Hey! Can someone help me better understand how the AP World History exam is graded? I've heard it's curved, but I'm not sure how that works exactly. Thanks in advance!
Hey there! I'd be happy to help explain the grading process for the AP World History exam. The exam has two main sections: Multiple Choice/Short Answer Questions (MCQs/SAQs) and Free Response Questions (FRQs). Let's break it down:
1. Multiple Choice/Short Answer Questions (MCQs/SAQs): This section consists of 55 multiple choice questions that you'll have 95 minutes to answer and 4 short answer questions that you'll have 50 minutes to answer. This section accounts for 60% of your final score.
2. Free Response Questions (FRQs): This section consists of 3 essay-based questions - one Document-Based Question (DBQ), one Long Essay Question (LEQ), and one Short Answer Question (SAQ). You'll have 100 minutes to complete this section, which accounts for 40% of your final score. Your answers will be scored on a rubric by qualified AP graders.
Now, let's talk about the curve. AP exam scores range from 1 to 5, with a score of 3 or higher generally considered "passing." The "curve" refers to the conversion process of turning your raw scores from each section into a composite score, which is then converted into the 1-5 scale. The curve is designed to ensure that students' scores accurately reflect their knowledge and skills compared to their peers. Every year, the College Board determines the curve based on the exam's difficulty and the overall performance of students.
The curve takes into account the difficulty of the questions, the distribution of student scores, and the desired percentage of students achieving each score. It is unique for each year's test, so there's no precise predetermined percentage-to-score conversion. Generally speaking, students who perform above average across both sections have a strong chance of earning a 4 or 5, those with average performance are more likely to earn a 3, and students who perform below average may receive a 1 or 2.
In summary, both your MCQ/SAQ score and your FRQ score are combined to create a composite score, which is then curved and converted into the final AP score on the 1-5 scale. Preparing well in advance and understanding the format and content of the exam will help you maximize your performance and achieve the best score possible. Good luck with your studying and your exam!
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