Tips for Getting a “5” on the APES Exam

SCORRRRE!!!!  There is no longer a penalty on the test for guessing – that means that your multiple choice score is simply based on the total number of correct answers  Scoring rubric repository/env-sci-2008-scoring- worksheet.pdf repository/env-sci-2008-scoring- worksheet.pdf

Multiple Choice Questions  CAREFULLY read the stem with EACH of the answer choices  Eliminate answers you know won’t work  Go with your gut! Select the answer that seems to be the best and LEAVE IT ALONE!  Represents 60% of your exam.

Strategy 1 – Pace Yourself  You have 90 minutes for each section  Slow down and answer the questions you know the answers to!  If you think you can use process of elimination to answer tougher questions, do so.

Strategy 2 – Three Pass Strategy  1. Easiest questions first  2. Medium tough questions next.  3. Make sure you fill in the correct bubble!!!!!

Strategy 3 - POE  Or process of elimination  Use what you already know to eliminate nonanswers

Strategy 4 – Aggressive Guessing  Again, there is no penalty for guessing, but guess wisely

Strategy 5 – Word Associations  After reading the MC stem, use POE to remove non answers.  Then, use the remaining choices but look at the stem again and look for terms associated with the stem

Example  All of the following are important in smog production EXCEPT  A. photochemical reactions  B. stratospheric ozone  C. tropospheric ozone  D. volatile organic compounds  E. nitrogen oxides  Note that C, D, and E can be eliminated because they are all important in smog formation. Of the two remaining, which is correct, A or B? Why?

Strategy 6 Mneumonics  Create mneumonics or other memory joggers to help you remember stuff!

Strategy 7 – ID Question Types  Watch out for TRAP words like EXCEPT/NOT/LEAST  10% of MC questions are of this type  Question context determines correct answer

Example  All of the following are components of integrated waste management EXCEPT  A. using canvas bags that can be reused rather than disposable bags  B. using old appliances for construction of artificial reefs  C. using disposable diapers instead of cloth diapers  D. using reused glass bottles  E. using planking made from recycled plastic  Why is “C” the correct answer?

Overthinking = Wrong Answer  Take questions at face value  Do not “read into” the question!

Games  The sheet with the different websites contains great games to help you learn!  Do these as often as possible!  Study with a buddy!

Strategy 8 – the Art of the APES Free Response Essays  m/exam_information/2003.html m/exam_information/2003.html  Contains AP FRE questions, grading rubrics and example answers for 1999 – 2010  Brainstorm and outline BEFORE you write  Include HOT BUTTON terms  Label any and all diagrams and figures!  SHOW ALL MATH AND DON’T FORGET UNITS!!!!!

Tip 1  Explain technical terms when used in an answer. Just dropping terms without demonstrating an understanding of the term will not earn any credit.  Ex. Bioaccumulation increases the likelihood of biomagnification.  What does each word mean? Did you give a good example of how this process works?

Tip 2  Marshal good arguments in favor of, or against, a particular position on an environmental issue. Make sure you understand that restating the question is a waste of time in a timed test, and doing so will never earn any points.

Tip 3  When questions ask the student to describe, discuss, or explain, they should go beyond listing and identifying.  Review the APES Essay Questions and Rubrics to help you see what is necessary from past tests.

Tip 4  Practice formulating hypotheses and deciding whether a particular experimental design will test a stated hypothesis.  This will help you with any experimental design questions.

Tip 5  You need to work on critical reading skills, i.e., knowing what the key words are in a question.  Carefully reading questions and responding appropriately.  When questions ask you to "describe," "discuss," or "explain," they should go beyond listing and identifying.  Students who use outline form, or one- or two-word answers, do not demonstrate the depth of their knowledge.

Tip 6  Be able to describe spatial patterns of environmental change and the stepwise sequence of ecological events that accompany such changes.  The different concept maps can help you remember this!

Tip 7  Free response breakdown  APESWEB/FREE%20RESPONSE%20organized% 20.htm APESWEB/FREE%20RESPONSE%20organized% 20.htm  Breakdown of APES Multiple Choice and Free Response Questions by Content  l/MrsTaraHowell/APES_Main_Chapters_to_Review.pdf l/MrsTaraHowell/APES_Main_Chapters_to_Review.pdf

Tip 8  Take the tests in your Barrons’ book  Also take tests by other teachers

Tip 9  There are always 4 questions on the Free Response Section, and you have 90 minutes for all four! 1 data set question 1 document based question (read and answer/expound) 2 synthesis and evaluation questions  Do the easier questions first  Attempt the harder questions to get points!  These represent 40% of your APES grade!!!!

Tip 10  Eat a good breakfast with lots of protein. Don’t eat a lot of sugar or white flour products – your body will metabolize it too quickly and you’ll have a sugar drop!  Don’t study the night before the test. Go out and have fun! See an action movie!  BREATHE! AND RELAX!