Princeton would be a better fit for you (not saying princeton is bad- it would be my second choice). But this book is better as a supplement to a class, or a a longer review. The greatest help for me were the quizzes at the end of each chapter. It is very easy to forget some of what you have read after 5+ pages of info and the quizzes are great for keeping you from forgeting all that work. Then at the end of each unit (many chapters) the re is a 20 question quiz over everything that is extremly helpful and funtions like the smaller quizzes did. My biggest support for this book comes from the quizzes because all the test prep books I have read since have not had them and subsequently are not as good. One thing the book does not give much help for however are the essays... they have bad examples of REAL work though the questions are a good gauge of how the AP questions will be. Also I recommend THIS particular book but not Barron's in general, I happen to feel that their AP US History test guide pales in comparison to this book... so I credit the author. I ended up with a 4 on the test, which is part due to my excellent teacher (I got very lucky) and of course my other techer John =).

GREAT AP MODEL TESTS

This book is one of the few review books that actually provided a relavant summary of all the dates and events that have occured that you should know for the test. If you are running low on time, there are a section reviews to at least show you possible questions and topic areas that will be covered on the test. This is the only book I used to study for the world history, and it was the only book i needed to score high on the AP test. The model essays and practice questions tended to be a little more challenging, but it only prepared me more in the end. Usually, I tend to buy Barron's books becuase they have a full review that can explain aspects of the class in great detail ( details that often get left off by the teachers). Becuase I bought this book moderately early I read through the intensive and long review. Sometimes i was overwhelmed by all the material. For the practice tests, and model questions and just an over all accurate look at the AP test, you're money spent will be spent wisely. If you are looking for a last minute cram, I think the only thing that the book will be useful for is the questions and unit reviews.If you are looking for a guide to truly study out of, this is the book to get. Also, if you are looking for practice questions that closely model the questions on the AP test ( I remember one in particular actually testing over the same material) then this book has several that will be beneficial for your time.

Very helpful review!

This book saved me from almost inevitable failure on the AP exam. My teacher was not very helpful, and the text book was confusing, but this book laid everything out in an organized, helpful, interesting, and informative way. I recommend that every APWH student buy this book. It would, though, be most useful if used the entire length of the course--don't make the mistake I made of cramming before the exam!

All you need to know

Excellent book; highly recommended. I read this book twice in April (at the beginning and end) and got a 5 on the exam- without a course (they don't offer it at my school). Its kind of broad; that is, it gets the "big picture" of everything, so you might want to supplement with more in-depth books about specific eras or civilizations, but its not really necessary. Keep in mind that the test is ALSO broad in scope, so don't fret over minute details. If you really study hard, then take the SAT II World History and kill two birds with one book.