The College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) United States History 4th Edition is a rigorous college-level history course that covers the history of the United States from the pre-Columbian era to the present. The course is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of American history and to prepare them for success in college and beyond.
What’s New in the 4th Edition?
The 4th Edition of AP United States History includes several key changes from the previous edition. These changes include:
- A new focus on historical thinking skills, including the ability to analyze sources, construct arguments, and use evidence to support claims.
- A revised curriculum that aligns with the latest research on American history.
- New content on key topics, such as the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement.
- A greater emphasis on primary sources, such as letters, diaries, and speeches.
Curriculum Overview
The AP United States History 4th Edition curriculum is divided into nine units, each of which covers a specific period of American history. The units are as follows:
- Unit 1: Foundations of American Independence, 1491-1763
- Unit 2: The American Revolution, 1763-1789
- Unit 3: The New Nation, 1789-1824
- Unit 4: Expansion and Reform, 1824-1859
- Unit 5: The Civil War and Reconstruction, 1859-1877
- Unit 6: The Gilded Age and Progressive Era, 1877-1920
- Unit 7: The Twenties, the Depression, and the New Deal, 1920-1941
- Unit 8: World War II and the Cold War, 1941-1991
- Unit 9: Post-Cold War America, 1991-Present
Each unit is further divided into several chapters, which cover specific topics within the unit. For example, Unit 1 includes chapters on European exploration of the Americas, the founding of the British colonies, and the American Revolution.
Assessment
The AP United States History 4th Edition exam is a three-hour exam that is divided into two sections: multiple choice and free response. The multiple-choice section consists of 55 questions, while the free-response section consists of four essay questions.
The multiple-choice section of the exam tests students’ knowledge of the content of the course. The free-response section of the exam tests students’ ability to analyze sources, construct arguments, and use evidence to support claims.
Tips for Success
Here are some tips for success in AP United States History 4th Edition:
- Start studying early. The AP United States History exam is a challenging exam, so it is important to start studying early and to pace yourself throughout the year.
- Read the textbook carefully. The textbook is a valuable resource for learning the content of the course. Make sure to read the textbook carefully and to take notes on the key points.
- Attend class regularly. Class is a great opportunity to learn from your teacher and to ask questions. Make sure to attend class regularly and to participate in the discussions.
- Do the practice questions. The College Board provides a number of practice questions on its website. These practice questions are a great way to test your knowledge of the content of the course and to identify areas where you need to improve.
- Get help from your teacher. If you are struggling with any part of the course, don’t be afraid to ask your teacher for help. Your teacher is there to help you succeed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid in AP United States History 4th Edition:
- Don’t try to memorize everything. The AP United States History exam is not a test of your memory. Instead, it is a test of your ability to analyze sources, construct arguments, and use evidence to support claims. Focus on understanding the key concepts of the course and on developing your critical thinking skills.
- Don’t neglect the free-response questions. The free-response questions on the AP United States History exam are worth more points than the multiple-choice questions. Make sure to spend adequate time practicing these questions.
- Don’t panic. The AP United States History exam is a challenging exam, but it is not impossible to pass. If you start studying early, attend class regularly, and do the practice questions, you will be well-prepared for the exam.
Conclusion
The AP United States History 4th Edition is a rigorous college-level history course that covers the history of the United States from the pre-Columbian era to the present. The course is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of American history and to prepare them for success in college and beyond. By following the tips in this guide, you can increase your chances of success in AP United States History 4th Edition.
Additional Resources
- College Board AP United States History 4th Edition website
- AP United States History 4th Edition Textbook
- AP United States History 4th Edition Practice Questions
Tables
Table 1: AP United States History 4th Edition Curriculum
| Unit | Period |
|---|---|
| 1 | Foundations of American Independence, 1491-1763 |
| 2 | The American Revolution, 1763-1789 |
| 3 | The New Nation, 1789-1824 |
| 4 | Expansion and Reform, 1824-1859 |
| 5 | The Civil War and Reconstruction, 1859-1877 |
| 6 | The Gilded Age and Progressive Era, 1877-1920 |
| 7 | The Twenties, the Depression, and the New Deal, 1920-1941 |
| 8 | World War II and the Cold War, 1941-1991 |
| 9 | Post-Cold War America, 1991-Present |
Table 2: AP United States History 4th Edition Exam Format
| Section | Number of Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Choice | 55 | 60 minutes |
| Free Response | 4 | 90 minutes |
Table 3: AP United States History 4th Edition Scoring
| Score | Multiple Choice | Free Response | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 46-55 | 17-20 | 73-75 |
| 4 | 38-45 | 13-16 | 58-62 |
| 3 | 29-37 | 9-12 | 42-49 |
| 2 | 20-28 | 5-8 | 30-37 |
| 1 | 10-19 | 0-4 | 15-23 |
Table 4: AP United States History 4th Edition Pass Rates
| Year | Pass Rate |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 58% |
| 2020 | 55% |
| 2021 | 53% |