Test Taking Skills

Free Response Question

1.         Read the questions carefully and analytically.  

2.         Choose the question you feel most competent to answer. There is no time to change questions once you have begun.

3.         The free response essay should be long enough to      demonstrate your knowledge of the subject.

4.           
Write legibly.

5.         Marking questions may be helpful:

A. Underline operative words: define, assess, compose, etc..
B. Circle time frame specified, i.e. since 1790 or prior to 1880.

6.         One or two specific, focused, and relevant examples are better than a laundry list of names or cases without comment.

7.         Be sure your thesis is consistent with your conclusion.

8.       Use correct terminology & vocabulary.

9.       Do not preach or moralize in your essay. This is an essay, not an editorial.

10.       Using an author's name is not an advantage unless you can adequately state the gist of his or her position.

11.       Underline key names & phrases so they stand out to the AP reader.

12.       Your introductory paragraph is the most important. You do not get a second

chance to make a good first impression. Your opening paragraph should

contain:

A) Your thesis (containing a restatement of the question)

 

B) Outline of supporting points

 

C) Concluding statement