I'm taking AP Psychology this year and am a little stressed about the FRQ section of our AP exam (Free Response Questions). Has anyone nailed a strategy that could help me get a good grip on these? I don’t want to melt down during the exam, so any tips would be much appreciated.
Absolutely, it's great to see that you're conscientious about preparing for your AP exam. For AP Psychology FRQs, here are some strategies that can help:
Understanding the Question: The first step even before writing your answer is making sure that you fully understand what's being asked. This may sound obvious, but under exam conditions, it's easy to misread or overlook part of the question.
Timing: You'll get a fixed amount of time for your FRQs, so it's essential you allot your time wisely. A good rule of thumb is to spend up to 1/3 of your time on planning your response and the remainder on writing the response.
Planning Your Response: When planning, the best approach is to break down the question into multiple parts, identify what concepts/terms you need to define, which theories are relevant, and what examples you can provide. Be sure to answer each part of the question in the order that they're presented.
Writing Your Response: When writing, always define the term or theory properly before analysing or discussing it. This will earn you points for demonstrating your understanding.
Use examples: Include relevant examples and experiences where you can, as these can help substantiate your points and demonstrate your understanding of the topic.
Write clearly and succinctly: Though it's not an English class, good writing and organization matter. Avoid fluff and get to the point. Be direct and explicit about what you mean.
Review: If time allows, go back, review your answer and make sure it directly answers the question, following the rubric guidelines. Correct any spelling errors, unclear sentences or repetition.
Remember, practice makes perfect. By solving numerous FRQs under timed conditions, you'll get a feel for the pacing, and it will also help you become comfortable with the test format. Also, reviewing past FRQs and solutions posted on the College Board website is a great way to understand the expectations. Make this part of your regular study schedule, and you'll be much more prepared on test day. Best of luck!
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