Fellow gov students, just how extensive is the AP US Government and Politics exam? Is it a test of endurance or more of a sprint? Would love some tips on time management since pacing is not my strongest suit.
It's great that you're thinking about time management for the AP US Government and Politics Exam! This exam is structured to be completed within a set timeframe and consists of two main sections. The first is a multiple-choice section with 55 questions that you get 80 minutes to complete. The second section involves four free-response questions for which you'll have 100 minutes. This equates to roughly a minute and a half per multiple-choice question and 25 minutes per free-response question.
To manage your time effectively, use some of your study time to practice answering questions in a fixed amount of time. You'll also want to be comfortable with moving on from a question if you're unsure of the answer, instead of getting stuck and bleeding time you don't have. Remember, you're not penalized for guessing on the multiple-choice section, and at a certain point you want to just take your best shot and save your time for the other questions.
As you practice, you'll get a better feel for the pacing, and you'll improve your ability to gauge how much time to spend on each question. Keep practicing, and best of luck on the exam!
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