Testing Today - and upcoming dates!
Monday, March 16th
INFORM: Multiple Choice Test and Timed Essay for Module 12
There will be two days that the test will be open for you to take the multiple-choice part of their test.
- The first test on Module 12 will be the multiple-choice test that can be administered March 16th and 17th. If you are on an A/B schedule, you should plan to take the test on the day you are in class. You will have 40 minutes to complete this multiple-choice test.
- The second part is a Timed Response that will be open March 17th and March 18th. If you are on an A/B schedule, you should plan to take the test on the day you are in class. You will have 25 minutes to complete this timed-response test.
4TH QUARTER Scheduling
In order to accommodate the variety of Spring Breaks of individual school districts, individual assignment due dates for Modules 13 and 14 will be more flexible. However, the final due dates for each module are definite – no exceptions will be allowed!
That being said, you will need to plan to complete assignments on your own schedule. You may work during Spring Break to do this. If you choose not to work over your f2f school’s break, you need to plan accordingly and complete all assignments by the Module Deadline.
The Schedule for 4th Quarter is as follows:
CELEBRATE: Extra Effort
INSTRUCT: Writing Free Response Essays!!!
When attacking a psychology free response question, you should use the following guidelines:
1. Forget just about everything you have learned in English class. Psychology free responses are not graded like any English paper you have ever submitted. You earn no points for style, creativity, etc. Write as directly as possible, make a concerted effort to answer a portion of the question prompt with every sentence; do not waste valuable time writing introductions, conclusions, topic sentences, transitions, etc. Before writing anything a) identify/determine the number of points in the grading rubric the readers will use to grade your paper, and b) set up a brief outline to organize your plan of attack. Write each sentence with the goal of earning one of the points on the grading rubric. You must write in complete sentences. AP graders are not allowed to grade essays not written in complete sentences.
2. Points are accrued as each point in a predetermined grading rubric is satisfied by the free response. Points on your free response are awarded on an item by item basis, and cannot be taken away. Although, if you directly contradict yourself you cannot earn the point. This issue came up on the 2007 exam when students had to contrast DID and Schizophrenia. For example: Students said things like "In DID, the patients alter between personalities, but in patients with Schizophrenia they switch between personalities". This would not be awarded a point because the items contradict.
3. Grammar, spelling, style are not graded, psychological knowledge is. Hence the terminology, "free response," instead of "essay." If a grader can tell what you are writing, then they will try to distinguish what you are writing. Feel comfort in knowing items like neural and Rorshach are accepted.
4. Don't embellish thinking it will help your score. Once you have earned the point, it cannot be earned again. Going overboard in one area will not compensate for a lack of presentation in another. When in doubt, fake it, but make an effort on every part of the question prompt. Define and give two examples linked to the prompt - that is more than sufficient.
5. Write legibly. Graders are human, and extremely difficult reads make for cranky graders. Do not erase, rather cross out information...you may always add information and use arrows if you feel it necessary.
6. Do not list information. Always use a paragraph format, even if the question asks you to list. Be sure to write in sentences.
7. If you have spare time, continue writing. You may add sentences to clarify earlier points or address parts of the question for which you have no clue. You cannot earn a given point if you do attempt to earn it. Addressing every aspect of the question prompt is crucial.
8. Be specific. Vagueries are not rewarded. You may get credit for inferences drawn by your English teacher, but you will have no such luck with an AP Psychology grader.
9. Be confident. The deck is stacked in your favor. Knowing your psychology is your first and foremost tool for success. Knowing how to approach the free response, however, is equally as important.
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For more information, see free Web resources below. My AP Psych course is http://quizlet.com/class/99679/
More Information
Email: Kathryn.Cox@ncpublicschools.gov
Website: http://moodle.ncvps.org/
Phone: 910-984-9161
Twitter: @KCox_APPsych