ANSWERING FREE RESPONSE QUESTIONS IN APES

QUESTIONS
4 Questions in 90 minutes

o 1 Document-Based Question
o The reading (Freemont?) does not necessarily provide the answers to the questions. The reading
introduces the theme or topic. Do not repeat data from the reading.
o 1 Data-Set Question (no calculators)
o Graph, chart, diagram, table, data or statistics.
o Show calculations and write answers in a box.
o Always write units all the time.
o 2 Synthesis/Evaluation Questions
o You MUST write answers in full sentences in order to be awarded points.

LAY-OUT
 Write the number of the question in the box on the page.
 Write a), b), c) etc in the margin of the paper. (You might want to write 1a), 1b), 1c), etc but it is not
necessary.)
 Leave at least one line of space between each a), b), c), etc answer and even each i), ii), iii), etc answer,
a) Answer
Space
b i) Answer
Space
b ii) Answer
Etc.
 Answer each question 1, 2, 3 & 4 on a new paper.

ACTION VERBS
 Search for the ACTION VERB and answer in the way required by the action verb.
o IDENTIFY or LIST – no explanations or discussion required but write full sentences.
o DESCRIBE or EXPLAIN – a fuller answer is required. Almost always 2 (or more) points. First give
the answer and then describe or explain it. Maybe two sentences?
o DISCUSS – this means elaborate on an answer and maybe even give two points of view. Often
carries 3 points.
o WRITE AN ARGUMENT – is fortunately rare! Needs a paragraph. This is like justifying your
answer (with which you must start).

PLANNING
 Approx. 22 minutes per question.
 Some of these 22 minutes MUST be planning, before you begin writing the answer(s).
 You do not have to answer the questions in the order on the question paper, so you may want to start with
questions about which you are confident.
 Plan both layout and content.
 Draw circles or whatever you need on the question paper, to identify key words and ideas.
 Be very clear to identify exactly what you are being asked to answer.
WRITING ANSWERS
 Do NOT write the questions – the examiner knows what are the questions; s/he wants your answers only.
 Do NOT use bulleted points or numbered lists.
 Do NOT write introductions or conclusions; it is the knowledge content for which you will be awarded
points.
 Be CONCISE! Don’t waffle! Be scientific!
 If you make an error or want to rewrite or change an answer, simply draw a straight line through what you
have written and start again.
 Only offer the exact number of responses which are required. If two are asked for and three are given, the
first two only will be assessed.
 Do NOT include local examples in your answers, most especially examples local to Ecuador!
 Write legibly! If your answer cannot be read, you of course will not receive points.