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2017 AP Macroeconomics Exam OverviewExam Format Time: 2 hours and 10 minutes long with two sections (1) multiple choice and (2) free-response.Section I: Multiple Choice | 60 Questions | 1 hour and 10 minutes | 66% of Exam ScoreQuestions require the use of economics content knowledge and reasoning across the range of course topics.Some questions require analysis of different hypothetical situations.Section II: Free-Response | 3 Questions | 1 hour (includes a 10-minute reading period) | 33% of Exam Score1 long free-response question (50% of section score)2 short free-response questions (each worth 25% of section score)Questions ask you to analyze unique scenarios using different course concepts.Some questions in the free-response section require graphical analysisCalculators are not allowed on the exam.Breakdown of Exam by Topic Section 1: Basic Economic Concepts and Section 2: Supply and Demand8-12%Section 3: Measurement of Economic Performance 12-16%Section 4: National Income and Price Determination: 10-15%Section 5: The Financial Sector 15-20%Section 6: Stabilization Policies (Inflation and Unemployment) 20-30%Section 7: Economic Growth and Productivity 5-10%Section 8: Open Economy: International Trade and Finance 10-15%Common Trouble Areas on the AP Macroeconomics ExamConfusing the change in demand with the change in quantity demandedMixing up change in supply with change in quantity demandedNot labeling graphs correctly, or not labeling them at allNot understanding the effects of monetary policy and fiscal policy on the interest rateNot having a full understanding of:Money and bankingLong-Run Aggregate SupplyInternational economicsNot knowing the difference between real and nominalConfusing comparative advantage calculationsNot being able to distinguish between demand-pull inflation and cost-push inflationMC Tips1. Answer every question.2. Use the process of elimination.3. If you don’t know an answer, skip it and come back to it at the end.4. Use other questions and answers to look for hints for questions you are stuck on. 5. Watch for words like except, not, and double negatives.6. Draw graphs, write out formulas and calculations, circle/underline/cross out terms to help you work out the answer. FRQ Tips1. Plan your answers using the 10-minute reading period. 2. Label graphs as fully and completely as possible.3. Organize answers in logical order: Don’t confuse the markers, label answers (a), (b), (c), etc. Answer your questions in this order to make sure you don’t skip any steps. If you don’t know an answer, at least attempt it. 4. Do not restate the question.5. Budget your time.6. Know the buzzwords.Show: Draw a diagram or graph. Add as many correct labels as you can! Identify: Provide a short direct response. Do not add further explanations or elaboration. An “identify” response might be as simple as a list, a label on a graph, or a short sentence like “unemployment will rise.”Calculate: Apply a formula or mathematical operation to come up with a numerical response. Be sure to show your work.Explain: Walk the reader through your economic reasoning. Include what will happen, and describe why or how it happens. This of this as tracing your steps. You may include graphs and symbols in your answer. 7. Use the right language. Use economic terms rather than common language, for example:Instead of saying “went up,” say “increased.”Instead of saying “went down,” say “decreased.”Do not say that curves “move.” Say that curves “shift.”Curves do not shift up or down, they shift left or right.Use the term “money” correctly:“Money” should only be used when discussing Money Creation and Money Supply.Do not write “money” when you mean “income.”Do not write “money” when you mean “currency.”More exam tips can be found here: ................
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