Introduction to AP U.S. Government and Politics Examination

AP Exam at a Glance Section 1: Multiple Choice (50%) 45 Minutes 60 Questions No “Guessing Penalty” Questions focus on structure, definitions, and relationships Questions DO NOT focus on history, dates, or specific events Section 2: Free Response Questions- FRQs (50%) 100 Minutes 4 Questions All equal weight (12.5%) Link concepts from different areas of government together

The FRQ Process Step One: Prompt Analysis and Organization 1) Carefully Read The Question 2) Mark up the Prompt 3) Re-read the whole question including the question stem 4) “Do the Verb” (we’ll get to that) 5) Think before you write (either outline, use a graphic organizer, etc.)

The FRQ Process Step Two: Writing the FRQ 1) Stay Calm 2) Write neatly as possible in black or blue pen 3) Use labels from the question (a, b, c, etc.) 4) Leave blank lines in between each section 5) “Do The Verb” (we’re getting to it) 6) DO NOT write and introduction or give personal opinions 7) Be Specific 8 ) Restate the questions/prompt. Use the EXACT LANGUAGE from the question (CLOSING THE LOOP) 9) Re-read your answers from the POV of the reader

The FRQ Process Doing The Verb Write a sentence that simply answers the question (basic information) Write a sentence that provides the meaning of the word or concept (basic information) Provide the meaning of the concept PLUS statements that list true characteristics of the concept. An example will be helpful in order to prove yourself Provide sentences that describe a set of facts and clarify the causes and effects of the facts. You should use an “if… therefore…” statement to show cause/effect. An example is needed Make specific links between two or more concepts. List and describe the similarities AND differences between the concepts under consideration. Your comparisons need to be clear, not implies.

The FRQ Process Closing the Loop Refers to bringing the question BACK to its original intent It is something students often neglect because they feel it is stating the obvious However along with “misreading the question” it is probably the main source of missing points on the FRQ section

How do I get the score I want? If your desired score is a 1 You can do absolutely nothing all year and get a 1. Getting a 1 on the AP Exam is like of getting a diploma from Cantwell. In the end it means nothing and nobody is impressed with it.

How do I get the score that I want? If your desired score is a 2… Then you need to listen and take notes. You’ll probably glean enough information from class to pull off a 2. But frankly if your desired goal is a 2 I seriously have to question you. Nobody wants a 2. A 2 is like being the Arizona Cardinals. You aren’t the worst, but you never have a chance to do anything special.

How do I get the score that I want? If your desired score is a 3… Then in addition to listening and taking notes in class you have to carefully read the text book and actively participate in class. I mean carefully read, not what you usually do. I also mean ACTIVE participation. Not just raising your hand but paying attention and contributing. (By the way, this would probably be a B in class)

How do I get the score that I want? If your desired score is a 4… In addition to the previous advice in order to get a 4 you have to take advantage of outside resources. This is particularly important during the second semester when we are not meeting regularly. Use the YouTube channel, a review book, outside readings and review sessions.

How do I get the score that I want? If your desired score is a 5… While prayer probably won’t hurt you God still might be mad at the whole separation of Church and State thing and tell you C when it is really D. The key here is to use each other and prepare for the exam like a team. In the end you guys are each other’s best resources (but I mean use the other ones too)