Writing an AP Human Geography FRQ or Free Response Question Tips and Suggestions as you embark on your first FRQ

The AP Human Geo test has two sections: 50% Multiple Choice - 75 questions in 60 min. 50% Multiple Choice - 75 questions in 60 min. 50% FRQ – 3 questions, must answer all 3 in 50% FRQ – 3 questions, must answer all 3 in 75 minutes 75 minutes –48 seconds per multiple choice question –25 minutes per FRQ (each FRQ is 1/6 th of AP grade)

The FRQ is different than an essay! Answer the free response question that you know you know for sure FIRST! Answer the free response question that you know you know for sure FIRST! Underline all required parts of the prompt. Underline all required parts of the prompt. –If it says define, just define the term –If is says define and explain – you need to do both to receive points. –There is no need for a thesis statement! –Don’t overdo it by adding extraneous information or facts that don’t directly apply to answering the questions. Some FRQs rely on knowledge of specific vocabulary (Cornell notes can be very helpful for preparation) Some FRQs rely on knowledge of specific vocabulary (Cornell notes can be very helpful for preparation) –You need to know your vocabulary. –Vocabulary is crucial for scoring highly on FRQs

AP Grading Rubrics Identify and define points are usually worth 1 point. Clear cut. Identify and define points are usually worth 1 point. Clear cut. Discuss, explain, analyze elements of questions sometimes have 2 points associated with these words. This allows the scorer to differentiate a more in depth (2 pts) versus limited discussion (1 pt) of the topic. Discuss, explain, analyze elements of questions sometimes have 2 points associated with these words. This allows the scorer to differentiate a more in depth (2 pts) versus limited discussion (1 pt) of the topic. So, a question might have 4 or 5 points as the high score So, a question might have 4 or 5 points as the high score

Outline Format for FRQs 1. The South region of the United States, it is argued, persists as a region which is different from other U.S. regions. 1. The South region of the United States, it is argued, persists as a region which is different from other U.S. regions. a. Identify some of the material and nonmaterial cultural attributes associated with this region. b.Discuss possible boundaries of the region and what you would use to establish the boundaries. b.Discuss possible boundaries of the region and what you would use to establish the boundaries. c. In your opinion, is the South becoming more or less like the rest of the country? Give evidence for your opinion.

Outline Format for FRQs 1. a. Examples of material culture in the South include BBQ, football stadiums, line dancing, country music, deep fried pickles. Examples of non-material culture in the South include Friday Night Lights football, Baptists, Catholics, and a mild climate. b. I believe that the boundaries of the South as a region should include all states that fought for the South during the Civil War. Therefore, all states that are South of the Mason-Dixon line should be considered to be part of the South. Regions have things in common, and the food, religion, history and physical climate of these southern states all help to unite them as The South. b. I believe that the boundaries of the South as a region should include all states that fought for the South during the Civil War. Therefore, all states that are South of the Mason-Dixon line should be considered to be part of the South. Regions have things in common, and the food, religion, history and physical climate of these southern states all help to unite them as The South. c. In my opinion, the South is becoming more like the rest of the country due to internal migration of Americans from the colder Northern states to the warmer Southern states in search of better jobs. Also, globalization has eroded some of the traditional folk culture of the South, like Appalachian music in the Smoky Mountains and storytelling where elders pass along traditional stories from one generation to the next. Now, popular music is diffused on the radio or on MTV to young people and folk culture is dying out.

How to score highly Bulleted responses are discouraged - they may get some credit but: Bulleted responses are discouraged - they may get some credit but: –A bulleted response has never received full credit on the exam. –A bulleted response has never received full credit on the exam. Put your answer in outline form which follows the format of the question Put your answer in outline form which follows the format of the question Answers should be in narrative format. Answers should be in narrative format.

Think on your feet! You can still score points on the FRQs, even if you don’t know a ton about the question You can still score points on the FRQs, even if you don’t know a ton about the question –Stay calm –Think through it –Read the entire question for clues - You can only add to your score on an FRQ – no points will be subtracted.