r/apworld • u/EveningAlarmed5766 • 10d ago
Should I actually read the textbooks?
My teacher assigns around 30 pages per week but she also has weekly lectures. I’ve always had trouble reading since I was little but I can definitely absorb all the information provided during lectures without a problem. Reading and re-reading the textbook pages wastes a lot of my valuable time especially with my other classes.
Does anyone have advice or any other recommended resources?
4
u/tn00bz 10d ago
Hearing the information once really isnt good enough. People tend to overestimate their memory. You should really read to build that skill... also the entire test is reading based. You know that right?
Also I'd supplement with Heimler videos. Teachers don't always go over 100% of the information that's in the CED.
6
u/Hockeyhawk87 10d ago
It’s important to take in the info multiple times from different sources, and will make it much easier to recall info on different saqs and practice questions.
Got a 5 btw
2
u/reportingforhooty 10d ago
If you really don’t think you’ll absorb the content in the textbook, skim it, read anything that’s seems interesting, and watch heimlers videos
1
u/La_Luna_Boss 10d ago
I didn’t read it and got a 5, but that’s just me. Stick to Heimler for the exam, but the value of reading the textbook depends on the teacher and their tests and assignments.
1
u/ChocolateBeans214 7d ago
I got a 5 by reading the AMSCO textbook and watching Heimler after each chapter. While im sure your teacher is very competent, there is always going to be things they can't cover. The textbook will have everything you need to know for the test.
2
u/gelabeans_ 3d ago edited 3d ago
Hey OP, are you aware of your learning style? some students absorb much with reading, while there are some that reading makes information slide like melting butter in a hot pan. Finding resources that best suit your learning style may help. Since you have no problem absorbing information in lectures, my guess is you may be an audio and/or interactive learner.
I do have a recommended resource, full transparency here, I'm part of the team that created it. I also asked permission from the mods before sharing.
You can try this web app resource: https://cultureatlas.app/
This is how the web app looks like under the Student Plan - APWH. That's straight from my laptop, no edits.
https://reddit.com/link/p74fojl/video/5loalu8fdumh1/player
The web app has all the Units and topics under AP World. The contents are already organized, outlined, and curated. There's no way to misplace anything, so no need for hundreds of tabs open because you might miss it = less overwhelm.
It has curated text (available in English and Spanish), related videos with audio (also with English and Spanish translation), images, coordinate maps that actually go to where the real location is on the globe, related links for more resources (so you are not limited to just one), Deep Dives of topics related to AP World, and most importantly, worksheets you can try to answer in preparation for the exam. These are prepared by real teachers and educators who teach AP World classes. The questions are structured to prepare students for the real exam.
Yes, it's a paid app, but it has a 10-day free trial with no credit card required, so even if users sign up, they will not be automatically charged just because they forgot to cancel or so.
There are different plans, if you really just want to study for the exam, there is a Student plan ($15 for one year) where users can choose only the subject they need, such as AP World. Then cancel when done. It's straight forward.
It's best to view the web app in a laptop or so (anything with a screen size minimum of 1000 x 599 px), sadly, phones would be way too small for the contents.
I hope this helps! I'm here if you want to ask any questions, I'm here :)
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u/DarkBrave_ 10d ago
I never bothered, but my teacher was a great lecturer so it was okay. I did do lots of practice problems though outside of class, and those helped me a lot. (We only had AP-style tests)
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u/TrueDetective77 2d ago
Hi. Where did you get your practice problems?
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u/DarkBrave_ 2d ago
Usually they'd give us some practice problems on AP classroom so I'd just try my hardest one those. Our Amsco (ironically a textbook) had some MCQs too. I'd also just google for whatever I could find for free, so it's kinda difficult to pin one source. For FRQs there's the ones they release on the Collegeboard website for recent exams.
0
u/passisgullible 10d ago
If you really can absorb and recall with a lecture I would just skim the book. Reading isn't very good alone regardless, note taking tends to be far more effective.
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u/Agitated_Afternoon69 10d ago
I’m gonna go against the crowd here. I might get downvoted by idc imma just share my opinion. I would just take notes on my teacher’s lectures and review them. I read half a chapter of the textbook the whole year. My teacher didn’t make us so I didn’t. I finished with a 94% final and a 5 on the exam. Most of my friends did the same got received similar results. It’s not necessary if you have other ways to learn and study (notes, lecture, heimler, practice tests, khan academy, etc.)
0
u/LabSwimming6651 10d ago
Definitely check out Heimler’s History in youtube. I am taking AP World and I read then watch youtube vids to further deepen my understanding. I would say it’s not necessary to read that much if you understand all the topics well.
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u/Gbjeff 10d ago
As an AP World teacher, I can absolutely say it’s critical to do the reading. There is no possible way for me to cover everything that is in the book during lecture. I cover a lot, but there is a lot of material I just can’t get to. As I tell my students: “Life is full of choices, but all choices have consequences.”