End of Course Exam: Short Answer and Long Essay

Overview of the End of Course Exam

• It evaluates your ability to analyze texts, synthesize information, and craft arguments.

• The AP Seminar End-of-Course Exam consists of three short-answer questions (SAQs) and one long essay question, and both exams will be given two hours to be completed. You can complete the exam in any order.

• Remember that there is a rubric that highlights everything you need to do.

Short Answer Questions

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.

  • 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.

Question 2: Analyzing Claims and Reasoning

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

  • 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.

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.

  • 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?

Long Essay Question

• The Long Essay requires careful planning and more time than the Short Answer Questions. Therefore, aim to spend at least an hour and a half on this section.

• While the essay doesn't need to be perfect, it should still have clear structure, strong reasoning, and use appropriate evidence.

What to Expect:

• Central Theme: The provided sources share a common theme, but each offers a different perspective.

• Your Task: Choose two sources and argue a perspective not presented in the evidence. For example, if one source supports view A and another supports view B, your argument should present view C.

Steps to Write:

1. Read All Sources: Identify the central theme that is presented.

2. Develop Your Argument: Think of an original perspective that is different from those in the sources.

3. Select Evidence: Choose two (or more) pieces of evidence that support your argument.

4. Write a Thesis: Clearly state your position.

5. Outline: Organize your claims and evidence.

6. Write the Essay: Stay focused and continue without second-guessing the direction.

7. Revise: Review your work for clarity and coherence and revise if necessary.

Conclusion

• To prepare for the End-of-Course exam, review the rubrics and practice using past exams, sample responses, and scoring notes.

• Analyze high-scoring examples to understand what worked well.

• Remember, you’ve been developing these skills throughout the year, so trust in your abilities. Stay confident, and avoid stressing!