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

2. 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!!!

3. 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

4. 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”

5. 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….

6. 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”

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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…

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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…

14. 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

15. 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