Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Transition Exam in Global History and Geography?
Since June 2018, this exam has been called the “Transition Exam in Global History and Geography.” It follows a similar format to the version used for previous administrations of this test, but there are now fewer multiple-choice questions, and there has been a significant change in the content that is tested.
The exam will test your knowledge of all major world events, key nations, and noteworthy individuals from 1750 to the present and how the events that take place in one country often affect several other countries around the world. You will be expected to recall information about significant moments in global history in order to answer multiple-choice questions; analyze passages, maps, and political cartoons; write a thematic essay based on a central theme and prompt; respond to several document-based questions; and write a document-based essay that addresses a given task.
When do I take the Transition Exam in Global History and Geography?
How is the Transition Exam in Global History and Geography structured?
Part II: One thematic essay question. This essay must be well-organized, and it should include an introduction, several body paragraphs that address the given task, and a conclusion.
Part III A: Six to nine document-based questions, each accompanied by a document. You are required to answer all of the questions using the information supplied in the matching document.
Part III B: One document-based essay. You will be asked to write a well-organized essay that includes an introduction, several paragraphs that address the given task, and a conclusion, using evidence from at least four to five of the accompanying documents to support your response.
How is the Transition Exam in Global History and Geography scored?
The weight of each part is as follows:
| Part | Question/Item Type | Number of Questions/Items | Percentage of the Total Exam |
| I | Multiple-Choice Questions | 30 | 55% |
| II | Thematic Essay | 1 | 15% |
| III A | Document-Based Questions | 6–9 | 15% |
| III B | Document-Based Essay | 1 | 15% |