About the Book
THE AUTHORITATIVE SKILL-BUILDING RESOURCE FOR MASTERING AP AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES
Successfully navigating the rigorous, interdisciplinary AP African American Studies course requires more than content knowledge —it demands the application of college-level analytical and argumentative skills. Critical Practice is the comprehensive, skills-focused resource meticulously crafted to meet this challenge, providing you with the targeted practice you need to confidently master the Document-Based Question (DBQ), the Short-Answer Question (SAQ), and historical source analysis.
Unmatched Quality and Unbeatable Practice
Developed by Sherpa Learning, a trusted name in AP resources since 2014, Critical Practice provides the depth of practice essential for achieving a top score on this new exam.
- 18 Full Document-Based Questions (DBQs): Practice makes perfect. This workbook provides an unparalleled collection of 18 complete DBQs—four for each of the four course units, with an additional two for the heavily-weighted Unit 2—offering complete coverage and ensuring that you can integrate outside evidence and historical context into persuasive essays. Suggested responses and scoring guides for all DBQs are available on the companion website.
- 12 Comprehensive Short-Answer Questions (SAQs): Master the art of the concise, evidence-based response with 12 varied SAQs. This collection includes both source-based and non-source-based questions, drawn from all four course units, complete with suggested responses and detailed scoring guidelines in the book.
- Meticulously Sourced Materials: Your practice is powered by 100 carefully selected historical primary and secondary sources that precisely mirror the complexity and types of sources you will encounter on the official AP Exam.
Author Credibility is Your Advantage
Trust the expertise of an experienced educator who helped to shape the course itself.
- Proven Experience and Insight: Written by Kamasi Hill, Ph.D., a dedicated educator and historian with 30 years of teaching experience. Dr. Hill served as a valued member of the AP African American Studies development committee, granting him unique insight into the course framework and assessment design.
- The Exam Reader's Edge: As an experienced AP Exam Reader and leader for APSI workshops, Dr. Hill brings an unparalleled understanding of AP rubrics, ensuring the practice questions in this resource rigorously align with the College Board standards.
Essential Features for Student and Teacher Success
- Comprehensive Course and Exam Overview: Part One provides the foundational knowledge needed for the entire year, including a clear explanation of the course structure, the four major themes, and the importance of Essential Knowledge (EK) statements. It also includes study strategies and an overview of all course and exam components, including the Individual Student Project (ISP).
- DBQ Master Guide: Includes a detailed guide to the Document-Based Question, featuring a 5-step writing plan, key tips and tools for analyzing historical documents (like HIPPO/SOAPSTONE), and graphic organizers for planning a high-scoring essay response.
- SAQ Strategy: Provides a complete guide to the Short-Answer Question, covering the required skills, steps for crafting a direct response to the prompt, and quick writing tips for earning a high score. You'll find example prompts, effective student responses, and clear scoring expectations to refine your technique.
- Teacher Resource Section: A dedicated guide for educators covering an overview of the course, instructional strategies, a recommended year-long timeline for instruction and exam preparation, and a detailed guide to scoring the DBQ, SAQ, and other assessment components.
Critical Practice for AP African American Studies is the authoritative source for high-quality practice, delivering the specialized skills you need to achieve excellence.
About the Author
