Multiple Choice and Free Response Questions The APGOV exam Multiple Choice and Free Response Questions

Multiple Choice questions Types Classic/best answer Most common Simply requires you to read and select best answer Except questions All answers are correct except one On your test, mark T or F next to each response There will only be 1 correct List and group questions List of possible answers and you must select the answer that contains correct group of responses Simplify by crossing our items from the list and then eliminating them in the answers below. Chart/graph/table questions Require you to examine the data on a chart, graph, or table Not difficult questions but if you spend too much time on them, it may slow you down To avoid read question and all possible answers so that you may know what question is asking you for

Tips for Multiple Choice Read the question carefully Do not skim especially the except questions Eliminate any answer you know is wrong You may write on the test book, so cross out any wrong answers Answer all questions No penalty for wrong answers One strategy: go through test quickly and answer all questions you know and then return to ones you were unsure of Read all the possible answers, then choose the most accurate response Exam is written to test your precise knowledge of a subject Sometimes there are multiple probable answers and one specific one-pick the specific one Avoid absolute responses Include words “always” or “never” Mark tough question

Free-Response Questions Four mandatory free-response questions on exam Usually one requires interpretation of a chart or graph Question is printed at top of page Answers can be written in any order Broken into different parts (a) (b) Label each part of your response

Not traditional essay questions Do not require an introduction, thesis, or conclusion Many can be written in short answer format Sounds easy right? You need to know the material because the questions are specific and are looking for specific answers-not vague prose 100 minute block Allow approximately 25 minutes for each question 5 minutes reading and jotting down few words for each point you want to cover in your answer 15 minutes writing your response 5 minutes making sure you covered each point with enough detail

25 minutes have passed and you are still not done Leave space and start new question Come back later if you have time Time left over Reread each free-response and make sure you have answered all of the sections Example: if asked to identify and explain a term, did you do both Finish early Sit quietly You may not read any outside material

Vocabulary for Free-response Define State the meaning for a word or phrase or give a specific example Define political party: a political party is an organization that sponsors candidates for political office under the organization’s name. Usually just one sentence

Vocabulary for Free-response Identify To select a factor, person, or idea and give it a name Identify one advantage of incumbency Possible response: one advantage of incumbency is the opportunity to do casework for constituents

Vocabulary for Free-response Describe To state and elaborate on a concept Can be thought of as an identification plus additional, relevant, factually correct information Example: ways President can check on Congress Writing “ the president can check the congress by using the veto” would not be adequate. Why?

Vocabulary for Free-response Describe To state and elaborate on a concept Can be thought of as an identification plus additional, relevant, factually correct information Example: ways President can check on Congress Writing “ the president can check the congress by using the veto” would not be adequate. Why? Because “veto” is simply identifying…not additional, relevant, factually correct information Correct response: “The president can check the congress by using the veto. The veto can be overridden by 2/3rd majority of each house.” –scores a point because it contains both an identification plus additional information

Vocabulary for Free-response Explain with/explain how How to give a cause or reason Usually contains word because Example: why does the ability to do casework give incumbents an advantage? By doing casework, such as helping a constituent get her Social Security check, members of Congress are able to leave a favorable impression on members of their district. This increases their chances of reelection because they are able to get positive results for their constituents, who will vote for them in the next election.

Scoring Free-response Scored using a rubric that assigns points for each part of the answer Part (a) requires you to identify and explain two factors Will usually be worth 4 points (1 point for each identification and one for each explanation) Part (b) requires you to identify and explain one factor Usually worth 2 points (1 for identification and one for explanation This means the question is worth a total of 6 points

Work As a group take two minutes to score each of these sample essays You are not looking to see if information is correct at this time, just did they follow rubric.