A2_Tips for Writing Essays

8/7/2019 A2_Tips for Writing Essays

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Tips for Writing AP Biology Essays / Writing Assignments

DO

1. The first thing that you should do is to carefully read the question /

prompt. The second thing you should do isread the question /

prompt, and the third thing you should do is read the question /

prompt. Be sure that you answer the question asked and only that

question and that you answer all parts of it.

2. Outline your answer in the allowed time, 5 minutes for in class essays

and 10 minutes for the College Board. Thinking ahead helps to avoid

astrices, skipping around and rambling. If you come up with an idea

while writing, make note of it in the column.

3. Write an essay. No bullet points. Outlines and diagrams, no matter

how elaborate and accurate are not essays and will not get graded.

Include a diagram only if it is required such as with a statement,

“include a diagram with your essay.”

4. If a diagram is to be labeled, label it carefully and place the labels in

the appropriate place. Be sure to refer to the diagram in your essay in

an exact and precise manner. For example, “Label C in the diagram

below shows the removal of the hydrogen atom from the amino

group.” As opposed to saying, “the diagram below shows the loss of a

hydrogen atom.”

5. Define your terms. Say something about each of the terms that you

use.

6. Answer the question parts in the order called for. It is best not to skip

around within the question. Many times the order of a multi-part

question directs your thinking to answer the question. On the College

Board Exam, the 4 essay questions, however, can be answered in any

order.

7. Write clearly and neatly. You cannot receive points for writing that isillegible.

8. Write with details that support your answer and is on the subject

and to the point. Be sure to include the obvious.Answer the

question thoroughly.

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9. If you cannot remember a word exactly, take a shot at it-get as close

as you can. If you don’t have a name for a concept, describe the

concept.

10.For my essays, a black or blue pen or a pencil is fine but for the College

Board, you need a black ball point pen.

11.Widen your margins a little.

12. On the free response portion of the College Board Exam, you will

be given 10 minutes to think about and outline your answers to the 4

essay questions. Then you will be given 90 minutes to answer all 4

essay questions. Bring a watch such that you can gauge your 22

minute for each answer.

13. Understand that the free response questions, some of them, may

be difficult. But if they are difficult for you, think about what the other

80,000 students feel about them. You are much brighter than a large

majority of the students taking the exam. It is very likely that you will

not know everything... This is expected.

DON’T

1. Don’t ramble. Get to the point. There is no need to rewrite the

question as a statement in your answer.

2. Don’t panic and get angry because you are unfamiliar with the

question. Try to be calm and think as it is likely that we discussed

something about the question.

3. Don’t scratch out excessively. One or two lines through the unwanted

word(s) should be sufficient.

4. Don’t write more than a very few words in the margin.

5. Don’t worry about spelling every word perfectly or using exactgrammar. These are not a part of the standards the graders use. It is

important for you to know, however, that very poor spelling and

grammar will cost you points.

6. Don’t write sloppily. It is easy for the grader to miss an important word

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