Social Studies
What to know
Social studies integrates history, geography, civics/government, and economics. In history, know chronology, primary vs. secondary sources, cause and effect, and major themes (exploration, colonization, revolution, westward expansion, civil rights). In geography, know map skills (legend, scale, compass rose, latitude/longitude), physical vs. human features, and human-environment interaction. In civics, know the structure of U.S. government, the three branches and separation of powers, checks and balances, the Bill of Rights, and rights and responsibilities of citizens. In economics, know scarcity, wants vs. needs, producers and consumers, supply and demand, and the role of money. Understand how to analyze sources and points of view, and how communities and cultures change over time.
Traps
Questions mix up primary and secondary sources-a textbook is secondary; a diary or photograph from the era is primary. Another trap: confusing the branches' functions (legislative makes laws, executive enforces, judicial interprets). Watch for scale/legend errors on map questions and for the misconception that scarcity means shortage rather than limited resources relative to unlimited wants. Distractors may present opinion as fact or ignore multiple perspectives.
Rule of thumb
For any source question, ask: who made it, when, and why? Worked example: a student reads a letter written by a soldier in 1863. Because it was created by a participant during the event, it is a primary source; it offers a firsthand perspective but may be biased, so it should be corroborated with other evidence.