1. How to prepare for the FRQs
AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

2. Free response questions
ANSWER THE QUESTION-NOT WHAT YOU THINK THEY ARE ASKING!
THIS IS NOT AN ESSAY! You do not have to write the 5 point essay
You do not have to write an introduction
You do not have to restate the question in a sentence.
READ THE ENTIRE QUESTION BEFORE ANSWERING!
ANSWER ALL PARTS OF THE QUESTION!
Write Legibly-
Answer the question as if the reader has no idea!

3. Question types
At least one questions will have a map, diagram or model that you must explain to answer part of the question or the entire question.
It is possible that all 3 questions may have some sort of visual element that you will have to analyze
One question will likely require you to make a critical argument regarding a theory, principle or issue in human geography.
Basically you will have to explain what is right or wrong about the theory or principle.
Another type are process questions. These are where you have to describe the details or a geographic theory, principle or issue.
In other words, how does something work in a particular order-
Factor A affects Person X and causes them to migrate to place Z

4. Question types
Be aware that there are hybrid questions. These may ask you to do two or more of these things in a single essay.
Explain
Critical argument
process

5. What to expect on the questions
ANYTHING-literally anything on this planet dealing with people.
From hunting and gathering to languages to why a business is on a certain street corner!
Questions will be unexpected.
They will ask you to apply what you have learned to other things or situations that may not be linked in your mind. Don’t get mad at me because “We never studied that!”
Ex-solar energy and McDonald’s globalization

6. Breaking down the questions themselves-look for the key words
Identify the key words as a guide to how to answer:
Give example
Explain
Limitations of
Compare
Contrast
Assess
Describe
Discuss
Analyze
To what extent
Define
Identify

7. Operator terms defined
Describe: Describe means to Identify and give at least one true statement
Write out the details or components of the concept or issue that the question addresses. Emphasize the most important elements and say why these are significant. They want you to verbally paint a picture.

8. Operator terms defined
Discuss:
Write about BOTH SIDES of an issue or concept. State the positive and negative aspects
Explain who benefits and who loses in the process or situation.
OR, explain the impacts of the issue or concept

9. Operator terms defined
Analyze:
Write about the relationship between factors AND their impacts.
Look for cause and effect relationships.
State the process you describe is a problem or a benefit in the real world.

10. Operator terms defined
Define: Know the definition and how it is defined.
Write out the definition or a term or process.
Say why the concept is significant to geographic thinking or why it matters in the real world.
Some definitions are simple, like place, and others can be complex, like environmental determinism.
This is tricky-spill your guts on this one.

11. Operator terms defined
Identify:
Simply means-Name it.
Example: Identify where you would find Mormons in the US.

12. Operator terms defined
Example
Write about real world place, process, or situation that captures the essence of the concept that the question addresses.
Make sure that the example you give is the most topical. Don’t just use one the you like.
Some questions will give you the example and you will have to describe how and why that place fits the concept.
-For example-Give an example of infanticide in a stage 3 country. Just saying where is not going to work. Need a why-act like they have never heard of infanticide or the DTM

14. Operator terms defined
Explain: Describe and Tell How or Why
Write about a process that is implied in the question. In conceptual terms: A happens, resulting in B, which leads to C.
Say why these things occur.
State why the process you describe is a problem or benefit in the real world.
(remember describe is to identify and tell one true statement)

15. Operator terms defined
Compare:
Take two or more concepts or examples and state their similarities (always give more than one).
If there are differences, list those as well.
State why the the similarities or differences are significant and say what impact they have

16. Operator terms defined
Contrast:
Specifically describe the differences between two or more concepts or examples.
Make sure to find at least two differences (unless the question says to give only one or the primary difference)

17. Operator terms defined
Assess:
Write about the importance, impact, or effectiveness of a concept or issue.
You will need to determine the positives and negatives of the conceptual or real world situation.
Its OK if you state the positives and negatives balance out, or if the good out weighs the bad or vice versa.

18. Operator terms defined: Criticize
To what extent (degree):
Not all concepts or examples have the impact or effect they were supposed to. Sometimes intervening factors limit these impacts or effects.
You are to illustrate these processes in your response

19. Operator terms defined: Criticize
The limitations of:
In addition to intervening factors, conflicts, controversies can emerge that dampen the expected result of a concept or process.

20. DECONSTURCTING THE QUESTION
READING THE QUESTION FOR DIRECTIONS:
LOOK FOR WORDS THAT TELL YOU EXACTLY WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR: LOOK FOR PLURAL OR SINGULAR WORDS
HOW MANY DESCRIPTIONS OR ANSWERS DO I GIVE?
SINGULAR
“GIVE AN EXAMPLE OF….”
ONE EXAMPLE-THAT’S ALL YOU GIVE
COULD ALSO SAY DESCRIPTION, COUNTRY OR PLACE
PLURAL
“GIVE EXAMPLES OF….’
MEANS THEY ARE LOOKING FOR MORE THAN JUST ONE
COULD ALSO SAY EXAMPLES, DESCRIPTIONS, COUNTRIES

21. Example-Q1-2012 How many answers do you think they are looking for?
1. Walls and other barriers built by countries to establish their borders are some of the oldest and most controversial elements in the cultural landscape.
a. Identify three examples of walls or other barriers built by countries in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries
b. Explain the purpose of one of the examples you identified in part a.
c. For each of the categories listed below, discuss a consequence faced by countries as a result of walls or other barriers established along their borders.
i. social or political
ii. Economic
iii. environmental

22. Breaking down the question itself
Identify what they are asking. Q3-2007
3. Economic restructuring is transforming the world economy.
A. Define and discuss the key features of the new international division of labor (also known as global division of labor).
B. Explain an impact of the new international division of labor on the socioeconomic structure of the United States.
C. Explain an impact of the new international division of labor on the socioeconomic structure of developing countries such as Mexico, China, and India.
Part A-Define and Discuss a problem
Part B-Explain an impact (outcome, consequence)on a developed country
Part c-Explain an impact on developing countries
So this question has at least 7 DIFFERENT answers-remember what define, discuss and explain means?

23. Breaking down the question itself
Look only at the 1st part of the question first. The A part asks you to do TWO THINGS-Define and Discuss
3. Economic restructuring is transforming the world economy.
A. Define and discuss the key features of the new international division of labor (also known as global division of labor).
I want you to ask yourself-”What is the question really asking?” -says to define and define means give the definition
1st define-give the definition (gets the first part)
the reorganization/relocation of economic activities (e.g., jobs) from a national to a global scale.

24. Breaking down the question itself
Look only at the 2nd part of the question “discuss”
3. Economic restructuring is transforming the world economy.
A. Define and discuss the key features of the new international division of labor (also known as global division of labor).
Discuss means write about BOTH SIDES of an issue or concept. State the positive and negative aspects OR explain who benefits and who loses in the process or situation OR explain the impacts of the issue or concept
So with this part they want you to discuss

25. Breaking down the question itself
Look only at the 2nd part of the question “discuss”
3. Economic restructuring is transforming the world economy.
A. Define and discuss the key features of the new international division of labor (also known as global division of labor).
So how do we know what to write about?
Ask yourself-
What chapter or major theme is this talking about?
What did that chapter discuss?
What are some major points of that chapter?

26. Breaking down the question itself
What do you think the International Division of Labor falls under?
Industry
How can we tell? What chapter talked about “labor?” Agriculture, Services, Industry
So which one? Talk it through logically (b/c each will provide a good answer series.)
What chapter or major theme is this talking about?
What did that chapter discuss?
Where is industry at?
Why are industries distributed differently?
Where is industry expanding?
Why are location factors changing?
What are some major points of that chapter?
What can I talk about that answers the question?

27. Suggested topics Discussion Topics are:
Economic interdependence/ globalization
Transportation/communications
Comparative advantage
Outsourcing/offshoring
Profit drive
Trade agreements
Foreign management

28. The rest of the question
B. Explain an impact of the new international division of labor on the socioeconomic structure of the United States.
C. Explain an impact of the new international division of labor on the socioeconomic structure of developing countries such as Mexico, China, and India.
Rephrase it so you understand it.
Explain- Describe AND Tell How or Why
Remember -Describe means to Identify and give at least one true statement
So the question becomes- Identify and give at least one true statement on how the reorganization/relocation of economic activities (e.g., jobs) from a national to a global scale on the socioeconomic structure of the US.
Then make it even simpler-tell me something about it and give me one true fact about what happens to the US when you take jobs overseas.
C is the same thing except now its asking to tell what happens to the country the jobs go to.

29. So how did students perform on this question
Click for Rubric
The average score was a 1.7 out of 6.
This question differentiated among three groups of students.
The first group (earning 0–1 point) was largely unfamiliar with the concept of the new international division of labor.
The second group had some understanding of the concept and could discuss its results in a general sense. Students in this group earned 2–4 points.
Students earning 5 or 6 points had a good understanding of the international division of labor and its key features and could discuss in some depth its effects on both more- and less-developed countries.

30. Now you try
At the same time that English is solidifying its role as the world’s premier lingua franca, lesser-used minority languages (such as Welsh, Basque, and Inuktitut) are undergoing revival.
Discuss three distinct factors promoting the revival of minority languages in the face of globalization.
How many DIFFERENT points or answers are you supposed to provide.

31. I got.. I got nine… Identifying the three factors (3)
Then the pros and cons (two each) (6)

32. In APHG We Do Not Write DBQs 
The APHG Exam is more content-based.
The student is only asked to answer the question using cogent constructs. Therefore, the APHG teacher must teach students to write in a process-oriented style, which speaks to the main ideas of the question.
Most students who have trouble on the APHG exam simply do not answer the question which has been posed.
In short, APHG exam students should get to the point of the question and supply appropriate content with proper examples as possible. Remember, writing style is simply not an issue.

33. Summary of main FRQ writing tips…
You should try to avoid writing “dump” essays where you “dump” or empty your brain of everything you can think of on to the paper.
Remember to try and integrate geographic themes in your response. For example, using a point from several different units of study in your answer.
PLEASE answer the question in the same format that it is written. For example, if the question has three parts which are labeled A, B and C, you need to answer in the same format And label them.
You can sometimes “explain” in a sentence or two. You should not belabor a point. Please be direct and use evidence to support your argument. However, try to use Geo “vocabulary” wherever it is relevant.
Do not abbreviate without first defining-example –Lesser Developed Country-LDC-then you can

34. Summary of main FRQ writing tips
Please do not rewrite the question in your response and make sure you answer what the question asks!
Please, NO THESIS statements, introductions or conclusions.
DO NOT use bullets in your answers.
As noted, there are no DBQ’s on the AP Geo exam.

35. FRQ Practice Step 1 Read the entire question
Step 2 Circle the KEY words and mentally define what each means (I gave you that)
Step 3-Try to Identify what they are asking about?
Step 4-Outline the question by identifying key concepts from the chapters
Step 5-Begin to write AND Label
Step 6-After writing –reread Question
Step 7-Read your answer for corrections or comprehension. Check Labeling.
Geographic Concept
Ethnicity
Services
Political Geography
Urban Patterns
Population
Resource Issues
Migration
Development
Culture
Agriculture
Religion
Industry

36. Lets Try
With reference to each of the following, explain how religion has shaped the cultural landscape. Support each explanation with one specific example.
A. Sacred sites
B. Burial practices/sites
C. Architecture
D. Place names
2002 Question 2

37. Lets Try
With reference to each of the following, explain how religion has shaped the cultural landscape. Support each explanation with one specific example.
A. Sacred sites
B. Burial practices/sites
C. Architecture
D. Place names
2002 Question 2
Step 1 Read the entire question
Step 2 Circle the KEY words and mentally define what each means (I gave you that)

38. Lets Try
With reference to each of the following, explain how religion has shaped the cultural landscape. Support each explanation with one specific example.
A. Sacred sites
B. Burial practices/sites
C. Architecture
D. Place names
2002 Question 2
Step 3-Try to Identify what they are asking about?
What are they really asking?

39. Lets Try
With reference to each of the following, explain how religion has shaped the cultural landscape. Support each explanation with one specific example.
A. Sacred sites
B. Burial practices/sites
C. Architecture
D. Place names
2002 Question 2
Step 4-Outline the question by identifying key concepts from the chapters-ie brainstorm everything we can from the chapter,
What do you remember about religion?

40. Lets Try
With reference to each of the following, explain how religion has shaped the cultural landscape. Support each explanation with one specific example.
A. Sacred sites
B. Burial practices/sites
C. Architecture
D. Place names
2002 Question 2
Step 5-Begin to write AND Label

41. FRQ practice
2004 Question 3
Answer