1. Looking at the AP Exam
Testing Strategies

2. Multiple Choice Strategies
Don’t be afraid to write in the test booklet
Only the answer sheet will be graded
Make notes
Circle the (entire) questions you skip
Cross out eliminated answers
Mark-up the graphs
Do whatever it takes to get the correct answer

3. Don’t think too hard
There are easy questions and there are hard questions
Don’t over analyze the simple ones
If it looks easy….it probably is easy
Don’t assume “trick questions”

4. Pace Yourself… “60 in 45” Don’t spend too much time on a question
Skip and come back later
Finding wrong answers important
No magic arrangement “random”
Don’t waste time going over difficult questions
You may do three instead of one!!!

5. Take Educated Guesses Don’t “randomly guess”
No points deducted for blanks
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
There are Clues sometimes
Fit words and phrases together
Knowing the wrong answers is as important as knowing the right ones
Keep a handle on the time
Don’t be overly concerned if you don’t finish

8. STRATEGIES FOR MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
1. There is no longer a guessing Penalty – There are five possible answers for each question. Each correct answer is worth 1 point.
Answer all questions with an educated guess if necessary.

9. STRATEGIES FOR MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
Read the question carefully. DO NOT SKIM…READ.
CAREFUL READING IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT IN EXCEPT QUESTIONS.
Eliminate any answer you know is wrong.
Read all of the possible answers, then chose the most accurate response (There may be an answer that is more SPECIFIC.)

10. STRATEGIES FOR MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
Avoid “absolute responses” – These include “always,” and “never.”
Mark and skip tough questions. Remember SKIP ON YOUR ANSWER SHEET AS WELL.

11. TYPES OF MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
CLASSIC / BEST ANSWER
*This is the most common type. It simply requires you to read the question and select the MOST CORRECT answer.
EXCEPT QUESTIONS
*All answers are correct except one. Turn them into true or false statements. The false statement is the answer.

12. STRATEGIES FOR MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
LIST AND GROUP QUESTIONS
In this type of question, there is a list of possible answers, and you will select the answer that contains the correct group of responses.
These questions look hard, but you can simplify them by crossing out items from the list and then eliminating them in the answers below.

13. STRATEGIES FOR MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
CHART / GRAPH QUESTIONS
These questions require you to examine the data on a chart or graph.
These are usually not difficult but spending too much time on them can slow you down.
Read the question FIRST and all of the possible answers so that you know what you are looking for.
Before you look at the chart, you may be able to eliminate some obviously incorrect responses.

14. STRATEGIES FOR MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
POLITICAL CARTOON QUESTIONS
These questions require you to interpret a political cartoon.
Every political cartoon contains symbolism and a point of view.
Examine the cartoon BEFORE you read the question and possible responses to determine what each part of the drawing represents and to identify the artist’s viewpoint.

15. Looking at the “Free Response”
Four in One-hundred – 25 Minutes Each
Read Each Question before writing
Underline key terms phrases
Write your strongest answer First
You do not have to answer them in order
Briefly outline each question
Jot down all appropriate terminology

16. Analyze the Question How many parts…usually more than one
If it ask for one, or two….and you have time…do them all!
Look at the graph, table, or cartoon
Try to get a handle on the question
Do what the questions ask…

17. Pay Attention to directions
Explain…always have a “why” or a “how”
Why = “because”
How = “by”
Discuss…three valid points “pros and cons”
Describe…three valid points
Define or identify – be complete
Compare and contrast…”similarities/differences”
“close-the-loop”

18. Other Key Points Answer each part separately
A. (1) (2) B. (1) (2)
Skip a line between each paragraph
Write clearly and succinctly
Use Black (preferable) or Blue Ink
NEVER USE A PENCIL

19. Key Points….continued Try Every Question No Effort (dash)
Pace yourself….don’t get long winded
Don’t use slang or colloquialisms
Don’t name-drop or data-drop
DRIP – “data rich…information poor”
Be careful of number, ratios, percentages
Don’t cite authors or books

20. 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…

21. Format Five Paragraph Essay not necessary
If you feel comfortable go ahead
Clearly written paragraphs with appropriate vocabulary
Don’t embellish….it is not necessary
Once again…follow the format

22. Other Formatting
No points will be deducted for misspelled words, comma splices, punctuation, or other grammar mistakes
“I think there should be!”
Penmanship is crucial….especially if you know the material

23. 2012 INSTRUCTIONS BGHS
1. Bring a black or blue pen for the test and number 2 pencil. 2. If you bring your cell phone, it will be collected during the test. 3. If you are taking an afternoon test (AP Comparative), you will not be dismissed until after school is out. 4. You MUST be in the arena no later than 7:45 am.

24. LAST MINUTE STUDY
A last minute CRAM for the EXAM will be uSTREAMED Monday night 6 PM - 10 PM CST.  Students can watch from digital devices and chat questions.  AP Teachers will be on to answer those questions LIVE.  Here are the links and channels:

25. LAST MINUTE STUDY Search for the channel CitizenYou (6-8 PM, 9-10 PM)
or between 8-9 PM CST go directly to:
Alert your students.  4 hours of first rate review LIVE and right before their AP Exam.
All the best from the AP Government team at Adlai E. Stevenson High School; Lincolnshire, IL.