<p>Yes, I am failing.</p>
<p>I only have two more months two bring up my grade. I am utterly depressed ._.
I tried studying harder the second time for my test and it only improved by a point. The test grade was still failing. . .
Has anyone ever felt this with any subject? or i guess not since this is CC.</p>
<p>I DO!!! dude, I am so on to your problem, like seriously my class is so fun but I don’t learn anything because our teacher dosen’t teach and our first chapter test was on 13 chpaters and I haven’t read any chapters. so I am failing but don’t worry.:)</p>
<p>same, but I am actually trying. I am reading the chapters, but It just seems I don’t ever see any improvement. I just keep getting discouraged every time I see my results. I can’t stop worrying, in a few more months my F would be presented on my report card. How could I possibly stop worrying?</p>
<p>I thought that class was pretty easy. You should ask questions to yourself or summarize after you have read a paragraph or two and just make sure when you study you actually understand the material.</p>
<p>My first AP, and i end up doing horrible.</p>
<p>I’m in the same boat, although not necessarily failing.</p>
<p>Can any veteran APWH’ers on CC offer some pointers? What are effective study methods for World History? How do you review for big unit tests and timed essays?</p>
<p>I only have a couple months to bring up my grade as well, and knowing this makes it even more stressed. </p>
<p>Anyways, good luck to any CCers who are having the same issue we have. Hopefully we can all get through this together and escape with a 4.0 UW intact.</p>
<p>I’ll help with what I can.</p>
<p>For the Class</p>
<p>This is really dependent on how your class is run. When you have to write a paper or essay, go all out, don’t do “just enough”. This is important for learning the material, and it’ll likely get you a better grade. When you take notes, try using the Cornell note taking method, it works well for this subject. Taking notes on lectures is very important: most teachers say the most important information for the test during the lectures. However, going through the chapters (Read a section, take notes on it. Read a section, take notes on it…) is also vital, both for the AP exam and for the class. Obviously, do any homework you get (yeah, I had some issues with this, haha). I’m an assistant teacher in my AP World History teacher’s class this year, and it’s ridiculous: the kids that do the best sit in the front, and the kids that do the worst sit in the back (except for 2-3 boys that do well in the back) - they got to choose their seats. If you can sit where you want, go for the front, it helps in all of my classes (ironically, I sat in the third row in APWH, two years ago). Ask the teacher what you can/should do to succeed in the class, they may have some advice for you, and they’ll likely appreciate it (the teacher liking you is a good thing).</p>
<p>For the AP Exam</p>
<p>Multiple Choice - Picking up a practice book generally helps. I had Princeton Review (I didn’t buy it, we used them in class), and the multiple choice tests within are similar (but seemingly easier) than the actual AP World History Exam. The review information is nice, but it’s just a review. Your textbook (assuming it’s a decent one) should be a bigger source. On the multiple choice exams, I got suspiciously high, but got a 5, so I don’t know if it was too high or on the mark. As for other methods of preparation, paying attention and taking notes in class is important, and usually (assuming you have a good teacher) sufficient for a 3. If you want to shoot for a 5, though, you’ll need to do a lot of immersion in history. The history channel helps (at least when it’s actual history and not “American Pickers” or “Swamp Loggers” or anything like that - History International is better for actual history, if you have this channel). Reading actual history books (not just textbooks) helps, but is by no means absolutely necessary for a 5.</p>
<p>Writing - Okay, so get a list of old essay topics. Start with the DBQ, because you don’t have to spend time thinking of things you know about the topic, it’s all there. Practice reading through the documents and coming up with at least two sets of sides (only one set is needed, but multiple sets and cross sets will help you get those extra 2 points). This should take you up to 10 minutes or so on the exam. Then you have to write the essay examining the topic. Ideally, the DBQ will take a little less than the other two, but it doesn’t matter as long as you can fit all three. The others will require you to brainstorm for maybe 5 minutes. Don’t worry, they’ll be pretty broad, but again, practice with past topics. For these, you may want to do one or two without timing and with the book open, to build confidence in how to write them (CC and COT - Compare/Contrast and Change over Time are pretty simple topics, but this is still good). </p>
<p>Another strategy is to look at past topics and match them up with what you’re covering in class, so you know what you’re writing about. You should already be writing practice essays like this in your class, but some teachers don’t do this.</p>
<p>Just practice as much as you can.</p>
<p>Billy: thanks so much for the advice! I haven’t checked up on this thread in a while so I didn’t see your response.</p>
<p>Thanks again! That was extremely helpful and thorough :)</p>
<p>What textbook are you using? Because I think most of them have a resource online that you can use, that can help. Of course, also read the chapter but if the book has outlines, read them, then read the chapter itself. It helps you find out what’s important and what isn’t.</p>
<p>
No problem, I’m happy to help. I love history, so that was a natural bonus for me, but most people in an AP class have the potential to get a 5, with the proper study techniques (I understudied, a lot, but still pulled it off because of the life of learning history and those course-long practices - particularly with essays - I outlined; a good teacher didn’t hurt, either).</p>
<p>Thank You for the tip, I will keep that in mind. Good look to everyone(:</p>