1. Looking at the AP Exam Mr. T. Cordell Marist School Atlanta, Ga.

2. Multiple Choice Strategies  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

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” One-quarter point for wrong answer  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 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 Four in One-hundred – 25 Minutes Each Read Each Question before writing Read Each Question before writing Underline key terms phrases Underline key terms phrases Write your strongest answer First Write your strongest answer First You do not have to answer them in order You do not have to answer them in order Briefly outline each question KISS Briefly outline each question KISS Jot down all appropriate terminology Jot down all appropriate terminology

9. Analyze the Question How many parts…usually more than one How many parts…usually more than one If it ask for two…give two…if it doesn’t ask for a number….give three!!! If it ask for two…give two…if it doesn’t ask for a number….give three!!! If they ask for “two of the following”…if time answer all three If they ask for “two of the following”…if time answer all three Look at the graph, table, or cartoon Look at the graph, table, or cartoon Try to get a handle on the question Try to get a handle on the question Do what the questions ask… Do what the questions ask…

10. Pay Attention to directions Why ….”because” Why ….”because” How….” by” How….” by” Discuss…three valid points ‘pros and cons” Discuss…three valid points ‘pros and cons” Describe….a narrative…use facts and terms Describe….a narrative…use facts and terms Explain…three valid points and a conclusion…always “close the loop” Explain…three valid points and a conclusion…always “close the loop” Define or identify Define or identify Compare and contrast…”similarities…differences” Compare and contrast…”similarities…differences” Give “examples”…not hypotheticals Give “examples”…not hypotheticals

11. Other Key Points Don’t do more than is required Don’t do more than is required Answer each part separately Answer each part separately –A. (1) (2)B. (1) (2) –Skip a line between each paragraph Write clearly and succinctly Write clearly and succinctly Use Black (preferable) or Blue Ink Use Black (preferable) or Blue Ink NEVER USE A PENCIL NEVER USE A PENCIL

12. Key Points….continued Try Every Question (zero) Try Every Question (zero) No Effort (dash) No Effort (dash) Pace yourself….don’t get long winded Pace yourself….don’t get long winded Don’t use slang or colloquialisms Don’t use slang or colloquialisms Don’t name-drop or data-drop “DRIP” Don’t name-drop or data-drop “DRIP” Be careful of number, ratios, percentages Be careful of number, ratios, percentages Don’t cite authors or books 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… 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 Five Paragraph Essay not necessary If you feel comfortable go ahead If you feel comfortable go ahead Clearly written paragraphs with appropriate vocabulary Clearly written paragraphs with appropriate vocabulary Don’t embellish….it is not necessary Don’t embellish….it is not necessary Once again…follow the format Once again…follow the format

15. Other Formatting No points will be deducted for misspelled words, comma splices, punctuation, or other grammar mistakes 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 Penmanship is crucial….especially if you know the material