Exam Guide
This course has been designed specifically with the AP exam in mind. For that reason, all tests given
throughout the course will be in the same format as seen on the AP exam. It is in the student’s best
interest to read over the following test guide and become familiar with the test structure to ensure
success in the class and on the AP exam in May.
AP Exam Structure % of Grade # of Questions Minutes Allowed
Section I (MC) 60 120 80
Section II (Essay) 40 4 90
Class Exam Structure % of Grade # of Questions Minutes Allowed
Section I (MC) 75 20 25
Section II (Essay) 25 1 15
Tests consist of two parts: multiple choice and essay.
Multiple Choice
On the AP exam, all correct answers will count as 1 point. Incorrect answers will count as minus ¼
point. Therefore, students should refrain from random guessing. However, on the course exams
incorrect answers will not count against you. This is due to the shorter time period available in class and
the lower number of questions on the exam.
Here are some strategies to utilize on the multiple-choice section:
1. Answer the easier questions first. All questions are worth the same amount of points regardless
of their difficulty.
2. Don’t let easy questions mislead you. If you come across what you think is an easy question, it
probably is. Don’t suspect that it’s a trick question.
3. Circle harder questions and come back to them later. Because all questions have the same point
value, don’t waste your time on harder questions.
4. Carefully answer reverse multiple-multiple choice questions. There will be many reverse
questions where you will need to choose the false choice. These questions usually use the word
“EXCEPT” in sentences such as “All of the following are true EXCEPT.” These questions can be difficult
because they require that you know more information about the topic then a typical multiple-choice
question. They are also difficult because half-way through the question you could forget that you are
looking for the false choice. To avoid confusion, mark a T or F next to each answer choice to identify
whether it is true or false.
5. Guess. Although random guessing will hurt your AP exam score, if you can eliminate one or two
answer choices, your odds of getting the correct answer improve considerably, and chances are you will
gain more points than you lose.
6. Pace yourself. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t know the answers to some questions. You don’
t need to answer all of the questions correctly to get a good score.
Free-Response Essay
This is the section of the exam where many students struggle. Your performance on the essay
questions will make or break your exam score.
The term essay is misleading for this type of exam. You do not want to write the type of essay you would
find in an English class. This means:
Don’t write an introduction
Don’t rewrite the question or form a thesis
Don’t waste time constructing elaborate sentences
Don’t worry about grammar, spelling, punctuation, or penmanship
Do write clear and concise sentences
Do label all sections of your answer (a, b, c, d, etc.)
Do include as much detail as possible
Do include graphs, charts, and/or diagrams with your answers
Do attempt all questions asked
Please note! Unlike the multiple-choice part of the AP exam, on the essay you will not be deducted
points for incorrect statements. This is true for the course exams as well. So even if you’re not sure
about a response, write it down anyway.