AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY ADVICE #1   Don't Panic--when the student sees the question their first response will probably be “Mr. Sandefur did not teach us this....I wasted my time in his class." Okay you have one minute to think this and get over it.  Now, take a big breath.  This may be true but he did teach you some of the elements...read the question....break it down...what can you answer.....

AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY ADVICE #2  Always remember to "THINK GEOGRAPHICALLY".  This is a geography test not a history test.  Location, Scale, , Place and Time are important.  

Okay, the policy in the past has been that once the rubric is set the scorers are looking for particular points and we do not take off points for wrong answers. Points are only given for right responses. When an example is asked for the first example is scored. Additional answers beyond what is asked for are not considered at all. They cannot get credit for the shot gun approach where they attempt to hit something by giving multiple answers.

From David Palmer, APHG teacher The FRQ's on the AP Human Geography exam are scored on a value added basis. What this means is that you earn points and don't lose points for incorrect answers. The FRQs are scored based on a content rubric that is developed by the test development committee and a set of question leaders and table leaders. In most cases students are rewarded for information that is correct and stated in a manner that is consistent with the rubric. An exception to this can occur when a student proposes two answers that contradict each other. Last years Mexico question illustrated this. If a student stated Mexico was and example of "primate city model" and that it fit the "rank size rule" this created a contradiction of answers. No point was awarded because of the contradiction. The issue of examples and how they are handled can vary slightly between questions. In general students are not penalized for being thorough and detailed in their writing. If a student provides more than one example it is very good advice to have them put their best example first in case the rubric only allows for the first example.

If the question specifies a specific number of examples (ie two examples), I advise my students to use the "and 1" principle. I have my students give three examples with their best examples first. The rational - Many students think they are giving two examples when in reality they are only providing one example with more details and explanation. The "and 1" principle gets students to more expand their writing and provide more details. In general readers are not punitive when a writer adds one more example. They view this as being detailed. Warning - adding more than one extra example will be viewed as excessive and activate readers to only accept the first example. If the question does not specify a number of examples, students are instructed to give two. In fact my rule is "when do we give examples and details? Always!!"

AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY ADVICE #3  Practice--Go to the College Board Web Site and look at the previous questions.  

AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY ADVICE #4  Assume the reader is tired....it is the end of the day...they have been grading since 8:00....Help the reader find the answer.  Label the different sections or at least start a new paragraph for each part of the question.   Underline appropriate terms.  For example if the question asks for the definition of a nation......then underline the word nation so the reader can see..."Oh yes here is the definition."  

AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY ADVICE #5  One last hint---and this comes up at every reading---ANSWER THE QUESTION--don't ramble....yes it is better to try to answer the question instead of leaving it blank....but don't show off....if you have answered the question don't keep writing in order to tell the reader everything you have learned in APHG this year.  

AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY ADVICE Which goes back to # 1  Break the FRQ down.  Answer each part from the geographic perspective (#2) and help the reader know that this is your answer (#4).