Cracking the AP Human Geography Essays Grading Essays

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Cracking the AP Human Geography Essays

Cracking the AP Human Geography Essays

Grading § Essays just graded on points § Rubrics divide points available for each

Grading § Essays just graded on points § Rubrics divide points available for each part of the essay § To get the maximum number of points make sure you cover all parts of the essay question

Question Types § There will not be two or more questions from the same

Question Types § There will not be two or more questions from the same subject are § At least one question will have a map, table, diagram, or model that you must analyze § Another will require you to make a critical argument based on a theory, principle or issue in Human Geography § Another type is the process question where you have to describe the details of a theory or issue § Expect the unexpected – if you get a question that seems unfamiliar DON’T PANIC!!

Writing the Essay § Edit your work when you finish § Read directions carefully

Writing the Essay § Edit your work when you finish § Read directions carefully – they mean what they say § You can write the essays in any order but be sure to label your essays § Start each new essay on a fresh page § Most high scoring essays use 2 -3 pages § No need for essay titles § Write carefully and legibly § Don’t stress over spelling and grammar § It is important to recognize if a question is asking you about a specific place and/or historical time frame

Time Management § There are three essay questions that you have a total of

Time Management § There are three essay questions that you have a total of 75 minutes to answer § Break down your time like this: § § § Essay 1: 5 mins to outline, 20 mins to write Essay 2: 5 mins to outline, 20 mins to write Essay 3: 5 mins to outline, 20 mins to write § Remember to be flexible though, you may answer some questions more quickly and then you can re-allot your time

Outlining § Before you start writing make an outline § Organized essays are easier

Outlining § Before you start writing make an outline § Organized essays are easier to understand

Many economic factors have advanced suburbanization in the United States. A. Describe two effects

Many economic factors have advanced suburbanization in the United States. A. Describe two effects that service industries have had on the expansion of the suburbs. B. Discuss the negative aspects of suburban sprawl for the following service sectors: Education Transportation Environmental Protection § Q 1 Outline: § A. Define § A 1. Service jobs available in subn. comm. § A 2. Serv. consumers living in subn. Areas § B. Discuss § B 1 a. Schools expensive. Taxes are high. § B 1 b. More school blds and land needed § B 2 a. Highways are expensive § B 2 b. More roads, more problems § B 3 a. Change from nature to living space § B 3 b. New homes eat up land

Operator Terms § You need to consider what the question is asking you to

Operator Terms § You need to consider what the question is asking you to do. § Each question will have an operator term that specifies what you are expected to do with the material.

§ Describe: Write out the details or component parts of the concept or issue

§ Describe: Write out the details or component parts of the concept or issue that the question addresses. Emphasize the most important elements and say why they are significant. § Discuss: Write about both sides of an issue or concept. State the positive and negative aspects. Explain who wins and who loses in the process or situation. Or, explain the impacts of the issue or concept. § Analyze: Write about the relationship between factors and their impacts. Look for cause and effect relationships. Explain why the process you describe is a problem or benefit for the real world. § Define: Write out the definition of a term or process. Say why the concept is significant to geographic thinking or why it matters in the real world. Some definitions are simple (like “place”) and others can be complex (like “environmental determinism”). § Example: Write about a real world places, process, or situation that captures the essence of the concept that the question addresses. Make sure that the example you give is most topical. Don’t just use one that you like. Some questions will give you the example and you will have to describe how and why that place fits the concept.

§ Explain: Write about a process that is implied in the question. In conceptual

§ Explain: Write about a process that is implied in the question. In conceptual terms: A happens, resulting in B, which then leads to C. Say why these things occur. State why the process you describe is a problem or a benefit in the real world. § Compare: Take two or more concepts or examples and state their similarities (give more than one). If there are differences, list these as well. State why the similarities or differences are significant and say what impact they have. § Contrast: Specifically describe the differences between two or more concepts or examples. Make sure to find at least two differences (unless the question says to do otherwise). § Assess: Write about the importance, impact, or effectiveness of a concept or issue. You will need to determine the positives and negatives of the conceptual or real world situation. It’s OK if you state the positives and negatives balance out, or if the good outweighs the bad (or vice versa).

The Rubric § § § § Are the key terms underlined? Yes 1 No

The Rubric § § § § Are the key terms underlined? Yes 1 No 0 Is the essay 2 -3 pages in length? Yes 1 No 0 Is the essay single spaced? Yes 1 No 0 Are the essays separated by a blank page? Yes 1 No 0 Are there titles? Yes 0 No 1 Is it legible? Yes 1 No 0 Does the author cite example relevant to the topic? Yes 1 No 0 § Is there an outline? Yes 1 No 0