Tips for Getting a “5” on
the APES Exam
SCORRRRE!!!!
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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-scoringworksheet.pdf
Multiple Choice Questions
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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.
Strategy 1 – Pace Yourself
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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.
Strategy 2 – Three Pass Strategy
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1. Easiest questions first
2. Medium tough questions next.
3. Make sure you fill in the correct bubble!!!!!
Strategy 3 - POE
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Or process of elimination
Use what you already know to eliminate
nonanswers
Strategy 4 – Aggressive Guessing
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Again, there is no penalty for guessing, but
guess wisely
Strategy 5 – Word Associations
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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
Example
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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?
Strategy 6 Mneumonics
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Create mneumonics or other memory joggers
to help you remember stuff!
Strategy 7 – ID Question Types
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Watch out for TRAP words like
EXCEPT/NOT/LEAST
10% of MC questions are of this type
Question context determines correct answer
Example
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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
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Why is “C” the correct answer?
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Overthinking = Wrong Answer
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Take questions at face value
Do not “read into” the question!
Games
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The sheet with the different websites contains
great games to help you learn!
Do these as often as possible!
Study with a buddy!
Strategy 8 – the Art of the APES Free
Response Essays
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http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/exa
m/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!!!!!
Tip 1
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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?
Tip 2
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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.
Tip 3
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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.
Tip 4
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Practice formulating hypotheses and deciding
whether a particular experimental design will
test a stated hypothesis.
This will help you with any experimental
design questions.
Tip 5
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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.
Tip 6
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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!
Tip 7
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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/UniversityCityHighSchoo
l/MrsTaraHowell/APES_Main_Chapters_to_Review
.pdf
Tip 8
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Take the tests in your Barrons’ book
Also take tests by other teachers
Tip 9
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There are always 4 questions on the Free Response
Section, and you have 90 minutes for all four!
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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!!!!
Tip 10
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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!