Adapted from the original authored by Looking at the AP Exam Adapted from the original authored by Tony Cordell Marist School Atlanta, GA

Multiple Choice Strategies Pace Yourself… “60 in 45” Don’t spend too much time on a question Skip & come back later Finding wrong answers important No magic arrangement : “random” Don’t waste time on difficult questions You may do three instead of one!!!

Multiple Choice Strategies, cont. Don’t be afraid to write in the testbook Only the answer sheet will be graded Write all over and make notes Circle the questions you skip Cross out eliminated answers Mark-up the graphs Do whatever it takes to get the correct answer

Don’t think to hard There are easy questions and there are hard questions, in no particular order Don’t overanalyze the simple ones If it looks easy….it probably is easy Don’t assume “trick questions”

Take Educated Guesses No longer the one-quarter point penalty for wrong answer No points given for blanks either Guess on the ones that you have narrowed down….

Read the Questions Carefully Look for Key Phrases “Not”…and “except” are false Mark each answer “T” or “F” Look for Key Vocabulary Words Read answers of graph questions first “Roman Numerals” – “T” or “F”

Look closely at the answers On the Hard Questions Fit words and phrases together Knowing the wrong answers is as important as knowing the right ones Keep an handle on the time Don’t be overly concerned if you don’t finish

Looking at the “Free Response” Four in One-hundred – 25 Minutes Each Read Each Question before writing Underline key terms/phrases and tasks Write your strongest answer First You do not have to answer them in order Briefly outline each question: KISS Jot down all appropriate terminology

Analyze the Question How many parts…usually more than one…usually identified If it ask for two…give two Look at the graph, table, or cartoon Try to get a handle on the question Do what the questions ask…

Pay Attention to Directions Define or identify Describe…factual statements Explain…”why” or “how” & “close the loop” Why ….”because” How….” by”

Other Key Points Use the organization of the question to organize the answer Write clearly and succinctly Use Black (preferable) or Blue Ink NEVER USE A PENCIL

Key Points….continued Try Every Question (zero) No Effort (dash) Pace yourself….don’t get long winded Don’t use slang or colloquialisms Don’t name-drop or data-drop Be careful of number, ratios, percentages Don’t cite authors or books

BIG POINT Don’t editorialize….the Readers DO NOT care what you think….they want to see what you know….avoid political bias, prejudices, political pontification…

Format Five Paragraph Essay not necessary, nor is a thesis sentence unless the question asks for it If you feel comfortable go ahead Clearly written paragraphs with appropriate vocabulary Don’t embellish….it is not necessary Once again…ANSWER THE QUESTION

Other Formatting No points will be deducted for misspelled words, comma splices, punctuation, or other grammar mistakes—but you do not have to tell your students that! Legibility is crucial….especially if you know the material. If students have terrible handwriting, tell them to print