DO’s and DON’T’s When Writing AP Biology Essay Exams
DO:
1. Read the question carefully, then READ IT AGAIN, then READ IT AGAIN and then READ IT AGAIN once
after answering. Note the instructional words (describe, explain, compare, contrast, design, etc)
2. Follow all instructions in the question carefully. If a question instructs you to CHOOSE THREE out of FIVE
topics to discuss, you will only be evaluated on the first three that you discuss, no matter how complete or
correct your fourth and fifth answer is.
3. Make it easier for the reader to read. Answer each question on a separate page, identify the question you are
answering, and use paragraphs and spacing to make it easy for the reader to find your answers.
4. Outline the answer to avoid confusion and disorganization. Thinking ahead helps toavoid scratch-outs,
skipping around, and rambling.
5. Attempt to answer all the questions.
6. Define any term that you use. You will not receive credit for lists of terms that are not explained.
7. Answer the parts of the question in the order called for. It is best to not skip around.
8. Write clearly and neatly. Unreadable answers are never given any credit.
9. Go into detail on the subject, and to the point. ANSWER the question THOROUGHLY!
10. If you cannot remember a word exactly, take a shot at it – get as close as you can. If you don’t have a name
for a concept, describe the concept. Specific terms are not as important as demonstrating that you
understand the idea.
11. Use a BLACK ball point pen.
12. Remember that no detail is too small to be included, as long as it is to the point. Cite examples of major
concepts whenever you can.
13. If you draw a diagram, carefully label it (otherwise it gets no points) and place them inthe text at the
appropriate place, not detached at the end. You must discuss the diagram and won’t receive points for the
diagram alone.
14. Bring a watch to the exam so that you can pace yourself. You have four essays withabout 22 minutes for
each answer.
15. PRACTICE outlining and writing essays throughout the year.
16. You are not penalized for wrong information unless you contradict a correct point for which you received
credit.
17. Understand that the exam is written to be hard – the average score is about 50%correct. It is very likely
that you will not know everything, so relax and do your best.
DON’T:
1. Don’t waste time on background information unless the question calls for historicaldevelopment or historical
significance. Answer the question!
2. Don’t ramble, get to the point!
3. Don’t shoot the bull – say what you know and go on to the next question. You canalways come back if you
remember something.
4. Don’t use pencil or an ink color other than black.
5. Don’t panic or get angry because you are unfamiliar with the question. You probablyhave read or heard
something about the question – be calm and think.
6. Don’t scratch out excessively. One or two lines through the unwanted words is sufficient. If you decide at
some point you have misinterpreted the question, state that fact and begin again. You may have earned
some points in your first answer. Credit cannot be given for erased or marked out material.
7. Don’t write words in the margins unless it is necessary.
8. Don’t worry about spelling a word exactly or using perfect grammar. These are not a partof the standards
that the graders use.
9. Don’t write sloppily. It is easier for a grader to miss an important word when he/shecannot read your
handwriting.
10. Don’t restate the question, or write introductory or closing paragraphs. This is not an English essay, it is an
answer to a question.
11. Don’t leave questions blank. Make some effort on every question.
Modified from :
AP Biology Handbook byTricia Glidewell AND Do’s and Don’t’sfor Writing AP BIO Essays by JR Wanamaker