If you’re a public relations or journalism student preparing to take your first Associated Style quizzes, be sure to read these helpful tips.
General Tips
- Review the AP Stylebook: Familiarize yourself with the key sections that will be covered in the quiz.
- Review Resources in Canvas: If your professor has provided additional resources, such as videos, in your course, take advantage of them.
- Practice Quizzes: Take practice quizzes to identify your weak areas. See Where to Find AP Style Practice Quizzes.
- Study Group: Form a study group with others in your class to discuss complex rules and exceptions.
Abbreviations
- Focus on common abbreviations like states, addresses, months and organizations.
- Understand when to use an abbreviation and when to spell it out.
Numerals
- Learn the rules for when to spell out numbers and when to use numerals.
- Pay attention to specifics like ages, percentages and dates.
Names and Titles
- Learn the AP Style guidelines for using courtesy titles.
- Understand how to abbreviate academic degrees and professional titles.
- Know when to use full names and last names only.
Grammar
- Brush up on common grammar rules covered in AP Style.
- Practice identifying and correcting grammatical errors in sample sentences.
Quiz Day Tips
In my classes, a lockdown browser is required for AP Style quizzes. Additionally, you may not use any resources while taking the quiz (including but not limited to the AP Stylebook, websites or your own notes.)
- Test Your Tech: Ensure that your computer, lockdown browser and internet connection are all working well in advance. (Taking the practice quiz is a great way to do this.)
- Find a Quiet Space: Choose a distraction-free environment where you won’t be interrupted during the quiz.
- Read Carefully: Even in a digital format, make sure to read each question and all answer options before selecting your choice.
- Pace Yourself: Time management is crucial. Keep an eye on the clock but don’t rush. My graded quizzes are 15 questions in 15 minutes.
- Review: If time allows, review your answers before submitting the quiz.
What additional tips do you have?
