AP Test Overview:

May 7th, Afternoon

Library? D-Lab? tba

The Test

Multiple Choice (1hr) 40%• 4 sets of questions based

on slides (16 questions total)

• 87 questions, some based on images in the test booklet

Essay (2hrs) 60%• 1 long essay requiring the

inclusion of art from beyond the European tradition

• 1 long essay• 6 short (10 min) essays

based on either slides or text

The Test is Gain Only

• You earn points for questions answered correctly

• You are not penalized for wrong answers• You are not penalized for skipped

questions (but you should never skip a question)

• Your test earns you credit, it does not withhold it nor affect your entrance into college

Test Scoring

5 4 3 2 10

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Grade Distribution

Test Examples

How to Prepare

How to Prepare:

• Study art periods– Know their characteristics– Know their major concerns– Know their historical context– Be able to identify works of that style– Know the centuries the period spans

How to Prepare:

• Study major artists– Know their style– Know their major themes and concerns

• Have 2-3 go to non-European artworks you know everything about– Think in terms of major themes and concepts

Beyond the European Tradition

• Islam• India• Japan• Mesoamerican• Oceania

Essay Tactics

Good tactics• Underline key elements in the question, as a

reminder of what is needed• Take 1-5 minutes to brainstorm: notes/charts• Only use works you know• Be specific, concise, and use proper terms• It is ok to flood with accurate details• Back up your points with evidence from the

artwork• Always attempt every question to your fullest

ability• Never second guess yourself

Bad tactics

• Missing key elements of the question• Not taking advantage of the time you have• Writing about pieces you know very little about,

or are unclear on the facts• Giving vague or incomplete answers (“by that

guy”)• Assuming the reader knows what you mean• Skipping a question

Throughout history, art representing hostility or violence has been used for a variety of purposes. Select and fully identify two such works from two different cultures, one of which must be from beyond the European tradition. Explain how and why each work of art communicates hostility or violence.

Major Themes:

(Inclusive of Non-Euro)

• Power and authority– Religious vs. secular– The powerful vs. the powerless

• The human figure– Abstract– Idealized– Stylized– Naturalistic

• Narrative• Sacred Space and Objects

• Nature and the natural world– Arcadian– Classical– Romantic– Symbolic

• Patronage• Appropriation• Historical context• The continuity of classicism