- Note the time and allot about half the remaining minutes to each question. Stick to the
time you’ve allotted for your first question so that you’ll have adequate time to answer
the second one. - Read the question again carefully. Underline or highlight key words. Say the question
to yourself in your own words. Be sure you know what the question is asking. (If you
are not sure, read the question again.) - See if you can segment the question into parts that will earn a credit. Generally each
question has six to twelve segments which each earn a credit. For example, if you are
asked to differentiate between proactive and retroactive interference, and give an example
that illustrates each, you can segment the question into four points—
Point 1—Define proactive interference.
Point 2—Define retroactive interference, indicating clearly how it is different from
proactive interference.
Point 3—Give an example of proactive interference.
Point 4—Give an example of retroactive interference. - No matter how much you write, you cannot get more than the one point allotted for any
segment. Scorers look for an adequate answer for the point and move on. So should you! - No matter how brilliant an introduction you write, or what a great closing paragraph
you create, if it doesn’t answer a segment of the question, you will not earn credit
for it. So, do NOT spend any time writing an introductory paragraph or a concluding
paragraph. Do NOT spend time rewriting the question as an introductory statement.
Start by answering the first question segment, and finish by answering the last question
segment. - Write complete sentences. You cannot earn any points for a list, or an outline. Unless
you are specifically told that you can provide a graph, table, or diagram in your answer,
you will NOT earn any credit for one. - Even if you are not sure of something that you think might possibly earn a credit, write
it. You may get credit for it. Unless you are contradicting something else that you said,
you will not have points subtracted for saying something wrong. - Write your answers clearly and legibly in dark blue or black ink. If you are equally
comfortable printing or writing in script, print your answers. Readers appreciate
easy-to-read answers. Put a line through anything you want to cross out. Do NOT
waste time blackening out, erasing, or “whiting” out. - You don’t need to get full credit in order to get a 5 on the AP exam. The better you do
on the multiple-choice section, the more leeway you have for your essays.
40 STEP 3. Develop Strategies for Success“I was so ‘time-
tied’ by the time
I finished the first
essay that if
I hadn’t scribbled
some thoughts for
the second
question as soon
as I got my
paper, I’m sure
I wouldn’t have
gotten that 5 on
the exam!”
—Jessica, former
AP student
“Vocabulary is
the key to doing
well. If you know
the right terms,
define them, and
apply them to the
question, you’ll
probably get most
of the points.
That’s how
I got a 5.”
—Amanda,
former AP
student
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