Understanding the Format of the AP Biology Exam

2. Basic Info Section I: 100 multiple-choice questions in 80 minutes 60% of total score Section II: 4 Free-Response Questions 10 minute Reading Period to read/outline response 90 minutes to write essays in response booklet (~22 min/essay!) 40% of total score

3. Section I: Multiple-Choice Questions BE Careful of EXCEPT Questions 1. All of the following statements about photosynthesis are true EXCEPT Read all choices before choosing

4. Multiple-Choice strategies Pacing is important! (100 Q/80min) Give yourself about 48 sec. per question. Answer every question . NO penalty for guessing!! Answer every question . NO penalty for guessing!! Lab-set questions are tedious. Skip the diagram, skim the question first , then go back to the diagram to seek the information. Underline key words such as NOT or EXCEPT.

5. Multiple-Choice strategies Read each answer choice before making a final selection. Use process of elimination! Cross out letters of incorrect choices in test booklet . Narrow it down. If you absolutely dont know it, GUESS! Dont leave anything blank! If you finish early, go back over as many items as possible to catch careless errors.

6. Free-Response Questions At least 1 question is based on one of the 12 AP labs During 10-minute reading period: Skim each question Identify which is easiest hardest Organize thoughts and outline essays on sheet provided Circle or underline KEY WORDS in questions Be sure to address each directive listed. (eg. analyze, compare, contrast, describe, design, explain )

7. Free-Response Questions If there are several parts, answer in sequence . Write an essay ! No bullet points or outlines. Diagrams: Label them! Calculations : Show your work and each step! Buzz words : Define or describe them! If you cant remember a term , describe /define it. Dont leave any part of essay blank . Each point is worth 2X a multiple-choice point . If time allows, proofread your essays! Be kind to Readers: use good handwriting

8. Hard Chapters They Will Ask About Pick Your Top 5 Check Out Chapter Reviews For: Ch 6 +7- Cell Organelles + Membranes (Psi) Ch 8 - Metabolism + Enzymes (Diagrams) Ch 11- Cell Communication (Reception, Transduction., and Cell. Response) Ch 12+13 Cell Cycle(Mitosis) + Meiosis (IPP.) Ch 14+15 Mendel, Chromosomes, Inheritance (Punnetts, Linkage,) Ch 16-18 DNA RNA Protein Trait (Central Dogma) Got To Keep It Regulated Ch 35 Transpiration (Psi, Stoma..) Ch 43,35,48 Immune, Endocrine, Nerves (Pathways) Ch 53+54 Population(k-capacity, k+r) + Community Ecology (Symbiosis), Energy + Ecosystems (E Pyramids, Trophic Levels)

9. Sunday: Most Important Get a Good Nights Sleep (at least 8hrs) No Snooze Button Action Though MONDAY Morning : Eat a Healthy Breakfast

10. On test day: Arrive early ! (30 minutes before start time.) Eat a good, nutritious breakfast!! Bring a photo ID. 2+ sharpened #2 pencils + clean eraser 2 black ballpoint pens for essay Bring a watch. NO CALCULATORS !! Also, NO books, notes, laptops, cameras, cell phones

11. Ohhhhmmmmm. RelaxYou Got this