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
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Personalities:
Major Events:
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Significant Dates:
Historians, Titles, etc.
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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.