1. FREE RESPONSE How to Get a High Score

2. Give Them What They Want Low Priority: Low Priority: SpellingSpelling Penmanship (must be legible)Penmanship (must be legible) GrammarGrammar Wrong InformationWrong Information YOU DO NOT GET POINTS OFF FOR INCORRECT STATEMENTS!!!! YOU DO NOT GET POINTS OFF FOR INCORRECT STATEMENTS!!!! High Priority: High Priority: Answer in Essay Format (Outlines and lists won’t work)Answer in Essay Format (Outlines and lists won’t work) Lots, lots, lots of correct informationLots, lots, lots of correct information The more you write, the better your chances of gaining points The more you write, the better your chances of gaining points

3. Earning Points No points are ever deducted, only added No points are ever deducted, only added Sectioned Questions Sectioned Questions If a question is divided into 2 parts, each part is worth 5 points so you are better off attempting both sections rather than writing a ton for one and nothing for the other.If a question is divided into 2 parts, each part is worth 5 points so you are better off attempting both sections rather than writing a ton for one and nothing for the other.

4. Know Your Prompts Describe Describe Explain Explain Compare Compare Contrast Contrast Watch out for “OR” Watch out for “OR” If a question asks you to discuss topic X or topic Y, choose one and stick to it.If a question asks you to discuss topic X or topic Y, choose one and stick to it. If you mention one topic and then move to another that is the bulk of your response, you may only be scored on the first topic you started!If you mention one topic and then move to another that is the bulk of your response, you may only be scored on the first topic you started!

5. Time is of the essence… 90 minutes total 90 minutes total 10 minute reading period10 minute reading period 80 minutes to write80 minutes to write The proctor will NOT give you notices on how much time has passed. Bring a watch! The proctor will NOT give you notices on how much time has passed. Bring a watch! During the 10 minute reading period: During the 10 minute reading period: Brainstorm and jot down ideasBrainstorm and jot down ideas Write down all key terms that you can think of for that topicWrite down all key terms that you can think of for that topic Review key terms and cross out ones that are not relevant to the question & highlight ones that are most important.Review key terms and cross out ones that are not relevant to the question & highlight ones that are most important. Create a sequence that you will follow from general to specificCreate a sequence that you will follow from general to specific

6. Don’t Neglect the Basics The reader assumes you know nothing! The reader assumes you know nothing! Basic info is relevant and may be awarded points, so include it in your answer. Basic info is relevant and may be awarded points, so include it in your answer. If you use a scientific term, define or explain it If you use a scientific term, define or explain it

7. No Contradictions!!!!! You will not receive credit for correct information if it contradicts other statements that you have made You will not receive credit for correct information if it contradicts other statements that you have made Example: Example: Proteins are manufactured at the ribosomeProteins are manufactured at the ribosome Proteins are manufactured in the nucleusProteins are manufactured in the nucleus You would not get credit for saying proteins are manufactured at the ribsomes, even though it is correct!

8. ORGANIZE Everything! Number each essay Number each essay 1, 2, 3, 41, 2, 3, 4 Label each section Label each section 1a, 1b, 1c etc.1a, 1b, 1c etc. If the grader can’t find the info, you won’t get credit for it. If the grader can’t find the info, you won’t get credit for it.

9. Drawings and Tables Drawings alone will not earn credit Drawings alone will not earn credit They must be near the text that they support They must be near the text that they support They must be titled and labeled. They must be titled and labeled.

10. Don’t Write a Formal Essay You don’t need an introduction, body, and conclusion. You don’t need an introduction, body, and conclusion. This wastes time and may cause potential points to be overlooked. This wastes time and may cause potential points to be overlooked. Free Response answers for Science courses should be concise and to the point while providing relevant information. Free Response answers for Science courses should be concise and to the point while providing relevant information.

11. Don’t Panic You don’t have to include every piece of info on the topic to get full credit. You don’t have to include every piece of info on the topic to get full credit. Most topics are broad and there are many ways to earn points. Most topics are broad and there are many ways to earn points. Write, write, write…if you finish early, go back and write some more. Write, write, write…if you finish early, go back and write some more.

12. Sucrase is an enzyme that speeds up the digestive reaction of breaking the disaccharide sucrose into glucose and fructose. Sucrase is an enzyme that speeds up the digestive reaction of breaking the disaccharide sucrose into glucose and fructose. a. Explain how this process occurs, giving not to the reactants and products. a. Explain how this process occurs, giving not to the reactants and products. b. Why are Sucrase and other enzymes important in your body? b. Why are Sucrase and other enzymes important in your body?