How to Study for the End of Course Exam in AP Seminar

Identify the Overall Argument

Look for the thesis or ask what main point the author is making.

Provide Context

Explain why the author supports this argument.

Detail Example

Instead of just stating a title or summary, expand with reasoning and evidence.

Go Beyond Listing Claims

Instead of simply identifying the claims, analyze how each claim strengthens or weakens the argument.

Explain Connections

Show how the reasoning helps or hurts the claims to the thesis.

Write Thoroughly

Aim for detailed analysis, about a page or more, to fully address the question.

Analyze Each Piece of Evidence

Examine how well each piece supports the author's argument.

Evaluate Credibility

Consider whether the evidence is reliable and trustworthy.

Discuss the Evidence as a Whole

Is the overall evidence credible? Does some evidence strengthen the argument more than others?

Three short answer questions

Question 1: Identify the Author’s Argument

Question 2: Analyzing Claims and Reasoning

Question 3: Evaluating Evidence

Long essay question

The Long Essay requires careful planning and more time than the Short Answer Questions.

Read All Sources

Identify the central theme that is presented

Develop Your Argument

Think of an original perspective that is different from those in the sources.

Write a Thesis

Clearly state your position.

Outline

Organize your claims and evidence.

Write the Essay

Stay focused and continue without second-guessing the direction.

Revise

Review your work for clarity and coherence and revise if necessary.

Select Evidence

Choose two (or more) pieces of evidence that support your argument.

AP Seminar End-of-Course exam consists of:

Three short-answer questions and one long essay question

Total hours for the exam to be completed:

Two hours

Question 1: Identify the author’s argument

A complete response explains the argument and its supporting rationale. You need to make sure to fully explain the author's idea.

Question 2: Analyzing Claims and Reasoning

In this question, you evaluate whether the author's claims and reasoning effectively support their main argument.

Question 3: Evaluating Evidence

In this question, you must assess the author's evidence, determining how effectively it supports their claims and the credibility of the sources used.