1. Mr. Bernstein AP Exams 2017 April 2017
AP Economics
Mr. Bernstein
AP Exams 2017
April 2017

2. AP Economics Mr. Bernstein
The AP Exams
Each test is 2 hours and 10 minutes
Test dates:
Wed. May 10: Macro 12 noon
Fri May 12: Micro 8 am
60 multiple choice questions (70 minutes)
3 Free Response questions, 1 long and 2 short (10 minute reading time plus 50 minutes to answer)
MC = 2/3 of grade
FRQ = 1/3 of grade
Average FRQ score is <50%

3. AP Economics Mr. Bernstein
Overview
Average AP scores:
A (5)
65-80 B (4)
50-65 C (3)
40-50 D (2)
2015 national mean scores were 3.15 (Micro) and 2.79 (Macro)
Pct earning 5’s were 19% in both Micro and 15% in Macro

4. AP Economics Mr. Bernstein
Test Taking Strategies
Objectives - Understand each of the following:
Answer the question that was asked
Intent of question will probably be included in stem, therefore, try to formulate an answer before reading distractors
Select best answer
Answer easy questions first
OK to guess on questions that are completely unfamiliar – no penalty for wrong answersI 

5. AP Economics Mr. Bernstein
Multiple Choice
Question Types:
Definitions/Classifying: 38%
Cause & Effect Change: 38%
1 Cause & Effect: 50%
2 Causes & Effects: 33%
3 Causes & Effects: 17%
Calculation: 12%
Graphic Interpretation: 9%
I, II, III style classifying: 3%
Source: David Meyer, Preparing For The AP Economics Exams, 2011

6. AP Economics Mr. Bernstein
FRQs
Answer questions in the order asked (ie part a,b,c,d)
Diagrams can provide or enhance answer - some FRQs will require graphs
Label diagrams fully, clearly and correctly
Changes in curves should be identified with arrows and clear sequencing of labels (ie AS1, AS2)
Emphasize line of reasoning…stating results not enough

7. AP Economics Mr. Bernstein
FRQs
Read the question – underline the verb – what are they looking for?
Use correct terminology in FRQs and class discussion
Use rubrics as guides (Krugman Module FRQ answers, APE Sample and Past Exam FRQ answers)
Not an essay – do not write thesis statement, intro paragraph and do not repeat the question in your answer

8. AP Economics Mr. Bernstein
FRQ Verb Prompts
“Show” – think “Graph” - use diagram to illustrate your answer. Label all elements including graph axes.
“Explain” – take reader through each linkage needed to go from starting point to final answer. Graphs and symbols are acceptable.
“Identify” – “think Indicate” - bulleted list of short phrases or terms, even single label or arrow, without any elaboration or explanation
“Calculate” – use mathematical operation to determine a specific numerical response, along with providing your work
“Analyze” – not used much any more, think “Show” AND “Explain”

9. AP Economics Mr. Bernstein
Exam Topics and Weightings
Topics, and weightings, for the AP Microeconomics Exam are listed on pages 6-10 of College Board AP Course Description:
Topics, and weightings, for AP Macroeconomics Exam are listed on pages of College Board AP Course Description