<p>Basically, I'd like to know how much work has to be shown for full credit. For subjects like Calculus BC, Physics, and Chemistry I tend to skip a few steps but I still get the right answer.</p>
<p>A perfect example is when calculating the pH of a monobasic weak base. I quickly do the calculation like this:</p>
<p>pH=14+log[(Moles of undissociated base molecules*Kb)^0.5) </p>
<p>Is that too much in one go? Should I show more steps?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance for replies</p>
<p>Well, I dont know the chemistry part, but for BC, the steps are CRITICAL. Obviously skipping some baby steps is fine, but for everything else, it's always a good idea to write a lot. </p>
<p>The graders only give one or two points for a correct answer. If anything, you can get the answer completely wrong in part (a), but use the math correctly in the next three parts using that answer, and still pull off a nice score.</p>
<p>We took a full three-hour exam the other day, and went through the responses, and I got points for having the equation written down, or for theorems, having the steps like f(a)=f(b), or lim is continuous, etc, will get you a point. Also, drawing figures or graphs can get you points. Just look at the previous years' exams and their rubrics, and see how they grade. </p>
<p>My teacher says it's like a "knowledge dump" on your paper. Just write everything!</p>
<p>Hope that helps.</p>
<p>I believe this is the case for math:</p>
<p>If it is a general question, they will look for your answer. If it matches the key, then they will look over your work to see if you got your answer from some progression, instead of a guess.</p>
<p>Usually if this is the case, you'll get the full points.</p>
<p>However, if your answer is different from the key, they will credit partial points and look into your work with scrutiny.</p>
<p>I dont think thats necessarily true. </p>
<p>If you look at the Calc rubric, it will say (and I am quoting from the actual rubric)</p>
<p>1 pt: sets up ratio
1 pt: computes limit of ratio
1 pt: identifies radius of convergence
1 pt: considers both endpoints
1 pt: analysis/conclusion for both endpoints</p>
<p>Nowhere does it say, "the answer must be correct for the test taker to get the points." You can totally screw up on step 5, getting a wrong answer, but get 4 full points. </p>
<p>This was just half the question</p>
<p>How is the AP U.S. Govt. FRQ are graded? Any tips that might help me to do well?</p>
<p>I took AP gov last semester, and this is what my teacher taught us...</p>
<p>The grader is not going to take off points if you get something wrong, they only add points when you get something right. You have to answer ALL parts of the question. For instance, here's a question:</p>
<p>List and describe two types of Presidential staff organization within the White House, then name 2 presidents and what type they used. </p>
<p>(I totally made that up, but we had a question just like it, so my wording is completely off). </p>
<p>So, essentially, you are trying to get 6 points. 2 points for the first part: pyramidal, circular, or ad hoc. 2 pts for the 2nd: chief of staff who speaks directly to the president, everyone speaks to the president, or committees respectively. And then 2 points for the last part, Clinton used Ad Hoc...and Jed Bartlett uses Pyramidal. </p>
<p>So, if you answer all the parts correctly, you will get full points. The reader won't look at all the fluffy writing, they are only looking for straight forward answers within complete sentences. However, if you don't remember an answer, you can simply keep writing trying to stab at it, and maybe pull off a point. </p>
<p>Does that make sense? If not, just go to the collegeboard website and look at previous years questions and scoring guides.</p>
<p>For many of the math and math based science courses, setting everything up is the key to doing well. For just putting down the answers, you will probably get about 20% on the FR portion of the test.</p>
<p>I would try to put down as much info as you can onto the paper. I know on some of the old physics tests that I have read, you get a point just for writing "momentum is conserved." As long as you aren't rushing to finish the test, try to write down as much as you can in order to get your point across.</p>
<p>Just show all your work and if one doesn't know the answer, don't write down random nonsense.</p>