AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY ADVICE
• #1 Don't Panic--when the student sees the
question their first response will probably be
“Mr. Sandefur did not teach us this....I wasted
my time in his class." Okay you have one
minute to think this and get over it. Now, take
a big breath. This may be true but he did
teach you some of the elements...read the
question....break it down...what can you
answer.....
AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY ADVICE
• #2 Always remember to "THINK
GEOGRAPHICALLY". This is a geography test
not a history test. Location, Scale, , Place and
Time are important.
Okay, the policy in the past has been that once the rubric
is set the scorers are looking for particular points and
we do not take off points for wrong answers. Points are
only given for right responses.
When an example is asked for the first example is
scored. Additional answers beyond what is asked for
are not considered at all. They cannot get credit for the
shot gun approach where they attempt to hit something
by giving multiple answers.
From David Palmer, APHG
teacher
The FRQ's on the AP Human Geography exam are scored on a value
added basis. What this means is that you earn points and don't lose
points for incorrect answers. The FRQs are scored based on a content
rubric that is developed by the test development committee and a set of
question leaders and table leaders.
In most cases students are rewarded for information that is correct and
stated in a manner that is consistent with the rubric. An exception to
this can occur when a student proposes two answers that contradict each
other. Last years Mexico question illustrated this. If a student stated
Mexico was and example of "primate city model" and that it fit the "rank
size rule" this created a contradiction of answers. No point was awarded
because of the contradiction.
The issue of examples and how they are handled can vary slightly
between questions. In general students are not penalized for being
thorough and detailed in their writing. If a student provides more than
one example it is very good advice to have them put their best example
first in case the rubric only allows for the first example.
If the question specifies a specific number of examples (ie two examples),
I advise my students to use the "and 1" principle. I have my students
give three examples with their best examples first.
The rational - Many students think they are giving two
examples when in reality they are only providing one example with more
details and explanation. The "and 1" principle gets students to more
expand their writing and provide more details. In general readers are not
punitive when a writer adds one more example. They view this as being
detailed. Warning - adding more than one extra example will be viewed as
excessive and activate readers to only accept the first example.
If the question does not specify a number of examples, students are
instructed to give two. In fact my rule is "when do we give examples and
details? Always!!"
AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY ADVICE
• #3 Practice--Go to the College Board Web Site
and look at the previous questions.
AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY ADVICE
• #4 Assume the reader is tired....it is the end of
the day...they have been grading since
8:00....Help the reader find the answer. Label the
different sections or at least start a new
paragraph for each part of the question.
• Underline appropriate terms. For example if the
question asks for the definition of a
nation......then underline the word nation so the
reader can see..."Oh yes here is the definition."
AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY ADVICE
• #5 One last hint---and this comes up at every
reading---ANSWER THE QUESTION--don't
ramble....yes it is better to try to answer the
question instead of leaving it blank....but don't
show off....if you have answered the question
don't keep writing in order to tell the reader
everything you have learned in APHG this
year.
AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY ADVICE
• Which goes back to # 1 Break the FRQ
down. Answer each part from the geographic
perspective (#2) and help the reader know
that this is your answer (#4).