A common type of multiple-choice question on the AP United States History exam asks "when" something took place. Although history is much more than dates, you must be able to put key events in their proper chronological context. You are expected to know, for example, that the ratification of the Constitution came after the Declaration of Independence. "First," "last," "occurred," and "most recently" are obviously markers for "when" questions. These words are not capitalized in the question, so keep your eyes peeled.

Sample Question:

The first permanent English colony in North America was

A. Maryland

B. Roanoke

C. Jamestown

D. Plymouth

E. St. Augustine

The correct answer is C. Jamestown was founded in 1607. While Sir Walter Raleigh tried to establish a colony at Roanoke in the 1580s, the attempt failed. St. Augustine was founded by Spain (not England) in 1565. Plymouth was established in 1620 and Maryland in 1634. This question has two important clues — "permanent" and "English." If you read it too quickly and missed either clue, you probably marked the wrong answer.