The phrase refers to a misconception regarding the tools permitted during the Advanced Placement World History examination. There is no approved or required calculating device for this assessment. Students are evaluated on their ability to analyze historical evidence, develop arguments, and demonstrate understanding of world history concepts, not on mathematical computation.
The absence of a requirement for such tools highlights the exam’s focus on critical thinking and historical analysis rather than quantitative skills. The evaluation centers on the application of historical knowledge, the interpretation of primary and secondary sources, and the construction of well-supported essays. Knowledge of historical events, trends, and connections is prioritized over numerical calculations.