AP Credit Policy Search

TIPS ON WRITING ESSAYS AND SHORT ANSWERS *From Valerie White

• Thoroughly READ the prompt first. The language of the question is very key! Then re-read it again and underline important parts.

• After you've read the prompt once, go through again and identify (highlight, underline, circle...) the specific tasks so you know exactly what to do.

• Do not be impulsive. Think first. You have plenty of time to write. Make notes then start to write.

• Do not list points (Oh, the irony…) Make run on sentences if you think you’re running out of time. Only write in paragraphs. You may number your points but each one must still be in complete points.

• Organize your response and answer all parts to the prompt in the same order it was asked. This will help to ensure you have not missed a task.

• Answer each task in a separate "paragraph".

• After you've written your response. Go through the tasks again and identify them in your response.

• Do not write an introduction or conclusion paragraph.

• Spelling and grammar do not count.

• Do not write anything as fact unless you are 100% sure.

• MUST INCLUDE FOR EVERY ARTWORK: TITLE/DESIGNATION, NAME OF ARTIST AND/OR CULTURE OF ORIGIN, DATE OF CREATION (DOWN TO AT LEAST THE DECADE), AND MATERIALS USED.

• Use the rule of three or more: If you mention “the drapery”, what about the drapery and where is it specifically evident in the artwork? For example, if the prompt asks for evidence of the characteristics of a particular movement or time period, discuss them one at a time as evident in the artwork. Meaning, if mathematical precision is characteristic, point out in the artwork where the mathematical precision is- proportions, linear perspective, golden ratio etc.

• Be aware of how many artworks/architecture the prompt is asking form. If the prompt says "artworks" you must include at least two artworks. Reference only ONE artwork unless the prompt specifically asks for two. You will not receive more points by discussing more artworks. Choose one good one and analyze the heck out of it. Do not compare and bring in other artworks if the prompt does not specifically ask you to. If it says "compare" then you compare. Remember, language is key!!

• UNDERLINE titles of paintings and sculptures. Architecture is not underlined. You’re still not in the habit of doing this.

• Do not use architecture if the prompt asks for "artworks". Only use architecture if it specifically says architecture.

• If you choose a global contemporary work to answer the prompt you must clearly connect the artwork back to the artist's cultural origins.

• If the prompt includes a quote to respond to, you MUST quote the quote.

50 VOCAB WORDS THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

* From REA's AP Art History​

1. Pylon

2. Hypostyle

3. Hierarchical scale

4. Register

5. Repousse

6. Corbelled Vault

7. Kouros

8. Kore

9. Caryatid

10. Pediment

11. Entablature

12. Contrapposto

13. Frieze

14. Mosaic

15. Voussoir

16. Pendentive

17. Iconoclasm

18. Encaustic

19. Enamel

20. Mihrab

21. Westwork

22. Ambulatory

23. Tympanum

24. Clerestory

25. Barrel vault​

26. Groin vault

27. Crypt

28. Vellum

29. Diptych

30. Triptych

31. Predella

32. Chiraroscuro

33. Cartoon

34. Enconchado

35. Orthagonal

36. Intaglio

37. Impasto

38. Avante-garde

39. Bauhaus

40. Ready-made

41. Cantilever

42. Biomorphic

43. Assemblage

44. Phototype

45. Daguerreotype

46. Stupa

47. Pagoda

48. Pueblo

49. Mudhra

50. Ukiyo-e​