The Exam

The ExamAP Human Geography

Exam Organization

O The test…

O Section 1= 75 multiple choice questions; 60 minutes; no penalty for guessing; 5 options; worth 50%

O Section 2= 3 Free response Questions (FRQ’s) 6-10 points a piece; 75 minutes; worth 50%

Multiple ChoiceO On questions you’re not sure of…guess

quickly if you can eliminate at least two choices, or mark question to return to later.

O Remember, you’re looking for the best answer; sometimes one or more wrong answers may sound correct at first, so read all answer choices for each question.

O Answer all test questions! There’s no penalty for guessing.

Free- Response Questions

O You have 75 minutes for this sectionO Allow 25 minutes for each questions

O Spend 5 minutes reading and jotting down a few words on each point you want to cover Notes/outlines will NOT be scored! Nothing written outside of you answer document will be scored.

O Then, spend 15 minutes writing your responseO Save the last 5 minutes to review your

responseO In addition, questions are often broken into

parts (ie. A and B). Label each part of your response (ie. 1a. And 1b.O Structuring your response the same way the

question is structured

Free-Response Questions

O They do not require a thesis, introduction, or conclusion

O Must be answered in “prose” form. (ie. complete sentences)

O READERS WANT SPECIFICSO Each of your essays will have a different

readerO They will never assume you know anything

O They are looking for accurate information presented in clear, concise manner. VAGUE is the enemy! O Underline important words or phrases

Free-Response Questions

VOCABULARYO Be sure to do exactly what the

questions asksO It is important to note the word

choices used in questionsO For example:

O DEFINE- state the meaning of a word or phrase or to give a specific example

O IDENTIFY- select a factor, person, or idea and give it a name

O EXPLAIN- higher form of analysis, often focused on process

Free-Response Questions

O What if you really don’t understand or remember something? O The first rule is don’t panic. Instead, write

confidently about the parts of the question you do understand, and include all parts of the question in at least a general way, if possible.

O Remember, it’s better to get some points than no points at all. At the very least, brainstorm. Perhaps you will stumble across something.

Do’s and Don’tsDo’s1. Write as neatly as possible (without wasting time). You’ll

get a better score if the reader can understand what you’re writing. If you make a mistake, simply draw a line through it and write the correct information above it. And, don’t use arrows or asterisk because they can be confusing to the readers.

2. Read the question. And then read it again. Think about what you’re going to write. Make sure you’re only answering what has been asked. Underline verbs so you know exactly what you are supposed to “do”.

3. Reread your work and make sure you’ve answered each question fully and correctly. Have you appropriately LINKED your answer to the question?

4. Leave yourself a few minutes at the end to revise or proofread your answers.

5. At the very least, use the EXACT VOCABULARY from the question in each component of your answer.

Do’s and Don’tsDon’ts1. Don’t give personal opinions. The exam is testing your

knowledge and understanding. Don’t waste time stating an opinion, unless you’re asked to do so.

2. Don’t give long, unnecessary introductions. Get to the point.

3. Don’t give information you weren’t asked for. You won’t get any extra points if you do. So don’t waste your time writing it.

4. Don’t spend more than 25 minutes on any one free-response question.

5. Fight the fatigue. Time generally is not a factor. Wasted time is. Spend the time that is provided. This is a high stakes exam, do not look back and think about how you wasted it because you were tired, bored, or indifferent.