The AP World History: Modern Exam will test your understanding of the historical concepts covered in the course units, as well as your ability to analyze primary and secondary sources and identify patterns and connections that can support a historical interpretation.

Exam Duration

3hrs 15mins

Section 1A: Multiple Choice

55 questions 55mins 40% of Score

The questions in the multiple-choice section come in sets of usually 3–4 questions based on the same stimulus. The questions will include one or more sources to respond to such as primary and secondary texts, images (for example, artwork, photos, posters, cartoons), charts, and maps.

You'll be asked to:

• Analyze the provided sources
• Analyze the historical developments and processes described in the sources

Section 1B: Short Answer

3 questions 40mins 20% of Score

In the short-answer section, you’ll write answers to questions in your test booklet. Some questions include texts, images, graphs, or maps.

• Question 1 is required, includes 1 or 2 secondary sources, and focuses on historical developments or processes between the years 1200 and 2001.
• Question 2 is required, includes 1 primary source, and focuses on historical developments or processes between the years 1200 and 2001.
• You can choose between Question 3 (which focuses on the period from 1200 to 1750) and Question 4 (which focuses on the period from 1750 to 2001) for the last question. No sources are included for either Question 3 or Question 4.

You'll be asked to:

• Analyze the provided sources
• Analyze historical developments and processes described in the sources
• Put those historical developments and processes in context
• Make connections between those historical developments and processes

Section 2: Free Response

2 questions 1hr 40mins 40% of Score

In the free-response section, you'll write answers to questions in your test booklet. There are two questions: one document-based question and one long essay.

Document-Based Question

60 minutes | 25% of Score

The 60-minute time limit for this section includes a 15-minute reading period. You'll be presented with seven documents that give various perspectives on a historical development or process. You’ll be asked to develop and support an argument based on these documents and other evidence from your own knowledge. The topic of the document-based question will include historical developments or processes between the years 1450 and 2001.

Long Essay Question

40 minutes | 15% of Score

You'll have a choice of three questions; you’ll pick one to answer. Each tests the same skills but the questions focus on different historical time periods (either the period from c. 1200–1750, from c. 1450–1900, or from c. 1750–2001). You'll be asked to develop and support an argument based on evidence