5 Steps to a 5 AP Chemistry

know some students who always seem to ace the multiple-choice questions, and some

students who would rather set themselves on fire than sit for another round of “bubble

trouble.” We hope that, with a little background and a few tips, you might improve your

scores on this important component of the AP Chemistry exam.

First, the background. Every multiple-choice question has three important parts:

1. The stemis the basis for the actual question. Sometimes this comes in the form of a
   fill-in-the-blank statement, rather than a question.

Example:The mass number of an atom is the sum of the atomic number

and ________

Example:What two factors lead to real gases deviating from the predictions of

Kinetic Molecular Theory?

2. The correct answer option. Obviously, this is the one selection that best completes the
   statement, or responds to the question in the stem. Because you have purchased this
   book, you will select this option many, many times.


3. Distracter options. Just as it sounds, these are the incorrect answers intended to dis-
   tract anyone who decided not to purchase this book. You can locate this person in the
   exam room by searching for the individual who is repeatedly smacking his or her fore-
   head on the desktop.

Students who do well on multiple-choice exams are so well prepared that they can easily find

the correct answer, but other students do well because they are perceptive enough to identify

and avoid the distracters. Much research has been done on how best to study for, and com-

plete, multiple-choice questions. You can find some of this research by using your favorite

Internet search engine, but here are a few tips that many chemistry students find useful.

1. Let’s be careful out there. You must carefully read the question. This sounds obvious, but
   you would be surprised how tricky those test developers can be. For example, rushing
   past, and failing to see, the use of a negative, can throw a student.

Example:Which of the following is nottrue of the halogens?

a. They are nonmetals.

b. They forms monatomic anions with a −1 charge.

c. In their standard states they may exist as solids, liquids, or gases.

d. All may adopt positive oxidation states.

e. They are next to the noble gases on the periodic table.

A student who is going too fast, and ignores the negative not, might select option (a),

because it is true and it was the first option that the student saw.

You should be very careful about the wording. It is easy to skip over small words like

“not,” “least,” or “most.” You must make sure you are answering the correct question.

Many students make this type of mistake—do not add your name to the list.

2. See the answer, be the answer. Many people find success when they carefully read the
   question and, before looking at the alternatives, visualize the correct answer. This allows
   the person to narrow the search for the correct option, and identify the distracters. Of
   course, this visualization tip is most useful for students who have used this book to
   thoroughly review the chemistry content.

34  STEP 3. Develop Strategies for Success