Analyzing only 2 voices (urgent...AP Theory exam TOMORROW!)

[jam8086]

I will be taking the AP music theory exam tomorrow, and when looking at the answers for last year's exam in a part where you have to analyze a phrase with only the bass and soprano provided, in the key of E major, in two places it has an A in both the bass and the soprano, however, in one place it is marked as a IV and in the other it is marked as a ii6.  These two chords are exactly the same, but they have different roman numerals.  How can this be?

You can see the answer sheet here...
https://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/ap/students/music/ap05_sg_music_theory.pdf
I'm referring to question 3, which is on page 6.

Also, has anyone taken this exam and have any tips for me?  How did you feel when you took it, was it better or worse than you actually did? (i.e. Did you feel you did poorly but actually got a 5.)

Thank you!

[pianistimo]

it's been a few years since i've taken this kind of theory test, but i think it has to do with the direction of note in the bass as to what chord you will pick (either IV or ii).  you will notice that the first choice was the IV when the bass went up a fourth and a ii6 when it went up a second from the I6.  there is much left unsaid with open chords like this and so more room for error.  maybe they are looking for a method to your figuring - and so i would mostly use the bass as the guideline (and top note to check).

if you have already learned about voice leading, then pencil in your complete chords and it will be easier to figure.  there are only a set number of progressions and some people use these little chord wheels to figure it all out.  i think they advise as to what chord could or should come next.

[cjp_piano]

In the key of E:
IV is A C# E
ii is F# A C#,
so ii6 (1st inversion) is A C# F#

Notice that these 2 chords are very close in pitch content, only one pitch different.  Both contain an A and a C#, and both would have an A in the bass.  They also function similarly (between two I chords, before a V chord, etc.).

In both of these places, it would probably be correct to analyze either chord as IV OR ii6.  So don't stress!

[emmdoubleew]

Good luck with APs, I'm also taking them this week.