The Ten Steps to Success in the Free Response Section of the A.P. Examination

“Formulaic Writing” Strengths & Weaknesses

Analyze the ways in which technology, government policy, and economic conditions changed American agriculture in the period In your answer be sure to evaluate farmers’ responses to these changes.

Part I. Before you write Steps #0 - #3

Foot Prints Where are you standing? Where are you standing? See the A.P. Curriculum (pp. 4-8) and determine the exact ‘location’ of this question. See the A.P. Curriculum (pp. 4-8) and determine the exact ‘location’ of this question.

Take Inventory List all relevant informa- tion that comes to mind about the topic at hand. List all relevant informa- tion that comes to mind about the topic at hand.

Agriculture: Personalities: Personalities: Major Events: Major Events: Significant Dates: - Historians, Titles, etc. -

The Prompt Read the question. Read the question. What the author is asking for from the student? What the author is asking for from the student?

Analyze the ways in which technology, government policy, and economic conditions changed American agriculture in the period In your answer be sure to evaluate farmers’ responses to these changes.

‘… changed American agriculture in the period ’ 1. Technology 1. Technology 2. government policy 2. government policy 3. economic conditions 3. economic conditions

The Outline Write down your basic plan of attack as you begin your investigation. Write down your basic plan of attack as you begin your investigation.

A Basic Outline Introduction Introduction Set scene Set scene Example -A Example -A Example -B Example -B Example -C Example -C Concession statement Conclusion

Time on Part I Three to five minutes

Part II. The Foundation Steps #4 - #5

Thesis Statement Thesis Statement

“Tell them what you are going to say, …” (3 - 5 sentences)

Set the Scene

Why is this paragraph important? (4 - 6 sentences)

Benefits: Place question in context. Place question in context. Establish parameters. Establish parameters. Demonstrate credibility Demonstrate credibility

III. Presenting Your Case Steps #6 - #7

The Evidence “The Rule of Three.”

Guidelines: 1. Note the prompts. 2. Develop your essay in linear fashion. 3. Cite your sources.

Supporting Evidence - Names / major events - Names / major events - Cultural references - Cultural references - Specific historians - Specific historians

“My brain is fried!”

Return to Step 1. Return to Step 1. The Inventory may help trigger your memory.

Question: Should I…high-light? Should I…high-light? No. It’s a distraction. It’s patronizing.

Question: Is it wise to take a controversial position on a question? Is it wise to take a controversial position on a question?

Question: Probably not. The readers do not know the student and such essays often read poorly.

7. Concession Statement Explain the fundamental argument of the opposing position. ….. Then refute it.

A good concession statement will …

Demonstrate command of an alternative view on the issue

Allow for a smooth transition into the conclusion.

Closing Arguments “Tell them what you said”

Benefits: Build on your concession statement. Build on your concession statement. Reiterate the strengths of your position. Reiterate the strengths of your position.

The Intangibles

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

Ranking vs. vs.Grading

“What is the impact of an impression on the student’s final grade for the essay?”

Common Errors Spelling Spelling Punctuation Punctuation Arrows / lines Arrows / lines Ink Color Ink Color Readers will expect your students to write properly and punish those who don’t

Common Errors Arrogant or immature commentary Arrogant or immature commentary There is a time and a place for this. The A.P. Test is not one of these. Use good judgment.

Fatigue Factor It is hard to describe how tired the readers get while reading these essays. Anything which acts as an irritant can have an adverse impact the score. It is hard to describe how tired the readers get while reading these essays. Anything which acts as an irritant can have an adverse impact the score.