2. Free Response  40% of the final grade  Emphasizes the application of principles in greater depth  Here you will demonstrate reasoning and analytical skills as well as the ability to synthesize material from several sources into coherent essays

3. 4 Questions 1. Analysis of a Data Set 2. Document-Based 3. Synthesis and Evaluation (2) One of these may require you to set up an experiment to show some particular effect

4. Taking the Exam  You have four essays to answer with about 22 minutes for each  Divide that time into three segments: 3 minutes to read, think about, organize and outline the question 17 minutes to write the essay 2 minutes to read and edit the essay  Use a ballpoint pen with dark black ink  No calculators!  Use complete sentences. No lists or outlines. They will NOT be graded.

5. Grading  Each question is graded on a 10 point scale  The grading rubric is set up to contain slightly more than 10 points (e.g., 11- 13).  However, you can only earn a maximum of 10 points on any one question.

6. Things to do  Read and reread each question carefully  Be sure to answer the question(s) asked and only those questions  Answer all parts of the question  Answer the question parts in the order called for and label them "a", "b", "c", etc. as they are labeled in the question.

7. Things to do  Pay close attention to the verbs used in the directions, such as describe, explain, compare, give evidence for, graph, calculate, etc., and be sure to follow those directions.  Key Phrases Key Phrases

8. Things to do  Write the essay. Outlines and diagrams, no matter how elaborate and accurate, are not essays, and will not get credit by themselves  Exceptions: If you are asked to calculate a number, this does not require that you write an essay, but be sure to show how you got your answer. Show formulas used, and the values inserted into those formulas. If asked to draw a diagram, be sure to label the components carefully and correctly.

9. Things to do  Define and/or explain any terms you use. Say something about each of the important terms that you use.  Write clearly and neatly. It is not a good idea to antagonize or confuse the reader with lousy penmanship.

10. Things to do  Go into detail that is on the subject and to the point. Be sure to include the obvious (for example, "light is necessary for photosynthesis"). Most points are given for the basics anyway  Answer the question thoroughly. Remember that no detail is too small to be included as long as it is to the point..  If you cannot remember a word exactly, take a shot at it - get as close as you can. If you don't remember the name of the concept, describe the concept.

11. Relax!  The exam is written to be hard.  The national average for the essay section will be about 50% correct (i.e., 5/10).  It is very likely that you will not know everything, This is expected, but it is very likely that you do know something about each essay, so relax and do the best you can. Write thorough answers.

12. If you average a 5/10 on your FRQ you can still pass!  To get a 5……85% on MC  To get a 4……63% on MC  To get a 3……49% on MC MC x.909 = Weighted section 1 score FR(1.5) + FR (1.5) + FR (1.5) + FR(1.5) = Weighted section 2 score  5 = 107-150  4 = 87-100  3 = 75-86  2 = 62-74  1 = 0-61

13. Analysis of a Data Set  Data is presented in tabular or graphical form  It measures your ability to interpret and analyze data  Some questions are mathematical, asking the student to do a series of calculations and then to relate the answers to some environmental concepts. The calculations usually involve large numbers and using scientific notation will help with organization.  Example 1999 (#3), 2008 (#4)19992008

14. Document Based  You will read a document and answer questions based on the information in that document as well as expand on it based on your general knowledge.  Restating information from the document will NOT give you points. Make sure you draw from case studies to add examples relevant to the question.  Example 2009 (#2)2009

15. Synthesis or Evaluation  The AP Exam may include what are called synthesis and conceptual questions.  These questions may ask you to indicate the relationship between two or more concepts.  If you do not know the relationship between the concepts, at least tell what you do know about them individually.  Example 2004 (#3)2004

16. Synthesis or Evaluation  If the question says to ‘discuss’ or ‘describe’ 1. Define the topic 2. Describe or elaborate on the topic 3. State an example of that topic  If the question says to ‘compare and contrast’ 1. Clearly state what the items have in common 2. Clearly state how items are different

17. Synthesis or Evaluation  *If you are asked to design or describe an experiment, be sure to include the following: hypothesis and/or predictions identify the independent variable - what treatments will you apply identify the dependent variable - what will you measure identify several variables to be controlled (very important) describe the organism/materials/apparatus to be used describe what you will actually do and include the time frame, how you will take data, and how the data will be analyzed  State how you will draw a conclusion (compare results to hypothesis and predictions)  Your experimental design needs to be at least theoretically possible (don’t describe simulations e.g. using beans to represent beetles or goldfish to represent fish)  Example 2001 (#2), 2003 (#1)20012003

18. Synthesis or Evaluation  If you are asked to graph: set up the graph with the independent variable along the x-axis and the dependent variable along the y-axis – label each including units! mark off axes in equal (proportional) increments and label with proper units plot points and attempt to sketch in the curve (line) if more than one curve is plotted, write a label on each curve (this is better than a legend) give your graph an appropriate title (what is it showing?) Example 2003 (#2), 2002 (#3)20032002

19. Synthesis or Evaluation  For questions involving calculations, calculators are not allowed.  You receive NO credit for the correct answer only.  If the question asks a mathematical problem 1. Show every single step of all work 2. Set up problems so that labels cancel out (dimensional analysis) 3. Write answers with labels 4. If numbers are very large or very small, use scientific notation if at all possible 5. Make sure to include all appropriate units – avoid naked numbers! You won’t receive full credit without units.

20. Things NOT to do  Do not waste time on background information or a long introduction. Answer the question.  Don't ramble. Get to the point; don't shoot the bull. Say what you know and go on to the next question. You can always come back later and add information if you remember something.

21. Things NOT to do  Only use black ball point pens. Don't use felt tip pens -they leak through the paper and make both sides hard to read.  Neatly cross out mistakes; there is no need for white-out  Do not write sloppily. If the grader can’t read what you wrote, you will receive no credit.  Don’t write sloppily a term you can’t spell or can’t remember. You will not fool the reader.  Don't write more than a very few words in the margin.

22. Things NOT to do  Don't worry about spelling every word perfectly or using exact grammar. These are not a part of the standards the graders use.  There is no need to say the same thing twice.  This also goes for restating the question. Don't restate it, just answer it.

23. Things NOT to do  If given a choice of two or three topics to write about, understand that only the first one(s) you write about will count.  Make a choice and stick with it. If you decide that your first choice was a bad one, then cross out that part of the answer so the reader knows clearly which part you wish to be considered for credit

24. Things NOT to do  Don't leave questions blank. Remember that each point you earn on an essay question is the equivalent of two correct multiple choice questions, and there is no penalty for a wrong guess, bad spelling or bad grammar.  Make an effort on every question! Don't Quit!

25. Next week…  Review of specific topics  Additional Review tools Blackboard YouTube – search “APESinabox”APESinabox Facebook group – National APES Review Smartphone Apps ($.99-3.99)