Tips for Writing AP Biology Essays / Writing Assignments

DO

1. The first thing that you should do is to carefully read the question /
prompt. The second thing you should do is read the question /
prompt, and the third thing you should do is read the question /
prompt. Be sure that you answer the question asked and only that
question and that you answer all parts of it.

2. Outline your answer in the allowed time, 5 minutes for in class essays
and 10 minutes for the College Board. Thinking ahead helps to avoid
astrices, skipping around and rambling. If you come up with an idea
while writing, make note of it in the column.

3. Write an essay. No bullet points. Outlines and diagrams, no matter

how elaborate and accurate are not essays and will not get graded.
Include a diagram only if it is required such as with a statement,
“include a diagram with your essay.”

4. If a diagram is to be labeled, label it carefully and place the labels in

the appropriate place. Be sure to refer to the diagram in your essay in
an exact and precise manner. For example, “Label C in the diagram
below shows the removal of the hydrogen atom from the amino
group.” As opposed to saying, “the diagram below shows the loss of a
hydrogen atom.”

5. Define your terms. Say something about each of the terms that you
use.

6. Answer the question parts in the order called for. It is best not to skip
around within the question. Many times the order of a multi-part
question directs your thinking to answer the question. On the College
Board Exam, the 4 essay questions, however, can be answered in any
order.

7. Write clearly and neatly. You cannot receive points for writing that is
illegible.

8. Write with details that support your answer and is on the subject
and to the point. Be sure to include the obvious. Answer the
question thoroughly.

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 9. 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.

10. For my essays, a black or blue pen or a pencil is fine but for the College
Board, you need a black ball point pen.

11. Widen your margins a little.

12. On the free response portion of the College Board Exam, you will
be given 10 minutes to think about and outline your answers to the 4
essay questions. Then you will be given 90 minutes to answer all 4
essay questions. Bring a watch such that you can gauge your 22
minute for each answer.

13. Understand that the free response questions, some of them, may
be difficult. But if they are difficult for you, think about what the other
80,000 students feel about them. You are much brighter than a large
majority of the students taking the exam. It is very likely that you will
not know everything... This is expected.

DON’T

1. Don’t ramble. Get to the point. There is no need to rewrite the

question as a statement in your answer.

2. Don’t panic and get angry because you are unfamiliar with the
question. Try to be calm and think as it is likely that we discussed
something about the question.

3. Don’t scratch out excessively. One or two lines through the unwanted
word(s) should be sufficient.

4. Don’t write more than a very few words in the margin.

5. Don’t worry about spelling every word perfectly or using exact

grammar. These are not a part of the standards the graders use. It is
important for you to know, however, that very poor spelling and
grammar will cost you points.

6. Don’t write sloppily. It is easy for the grader to miss an important word
when s/he cannot read your handwriting.
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