Tips for Getting a “ 5 ” on the APES Exam

1. Tips for Getting a “5” on the APES Exam

2. 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/apc/public/repository/env-sci-2008-scoring-worksheet.pdf

3. Multiple Choice Questions • CAREFULLY read the stem with EACH of the answer choices • Eliminate answers you know won’t work • Go with your gut! Select the answer that seems to be the best and LEAVE IT ALONE! • Represents 60% of your exam.

4. 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.

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

6. Strategy 3 - POE • Or process of elimination • Use what you already know to eliminate nonanswers

7. Strategy 4 – Aggressive Guessing • Again, there is no penalty for guessing, but guess wisely

8. 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

9. 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?

10. Strategy 6 Mneumonics • Create mneumonics or other memory joggers to help you remember stuff!

11. 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

12. 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?

13. Overthinking = Wrong Answer • Take questions at face value • Do not “read into” the question!

14. Games • The sheet with the different websites contains great games to help you learn! • Do these as often as possible! • Study with a buddy!

15. Strategy 8 – the Art of the APES Free Response Essays • http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/exam/exam_information/2003.html • Contains AP FRE questions, grading rubrics and example answers for 1999 – 2010 • Brainstorm and outline BEFORE you write • Include HOT BUTTON terms • Label any and all diagrams and figures! • SHOW ALL MATH AND DON’T FORGET UNITS!!!!!

16. 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?

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. Tip 6 • Be able to describe spatial patterns of environmental change and the stepwise sequence of ecological events that accompany such changes. • The different concept maps can help you remember this!

22. Tip 7 • Free response breakdown • http://www.orange.k12.oh.us/teachers/ohs/jsangdahl/APESWEB/FREE%20RESPONSE%20organized%20.htm • Breakdown of APES Multiple Choice and Free Response Questions by Content • http://teacherweb.com/CA/UniversityCityHighSchool/MrsTaraHowell/APES_Main_Chapters_to_Review.pdf

23. Tip 8 • Take the tests in your Barrons’ book • Also take tests by other teachers

24. Tip 9 • 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!!!!

25. Tip 10 • Eat a good breakfast with lots of protein. Don’t eat a lot of sugar or white flour products – your body will metabolize it too quickly and you’ll have a sugar drop! • Don’t study the night before the test. Go out and have fun! See an action movie! • BREATHE! AND RELAX!