The Secondary Source Short Answer Question (SAQ) on the AP history exam presents a unique challenge: students must analyze and synthesize historical interpretations from provided excerpts. This task requires more than simple reading comprehension; it demands critical thinking, contextualization,...
The argumentative essay question on the AP U.S. Government and Politics exam demands a synthesis of content knowledge, analytical skill, and persuasive writing. It challenges students to construct a coherent argument, supported by evidence from foundational documents and course concepts, while...
The Long Essay Question (LEQ) on the AP U.S. History exam offers students an opportunity to construct a sophisticated historical argument, supported by evidence and contextualized within a broader historical narrative. Effectively teaching this component requires a structured approach that...
You may have heard about the “Irish” Thesis Formula, it is all over the internet, some teachers like it, others hate it, but whatever you think about it, it works as an important strategy for helping students set up a complex essay. The argument against it, it is too complex and asks students to do...
You may have heard about the “Irish” Thesis Formula, it is all over the internet, some teachers like it, others hate it, but whatever you think about it, it works as an important strategy for helping students set up a complex essay. The argument against it, it is too complex and asks students to do...
One of the things that I spent most of my time thinking about, when the redesigned AP U.S. History course went into effect, was how to deal with the new Short Answer Questions. These were new, we had never seen these before, so how would we approach them and how would I teach them to my students.
Review season is upon us. With preparations for upcoming AP exams, finals, and other year-end assessments principals in cognitive science can help students study more efficiently and effectively. This post will explain some of these techniques and contrast them with less effective and more...
It’s the time of year when teachers and students begin their final push towards preparing for the AP Human Geography exam. Teachers and students often ask me, “What should I study?”.
From a practical point of view, argumentation is at the heart of the free response section of the AP exam. This can be particularly difficult with younger students who are taking their first AP history class. Properly organizing and planning essays can help our students to write more effectively...
This year’s AP Psychology Exam will be the first exam with the new curriculum which focuses intensely on research. Some may wonder about this focus and why students need to know so much about research in both the multiple-choice and free-responses. This post will exam address research in both...
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