The Advanced Placement (AP) European History exam is structured to comprehensively assess your understanding of European history. Knowing the format and timing is key to effective preparation and achieving a high score. This breakdown provides a clear Ap Euro Timeline of each exam section, so you can strategize your study plan and approach the exam with confidence.
Section I: Multiple Choice & Short Answer Questions
Section I is divided into two parts and accounts for 60% of your total exam score. It’s crucial to manage your time effectively within this section’s timeline.
Part A: Multiple Choice (55 Minutes, 40% of Exam Score)
This section consists of 55 multiple-choice questions, often presented in sets of 3-4 questions related to historical texts, interpretations, and evidence. You’ll encounter primary and secondary sources, images, graphs, and maps. Quickly analyzing the provided material and selecting the best answer within the given timeframe is essential in this part of the AP Euro timeline.
Part B: Short Answer (40 Minutes, 20% of Exam Score)
In Part B, you’ll answer 3 short-answer questions. These questions require you to analyze historians’ interpretations, historical sources, and historical propositions. While all questions are designed to let you showcase your knowledge, the final question offers a choice.
- Question 1 (Required): Focuses on historical developments between 1600 and 2001 and includes 1–2 secondary sources.
- Question 2 (Required): Focuses on historical developments between 1600 and 2001 and includes 1 primary source.
- Question 3 or 4 (Choose One):
- Question 3: Covers 1450–1815 historical developments.
- Question 4: Covers 1815–2001 historical developments.
- Questions 3 and 4 do not include sources.
Effectively managing your 40 minutes across these three questions is vital in this section of the AP Euro timeline.
Section II: Document-Based Question & Long Essay
Section II comprises the remaining 40% of your exam score and tests your ability to construct historical arguments using evidence. This part of the AP Euro timeline demands strong analytical and writing skills under time pressure.
Document-Based Question (DBQ) (60 Minutes Recommended, 25% of Exam Score)
The DBQ section allots 60 minutes, including a recommended 15-minute reading period. You will be presented with 7 documents offering diverse perspectives on a historical development or process from 1600 to 2001. Your task is to develop an argument supported by analyzing these documents as historical evidence. Strategic reading and outlining within the initial 15 minutes are crucial for effectively tackling the DBQ within the AP Euro timeline.
Long Essay Question (LEQ) (40 Minutes Recommended, 15% of Exam Score)
For the Long Essay, you have 40 minutes to explain and analyze significant issues in European history, developing an argument supported by historical evidence. You’ll choose one question from three options, each focusing on different historical periods:
- Option 1: 1450–1700
- Option 2: 1648–1914
- Option 3: 1815–2001
Choosing the LEQ prompt that aligns best with your knowledge base and planning your essay structure efficiently within the 40-minute timeframe is key to success in this final section of the AP Euro timeline.
Understanding this AP Euro timeline and exam structure is your first step towards effective preparation. By knowing what to expect in each section and how your time will be allocated, you can tailor your study approach and maximize your performance on exam day.
