Understanding Short Answer Questions

The video tutorial, led by Todd Beach and Katie Lancy, provides an in-depth guide on tackling Short Answer Questions (SAQs) in the AP exam. It covers the structure of SAQs, including the types of sources and time periods involved, and emphasizes the importance of understanding task verbs like 'identify', 'describe', and 'explain'. The instructors recommend using a T-E-A structure (Topic, Evidence, Analysis) for responses and demonstrate this with examples from past exams. They also highlight the importance of using the prompt's stem in responses and address common student errors. The session concludes with a review of strategies and motivational advice for exam success.

What percentage of the score do the short answer questions account for in the exam?

• 10%

• 20%

• 40%

• 30%

Which task verb requires you to provide relevant characteristics of a topic?

• Analyze

• Explain

• Describe

• Identify

What is the purpose of using the stem of the prompt in your response?

• To avoid using examples

• To make the response longer

• To focus on the task

• To confuse the examiner

In the example SAQ 4, what was one cause of the development of the Concert of Europe?

• Napoleon's death and the Congress of Vienna

• The American Revolution

• The French Revolution

• The Industrial Revolution

What was the main reason for the breakdown of the Concert of Europe according to the student response?

• The French Revolution

• The Crimean War

• The Industrial Revolution

• The American Civil War

How are minor errors in student responses treated during grading?

• They result in a zero score

• They are corrected by the examiner

• They lead to a deduction of half a point

• They are ignored if they don't distract from the main point

What does the 'T' in the TEA structure stand for?

• Time management

• Task verb

• Thesis statement

• Topic sentence

What is the role of 'E' in the TEA structure?

• Elaborate on the question

• Evaluate the response

• Evidence or example

• Explain the topic

Why is it important to have a consistent strategy for answering SAQs?

• To impress the examiner

• To ensure you finish on time

• To make the exam more challenging

• To avoid using examples

What is the benefit of using the TEA structure in your responses?

• It avoids using examples

• It makes the response longer

• It confuses the examiner

• It helps organize thoughts clearly