AP Seminar Exam Part A Strategies

Introduction

• Instructor: Mrs. Minnick
• Location: Lassiter High School, Marietta, Georgia
• Focus: Strategies for Part A of the AP Seminar End-of-Course Exam

Exam Format for Part A

• Structure: Three short answer questions based on one article
• Time: Suggested 30 minutes; students often use 40-45 minutes
• Total Exam Length: 2 hours, with ample time for Part B
• Weight: Part A is worth 13.5% of the total score

Answer Booklet Instructions

• Write responses in the answer booklet in the correct sections
• Use watermarks for guidance (question one, two, three)

Breakdown of Questions

Question 1: Identify the Argument

• Keyword: Identify
• Goal: Describe all parts of the argument comprehensively

Question 2: Explain the Line of Reasoning

• Focus: Identify claims and explain their interconnections
• Terms: Claims, line of reasoning

Question 3: Evaluate the Evidence

• Task: Judge the strength of evidence in terms of credibility and relevance
• Consider: How evidence supports claims, judge without bias

Rubric Insights

Question 1

• Accurately describe argument parts
• Understand arguments are not just in one section

Question 2

• Identify most claims and explain their relationships
• Differentiate summary from explanation

Question 3

• Evaluate evidence credibility and relevance
• Must explain why evidence is strong/weak, credible, relevant

Strategies

• Consider answering questions two and three first
• Use verbs like identify, explain, evaluate as guides
• Utilize title, first/last paragraphs, mark-up text

Specific Tips for Each Question

Question 1

• Structure: 1-2 focused sentences
• Avoid: Overgeneralization

Question 2

• Technique: Mark claims with "C"
• Structure: Explain relationships among claims, not just list

Question 3

• Technique: Mark evidence with "E"
• Objective: Explain why evidence is strong/weak

Practice with Example Text (2018 Sample)

• Example: "The Neuroscience of Your Brain on Fiction"
• Focus: Benefits of reading fiction, stimulates brain, social skills

Evaluating Responses

High vs Medium Scoring

• High: Specific, detailed evaluation of claims and evidence
• Medium: General, lacks depth

Key Takeaways

• Question 1: Don't overgeneralize
• Question 2: Explain, don't summarize
• Question 3: Evaluate beyond credibility
• Use language learned throughout the year
• Time Management: Take up to 45 minutes for Part A

Final Advice

• Focus only on provided content
• Take your time, practice good strategies
• Digital exam: cannot return once you advance past question three

Best of luck on your AP Seminar exam!