AP Multiple Choice Strategies

Even Godzilla had a plan!

1. Assess passages. To be considered when planning order of attack: difficulty of passage, length of passage, and number of questions.

2. Annotate the readings. To be considered: paragraph summary, thesis statements, figurative language, rhetorical devices, and unique syntax/diction.

3. Cover the answers. When applicable, attempt to answer questions using text before reviewing choices.

4. Examine context of passages. When analyzing specific lines, back up and read ahead to recognize context.

5. Strategically skip questions. When you have no clue what the question is asking, circle it, skip it, and come back to it later if you have time. DON’T MESS UP YOUR SCANTRON.

6. Pace yourself. Four passages=15 minutes per passage. Five passages=12 minutes per passage. If you borrow from Peter to pay Paul…

7. Finish the test. The only way to earn points is to answer questions. Skip a passage and your chances of passing are markedly reduced.

8. Check your answers. Time to spare? Revisit skipped questions. Thoroughly substantiate tough questions. CHECK YOUR SCANTRON FOR ERRORS.