AP Test Hints!!!
Multiple Choice Hints:
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Make sure you read ALL the answer choices before you
answer. Often times there are more than one correct
answer…but there is a BETTER answer!
There will be questions on the test that I never taught you
and others that you just can’t remember.
The test gets easier as you go. The last 50 will be easier
than the first 50. Some students like to go backwards.
Go through the entire test booklet circling all the answers
you find the easiest. Circle any questions that you think
you know but that you need to go back and spend some
time thinking about. After you have done all the ones that
you find easiest, then go back to the ones that you had
circled. Now, go fill out your scantron with the answers
you have.
Multiple Choice Hints:
Any time left over and you can go back to the ones that
were really hard… usually ones that require some
calculation, and see if there are any that you can figure
out.
9. You can write all over the test booklet, so underline key
words.. Words like “EXCEPT” or which is “NOT” the
correct answer. This will help you to focus on what the
question is asking you.
10. You might want to cross out incorrect answers as you go
so that you can narrow down you choices.
11. Don’t rush! You have 90 minutes to take the test. You
will not get out early if you finish early… you must sit
there until the 90 minutes are up. If you have time left
over, you may want to go back and check your answers to
make sure you didn’t make a careless mistake.
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FRQ Hints:
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The maximum number of points you can get on each FRQ is
10 points. After you have answered all the FRQ’s go back and
see if you can “find” where the points come from. If you only
get to 8 or 9 points, chances are you forgot to respond to
some part of some question. See if you can find what you
forgot!
I recommend answering the FRQ’s in this order… 4, 1, 3, 2.
Question 1 will most likely be a DBQ. Question 2 will
probably be the math question and question 3 and 4 are
usually “typical” FRQ’s that are looking to see what you know
about some environmental issue.
Make sure you show all your work on any math
questions…even if that work could be done in your head!
No work= no credit!
Make sure all your answers are on the answer document.
Use the test booklet to brainstorm, then answer on the
answer document!
All answers must be in complete sentences! No credit for
incomplete sentences!
FRQ Hints:
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When the question asks you to “identify”… this can be
done in one sentence.
When the question asks you to “describe”, “discuss” or
“explain” you need about 3 sentences for each answer.
When the question asks you to “identify and describe”,
etc. you need about 4 sentences!
FRQ Hints:
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When the question asks for an “Environmental” benefit or
cost… you talk about animals, plants, soil, air, etc. Do not
talk about humans!
When the question asks for a “societal” benefit or cost…
you talk about people, cities, crops, etc.
When the question asks “what could the government
do?”… you answer with something about writing a law or
educating the public.
When the question asks “human health” effects… you talk
about asthma, emphysema, nervous systems issues like birth
defects, brain damage, or cancer. These cover most
environmental health hazards. Obviously, if you know the
effect, then write the correct effect…otherwise guess!
When the question asks for “economic” benefits or costs…
you talk about money and jobs.
FRQ Hints:
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Do not skip any parts of the FRQ… this is different than from multiple
choice… if you don’t know…put something down that you think might
be right!
If the question says to give “TWO” reasons… only the first two things
you right down are graded. Same if it says “ONE” reason…only the first
is graded.
If the question says “Identify and describe TWO reasons…” that means
that you need 4 sentences for the first reason and another 4 sentences
for the second reason… 8 sentences all together!
Do not restate the question or give an opening paragraph and
conclusion. This is NOT an English essay… it is a “free response”… that
means short answer, complete answer, complete sentence!
Pace yourself… you have approximately 22 minutes for each FRQ. Don’t
spend too much time on one, you will run out of time on the other. This
is why I say to answer the math question (probably question 2) last.
Most students spend a lot of time answering the math question. Also,
there will be some questions on the math question that are not math.
Answer those first, then go back and try to answer the math. Remember,
you are not allowed a calculator on this exam so show all your work!
FRQ Hints:
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Do not answer a question with “it is bad for the environment” or it will “harm
biodiversity”. These are too vague. You need to explain HOW it is bad for the
environment or HOW it will harm biodiversity. Also, don’t say it will cause
“pollution”… any third grader can say that.. Be specific, name a particular
chemical, etc. Show the grader that you know some science facts… you do! I
taught you!
Do not answer the FRQ’s with one giant “super paragraph”. Label your answers
with 1a. 2c. Etc. That way the grader knows exactly what you are trying to say!
Remember that there are environmentalists grading your response…always go
with the answer that is best for the environment unless it asks you to do
otherwise.
Sometimes they want you to show “both sides of an argument”. An example of
this is “describe on incentive that the government of a country could offer its
citizens that would favor a reduction in the growth rate of its population.
Explain how this incentive would work, and describe one possible drawback.”
They are looking for you to play “Devils advocate”.
Go with the most obvious answer. The grader doesn’t give you “extra” points
because you know some obscure fact or law that you learned about on
Discovery Channel. Try to give the answer that MOST of the nation will give.
If you don’t know a law… always fall back on the Endangered Species Act, The
Clean Air Act or the Clean Water Act. These usually work if you can support
you answer!