5 Steps to a 5: AP Microeconomics 2018, Edition

Used it for an AP test. Teacher recommended it. Helped with practicing for the test.

This is a nicely written, very succinct review book that should prove very useful for those studying for the AP Microecon exam. The chapters are brief, but full of cogent explanations, figures and diagrams where appropriate. Each chapter has a few review questions at the end and there are two full-length practice exams at the end of the book. In addition, there is a diagnostic exam at the beginning of the book. One of the best features is a list of bold-print vocabulary at the end of each major chapter. There is a lot of specific, academic language in econ and its extremely useful to have brief definitions on hand as you read. Well organized and very helpful.

5 STEPS TO A 5: AP MICROECONOMICS 2018 includes a valuable outline (in chapter 1) that describes the topics you can expect to see covered in the AP Microeconomics exam--the outline also gives a percentage figure for the number of exam questions likely to address each topic. (For example, the topic “factor markets” will probably be addressed in 10%-18% of the test questions.) This outline really helps with exam prep by suggesting where to concentrate your study time. Each book in the McGraw-Hill “5 Steps” series is organized around the following five steps: (1) set up a study program using the online site; (2) take a diagnostic test printed in the book to determine your test readiness; (3) develop successful strategies for answering multiple-choice, short-answer, and essay questions; (4) review the specific subject-matter material you are expected to know for the particular AP exam; and (5) take full-length practice tests with questions similar to actual exam questions to build your confidence and testing skills. The books are issued annually, so be sure to check for the latest edition before you buy--the AP exams may have some format changes from year to year. The 2018 AP Microeconomics guide includes four practice exams (2 in the book, 2 online). An online dashboard tracks your testing progress and performance. It shows your strengths and weaknesses by question categories, and your scores and percentile ranking compared to other students. The dashboard figures are based on your answers to practice questions and exams. The bulk of the exam prep guide (pages 41-164) is devoted to review of the microeconomics subject matter that will be tested. An extremely valuable feature is found in the practice exams. The answers contain detailed explanations of the correct answers to the multiple-choice questions and free-response questions (including how points would be awarded for free-response answers). There is a good discussion (in chapter 4) of how to write top-scoring free-response answers. If you are taking the AP Microeconomics exam to secure college credit, then this guide should give you everything you need to get a high score. However, this guide contains less review material (fewer pages) than other guides in the series, and seems to give less detail in the multiple-choice question answers, so there may be better prep guides available for this particular exam.

Everything is well organized with plenty of examples and study problems and practice tests. There is a valuable online resource for keeping track of your progress and performance. If you are willing to put in the time and do all the practice exercises included in this book(and online) then your testing skills should improve dramatically over time.

"5 Steps to a 5: AP Microeconomics 2018, Edition" by Eric R. Dodge is another solid entry to this series. It follows the same format as the other "5 Steps to a 5" books that I have examined. Like the "Macroeconomics" edition, the "Microeconomics" edition is lean and succinct in text. It is a supplement to classroom with the main focus on test strategy and preparation. There are the standard two practice tests in the book (a diagnostic test at the beginning and a full practice test at the end). There is access to 2 more practice tests online as well as access to a free planner app. I like the format because of its organization and strategy tools and advice.

This book has online resources that support the book. It uses a very systematic approach to grade improvement, providing an initial test to evaluate your current knowledge and test readiness and a study plan. There is no magic to grade improvement, it's simply lots of practice with different types of questions, so you can move trough the question quickly. The online resources provide you plenty of practice exercises. If you diligently follow the plan you should

If you like the macro version, then you'll like this one too. The practice tests don't resemble the real AP exam, so I recommend going straight to the college board's website for practice. The content is excellent.