What can I do if I totally blank on any of the FRQs? Do you have any tips on how to jog your memory or how to maximize the points you can get without knowing a lot about the topic?
Hi, I’m taking the new 2016 AP European exam as well. The FRQ portion in the exam is consisted of 40% of your grade (while the DBQ is 25%, Short Answer is 20%, and Long Essay is 15%.) I wouldn’t recommend missing half of your FRQ (having above 50% will help reduce the chance of getting a 2.)
To maximize the points on the FRQ, you must understand the College Board is not testing you on memorizing the book in and out. it is impossible to know every single detail. Which is why they are trying to test your ability to acknowledge or synthesize the European characteristics/themes throughout the history. There are multiple strategies to crack the FRQ with little knowledge about the topic: process of elimination, chronological reasoning, common sense, and context clues. I would recommend getting a book on amazon to help you practice these skills.
I’m using this one right now, http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0804126194/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687682&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=1438002777&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0MAWASTA3YZZF5PQ1597
The book goes through explaining all the details on cracking down different portions, which is really useful on getting a 5 on the AP exam.
I heard for the FRQ specifically the SAQ that u need to somewhat get the question right, but what they are really looking for is your ability to explain why that is correct and give some context on the answer. Anyway I what I am doing is just trying to memorize the big time frame and what happened during those eras so once I see the timeline I can remember what it was about. And through that I will be able to remember the details. Good Luck!!!