1. AP HUG FRQ TIPS Preparing for the FRQ Written Exam

3. FRQ TIME DISTRIBUTION  75 minutes to answer 3 FRQ (Free Response Questions)  Approximately 25 minutes per question o 5 minutes planning/prep and analyzing question o 20 minutes writing  Any remaining time should be used to edit and REREAD your response.  Some suggest to skip lines while writing so that you can go back and ADD in content, examples, names, or an extra sentence etc.  THINK ABOUT THIS: You can preview and read all 3 prompts in first 5 minutes and select the FRQ you know BEST for your first write and your LEAST knowledgeable FRQ for last

4. There is NO right or wrong length for an FRQ response. GOOD: If your response fully answers the prompt and provides the same number of examples asked for then it is the right length. Do not rush but do not repeat information. BAD: Long, unfocused responses can confuse or distract the AP reader and often waste too much of your time. Do not spend too much time on any one FRQ.

5. GENERAL FRQ SUGGESTIONS Students too often begin to write immediately, creating a string of disconnected, poorly planned thoughts. You need to learn to attack questions methodically and to plan your answers before putting pencil to paper. Carefully analyze the question, thinking through what is being asked, and identifying the elements that must be addressed in the response.

6. POWER VERBS These verbs are hints at what specific action you need to take to perform and answer the question with a full point response. Learn what they require you to DO for the essay to earn points. Do exactly what you are being asked to save time and get full points!!!

15. GEOGRAPHIC THEMES & KEY TERMS After you have determined what is involved in answering the question, consider what geographic themes you can incorporate into your response. If there is a map, chart, graph, or diagram with the question, study it carefully before beginning your answer. Review the evidence you learned during the course that relates to the question and then decide how it fits into the analysis or explanation.

16. Use appropriate geographic terms, and reference to models or themes, when appropriate. You should also give examples, use appropriate terminology, and apply relevant information in the development of your answer.

17. STEP 1: Know what the question is asking and HOW many examples you need STEP 2: Identify the unit of study. Most AP HUG questions address several units or can be answered with a combination of examples from multiple units. STEP 3: Brainstorm and outline your response and where you will insert examples ON THE QUESTION PAGE that will NOT be scored. Most students outline briefly all 3 FRQs before writing so that they have a bit of a head start on the other two when they go to write those in crunch time! STEP 4: Answer what you perceive to be the easiest question first STEP 5: Use geographic terminology when possible STEP 6: Reread and strike through or edit before your are finished

19. FRQ LABELING You are encouraged to carefully answer each part of the question, labeling you response as it is labeled in the question (while using sentences and paragraphs). EXAMPLE: 1A. 1B. 2A. 3A. 3B. 3C.

21.  You can offer some geographic analysis of the issue even if you are stumped!  Start writing something related to the course or chapter/issue you think might be tied to the FRQ  DO NOT LEAVE AN FRQ BLANK!!!!!!!!!!!!  Go with your gut and keep it simple. Do not try to make it sound complicated. Be simple, direct, and stay in your comfort range of knowledge and world examples.

22. COMMON MISTAKES  Students fail to read and follow the instructions on the exam booklet  DO NOT restate the question or repeat yourself…do not waste the reader’s time or your time  Write in INK only  NO bullet points or outlines…always write in full sentences.  DO NOT write the answer on the prompt page…only write on the lined pages provided in the booklet.  Write LEGIBLY!