Nine Steps to Success in the Free Response Section of the A.P.

The Ten Steps to Success in the Free Response Section of the A.P. Examination

“Formulaic Writing” Strengths & Weaknesses

Analyze the ways in which technology, government policy, and economic conditions changed American agriculture in the period 1865-1900. In your answer be sure to evaluate farmers’ responses to these changes.

Part I. Before you write Steps #0 - #3

Foot Prints Where

are you standing? See the A.P. Curriculum (pp. 4-8) and determine the exact ‘location’ of this question.

Take Inventory List

all relevant information that comes to mind about the topic at hand.

Agriculture: 1865-1900        

Personalities: Major Events: -

       

Significant Dates: Historians, Titles, etc. -

The Prompt Read

the question. What the author is asking for from the student?

Analyze the ways in which technology, government policy, and economic conditions changed American agriculture in the period 1865-1900. In your answer be sure to evaluate farmers’ responses to these changes.

Analyze the ways in which technology, government policy, and economic conditions changed American agriculture in the period 1865-1900. In your answer be sure to evaluate farmers’ responses to these changes.

‘… changed American agriculture in the period 1865-1900’ 1.

Technology 2. government policy 3. economic conditions

The Outline Write

down your basic plan of attack as you begin your investigation.

A Basic Outline  Introduction

 Concession

 Set

statement  Conclusion

scene  Example -A  Example -B  Example

-C

Time on Part I Three to five minutes

Part II. The Foundation Steps #4 - #5

Thesis Statement

“Tell them what you are going to say, …” (3 - 5 sentences)

Set the Scene

Why is this paragraph important? (4 - 6 sentences)

Benefits: Place

question in context. Establish parameters.  Demonstrate credibility

III. Presenting Your Case Steps #6 - #7

The Evidence “The Rule of Three.”

Guidelines: 1.

2.

3.

Note the prompts. Develop your essay in linear fashion. Cite your sources.

Supporting Evidence -

Names / major events - Cultural references - Specific historians

“My brain is fried!”

Return to Step 1. The Inventory may help trigger your memory.

Question: Should

I…high-light?

No. It’s a distraction. It’s patronizing.

Question:  Is

it wise to take a controversial position on a question?

Question: Probably not. The readers do not know the student and such essays often read poorly.

7. Concession Statement Explain the fundamental argument of the opposing position. ….. Then refute it.

A good concession statement will …

Demonstrate command of an alternative view on the issue

Allow for a smooth transition into the conclusion.

Closing Arguments “Tell them what you said”

Benefits: Build

on your concession statement.  Reiterate the strengths of your position.

The Intangibles

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

Ranking vs. Grading

“What is the impact of an impression on the student’s final grade for the essay?”

Common Errors  Spelling  Punctuation

 Arrows

/ lines  Ink Color

 Readers

will expect your students to write properly and punish those who don’t

Common Errors  Arrogant

or

immature commentary

 There

is a time and a place for this. The A.P. Test is not one of these. Use good judgment.

Fatigue Factor  It

is hard to describe how tired the readers get while reading these essays. Anything which acts as an irritant can have an adverse impact the score.