So I'm great at MC but horrible at Essays DBQs for APUSH

Test Preparation AP Test Preparation
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<p>So I know I can pull of a 70+ easily in the MC for the exam, however, for the essays and DBQ I think I will get 4s-5s. I want to know if I should just study really hard for the MC and maximize my score for that, because I really can’t see myself improving on writing with only 5 days left to spare. My writing is horrible, and I always try to make it good on essays but I just can’t, it’s just too hard. </p>

<p>So I want to also know if it’s possible for me to still get a 5 or at least above a 4?</p>

2

<p>whats wrong with ur essays?
is that u cant recall facts or are u a bad writer in general?</p>

<p>because if u know the facts (getting 70+ on MC means u know the facts), stringing all the facts together in the essay should be a breeze</p>

<p>usually about 55-60 mc questions right with 3 6’s gets u a 5 </p>

<p>-so if ur getting 75 right u can afford some 5’s</p>

3

<p>I am just a horrible writer, my organization is bad and I put my analysis in the wrong spots.</p>

4

<p>i would recommend going to the CB website and looking at past student essay examples…maybe u can get a feel for organization and analysis … if ur easily getting 70+ on MC, focus on ur essay writing … if ur getting 70+ easily thats basically maxing out</p>

5

<p>The two standard are just fact listing contests. Just write down as much **** as you can remember that’s related to the time period.</p>

6

<p>two words: brain-dump </p>

<p>but organization of the dump is very important. use paragraphs to seperate new ideas within a topic</p>

7

<p>Ok, thanks, I’ll throw out tons of facts during the 2 essays, but on the DBQ, I’ll provide some outside info and try hard to analyze. </p>

<p>Though one more question, I am terrible at writing thesis’s. They are usually really long for me, or do not provide any info. I don’t know how to write a decent one.</p>

8

<p>simple:
for the last sentence of two of your introduction, make a very clear and concise statement that will encompass all of what the aim of your essay is.</p>

<p>Your Thesis should be directly based off the essay question itself, but try not to exactly copy the language of the question. they dont like when thesis just restates the question</p>

<p>Make sure that you actually follow through and prove the thesis, and try to refer back to it using different words at the end of each paragraph.</p>

<p>Example: Analyze the extent of the effects of the 2nd great awakening on society between 1820-1860</p>

<p>Thesis at end of introduction: The 2nd Great Awakening had many widespread effects on American Society that would last for decades after its ending.</p>

<p>Make sure that you follow through and explain how the effects lasted for decades after as well. Notice how the thesis is very concise and extremely clear.</p>

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<p>From a the grade distribution chart of 2006 APUSH tests, people who score 70+ all got 5’s (except 1.8% of them), so i think you will be fine. No need to worry; even 5’s on essay and such will probably give you a 5</p>

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<p>Thanks a lot! I think I could get that 5 if I just practice some more with writing thesis’s and just pumping out those facts into the paper. Thanks guys, good luck with your AP exams!</p>

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<p>wow i have the exact opposite problem. on our mock test, i pulled two 9’s and an 8, but got 50ish out of 80 for MC.</p>

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<p>well what would you guys recommend for someone who isnt good at fact recalling for essays? =/</p>

<p>i generally get like high 50’s/low 60’s on my multiple choice portion but when it comes to the essays, i can’t remember information to write about. </p>

<p>save meeeeee. ahhhhhh. so what should i do to boost my essay writing skills? i already read through REA; it’s too late to buy/read AMSCO. what should i do?! any advice?!!?</p>

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<p>Once you get your thesis, essays are easy. If you aren’t good at writing, just dump your main reasons. </p>

<p>You can even dump your thesis at the end if needed. However, I recommend skipping 6-7 lines so you can brain dump and get back to the essay.</p>

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<p>bumpppp. any help on my post (the one before the previous one :P)? i’m trying to study now because apush exam is this friday!</p>

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<p>make an outline - i remember that really helped me stay on track last year</p>