Tips for Getting a

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Tips for Getting a 5 on the APES Exam
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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 http//apcentral.collegeboard.com/a
  pc/public/repository/env-sci-2008-scoring-workshee
  t.pdf

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Multiple Choice Questions

• CAREFULLY read the stem with EACH of the answer
  choices
• Eliminate answers you know wont work
• Go with your gut! Select the answer that seems
  to be the best and LEAVE IT ALONE!
• Represents 60 of your exam.

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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.

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Strategy 2 Three Pass Strategy

• 1. Easiest questions first
• 2. Medium tough questions next.
• 3. Make sure you fill in the correct bubble!!!!!

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Strategy 3 - POE

• Or process of elimination
• Use what you already know to eliminate nonanswers

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Strategy 4 Aggressive Guessing

• Again, there is no penalty for guessing, but
  guess wisely

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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

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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?

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Strategy 6 Mnemonics

• Create mnemonics or other memory joggers to help
  you remember stuff!

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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

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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?

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Overthinking Wrong Answer

• Take questions at face value
• Do not read into the question!

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Strategy 8 the Art of the APES Free Response
Essays

• Previous FRQs on College Board website (and your
  AP Prep playlist)
• Contains AP free response questions, grading
  rubrics and example answers for 1999 2013
• Brainstorm and outline BEFORE you write
• Include HOT BUTTON terms
• Label any and all diagrams and figures!
• SHOW ALL MATH AND DONT FORGET UNITS!!!!!

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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?

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Free Response Essays
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Tip 6

• Take the tests in your AP Prep playlist
• Also review other practice tests, diagnostic
  assessments

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Tip 7

• 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!!!!

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Tip 8

• Eat a good breakfast with lots of protein. Dont
  eat a lot of sugar or white flour products your
  body will metabolize it too quickly and youll
  have a sugar drop!
• Dont study the night before the test. Go out
  and have fun! See an action movie!
• BREATHE! AND RELAX!