1. Multiple Choice and Free Response Questions
The APGOV exam
Multiple Choice and Free Response Questions

2. Multiple Choice questions
Types
Classic/best answer
Most common
Simply requires you to read and select best answer
Except questions
All answers are correct except one
On your test, mark T or F next to each response
There will only be 1 correct
List and group questions
List of possible answers and you must select the answer that contains correct group of responses
Simplify by crossing our items from the list and then eliminating them in the answers below.
Chart/graph/table questions
Require you to examine the data on a chart, graph, or table
Not difficult questions but if you spend too much time on them, it may slow you down
To avoid read question and all possible answers so that you may know what question is asking you for

3. Tips for Multiple Choice
Read the question carefully
Do not skim especially the except questions
Eliminate any answer you know is wrong
You may write on the test book, so cross out any wrong answers
Answer all questions
No penalty for wrong answers
One strategy: go through test quickly and answer all questions you know and then return to ones you were unsure of
Read all the possible answers, then choose the most accurate response
Exam is written to test your precise knowledge of a subject
Sometimes there are multiple probable answers and one specific one-pick the specific one
Avoid absolute responses
Include words “always” or “never”
Mark tough question

4. Free-Response Questions
Four mandatory free-response questions on exam
Usually one requires interpretation of a chart or graph
Question is printed at top of page
Answers can be written in any order
Broken into different parts (a) (b)
Label each part of your response

5. Not traditional essay questions
Do not require an introduction, thesis, or conclusion
Many can be written in short answer format
Sounds easy right?
You need to know the material because the questions are specific and are looking for specific answers-not vague prose
100 minute block
Allow approximately 25 minutes for each question
5 minutes reading and jotting down few words for each point you want to cover in your answer
15 minutes writing your response
5 minutes making sure you covered each point with enough detail

6. 25 minutes have passed and you are still not done
Leave space and start new question
Come back later if you have time
Time left over
Reread each free-response and make sure you have answered all of the sections
Example: if asked to identify and explain a term, did you do both
Finish early
Sit quietly
You may not read any outside material

7. Vocabulary for Free-response
Define
State the meaning for a word or phrase or give a specific example
Define political party: a political party is an organization that sponsors candidates for political office under the organization’s name.
Usually just one sentence

8. Vocabulary for Free-response
Identify
To select a factor, person, or idea and give it a name
Identify one advantage of incumbency
Possible response: one advantage of incumbency is the opportunity to do casework for constituents

9. Vocabulary for Free-response
Describe
To state and elaborate on a concept
Can be thought of as an identification plus additional, relevant, factually correct information
Example: ways President can check on Congress
Writing “ the president can check the congress by using the veto” would not be adequate. Why?

10. Vocabulary for Free-response
Describe
To state and elaborate on a concept
Can be thought of as an identification plus additional, relevant, factually correct information
Example: ways President can check on Congress
Writing “ the president can check the congress by using the veto” would not be adequate. Why?
Because “veto” is simply identifying…not additional, relevant, factually correct information
Correct response: “The president can check the congress by using the veto. The veto can be overridden by 2/3rd majority of each house.” –scores a point because it contains both an identification plus additional information

11. Vocabulary for Free-response
Explain with/explain how
How to give a cause or reason
Usually contains word because
Example: why does the ability to do casework give incumbents an advantage?
By doing casework, such as helping a constituent get her Social Security check, members of Congress are able to leave a favorable impression on members of their district. This increases their chances of reelection because they are able to get positive results for their constituents, who will vote for them in the next election.

12. Scoring Free-response
Scored using a rubric that assigns points for each part of the answer
Part (a) requires you to identify and explain two factors
Will usually be worth 4 points (1 point for each identification and one for each explanation)
Part (b) requires you to identify and explain one factor
Usually worth 2 points (1 for identification and one for explanation
This means the question is worth a total of 6 points

13. Work As a group take two minutes to score each of these sample essays
You are not looking to see if information is correct at this time, just did they follow rubric.