How to Respond to Biology FRQ Prompts

Tips for Writing AP Biology Free Response Questions (FRQ)

1. The first thing that you should do is carefully read the question. The second thing you should do is read the question, and the third thing you should do is read the question! Be sure that you answer the question asked, that you answer all parts of the question, and that you follow the directions within the question prompt.

2. Take a minute to outline/plan your answer to avoid confusion and disorganization. Thinking ahead helps to avoid scratch outs, astrices, skipping around, and rambling.

3. Write an essay: use complete thoughts and sentences. Outlines and diagrams, no matter how elaborate and accurate, are not appropriate free response answers and will not earn any points.

4. Define your terms. Say something about each of the terms that you use. Assume the reader knows NOTHING! Demonstrate your knowledge of biology!

5. Answer the question parts in the order asked for by the question. Label each part of your response as it relates to each part of the question prompt. Divide up your response so each part of the question is a separate paragraph.

6. AP biology free response answers should be concise. They are NOT like the essays you write in English class! Free response statements are awarded points, so you start with 0 points and earn 1 point for each correct statement, definition, explanation or example. Every sentence should earn one point and you shouldn't have to write more than a page to earn a perfect score of 10 points.

7. Write clearly and neatly. It is not in your best interest to antagonize the reader with lousy penmanship. If the reader cannot comprehend your handwriting, you cannot earn points for it!

8. Go into detail about the subject if the question asks for details, elaboration, or discussion. Be sure to include what you would consider obvious answers. Answer the question thoroughly.

9. If you cannot remember a word exactly, take a shot at it, get as close as you can. If you can't recall the name of a concept, describe the concept.

10. Write FRQ responses using a black (or blue) ball point pen.

11. Remember that no detail is too small to be included as long as it is to the point and relates to the question prompt.

12. Carefully label your graphs (variable and units) on both the x-axis and y-axis. Label all columns of a data table. Indicate a title for all graphs and data tables constructed.

13. Widen your margins a little. This will make reading the essay neater.

14. Bring a watch to the exam so that you can pace yourself. You have four free response questions to answer in 90 minutes, so spend about 22 minutes for each answer.

15. Practice outlining your free response answers on your tests during the year.

16. Understand that the exam is supposed to be hard! The average will be about 50% correct, or 5 out of a possible 10 for each FRQ. It is very likely that you will not know everything. It is expected, so relax, and write the most thorough answer you are capable of.

17. Underline key terms used in your response to draw attention to them! Sometimes, emphasis helps the reader identify information that will earn you points!

Here are some direction-words used in free response questions. See if you can write a definition for each word. Then compare your answers with the definitions that follow.

a. Compare

b. Contrast
c. Define
d. Describe
e. Discuss
f. Enumerate
g. Evaluate
h. Explain
i. Interpret
j. Prove or show

Here are the definitions to compare with yours:

a. COMPARE: Show the similarities between two events, periods, ideas, theories, or the like. (Some people use the term 'compare' to describe differences as well as similarities, so be careful!)

b. CONTRAST: Show the differences between two or more events, periods, ideas, or theories.

c. DEFINE: State the meaning of a word or phrase. Example: Define science.

d. DESCRIBE: Provide the characteristics of something. Example: Describe the functions of the ATP/ADP systems.

e. DISCUSS: State the pros and cons on an issue, event, process, theory, or technique. Example: Discuss how DNA

f. ENUMERATE: List a number of reasons or attributes of something. Example: Enumerate the stages of mitosis.

g. EVALUATE: Make a judgment or form an opinion, or supply reasons why something is as it is. Example: Evaluate the effects of Jenner's experiments with cowpox.

h. EXPLAIN: Support or qualify a given generalization with specific facts and ideas. Example: Explain what is meant by the "scientific method."

i. INTERPRET: Analyze critically or explain something not clear.

j. PROVE or SHOW: Demonstrate the truth or a statement. Explain the reasons for events turning out as they did, or speculate on what might be the effects of certain causes. Example: Show with diagrams how the eye is like a camera.

DON'T

1. Don't ramble--get to the point!

2. Don't waste time on background information unless the question calls for historical development or historical significance. Answer the question.

3. Don't shoot the bull--write what you know. You can always come back to a question when you remember something else.

4. Don't use a pencil. Never use a felt-tip pen because the ink seeps through the page and makes both sides of the paper hard to read.

5. Don't panic or get angry because you are unfamiliar with the question. You probably have read or heard something about the subject--be calm and think.

6. Don't scratch out excessively. One line through the unwanted word(s) should be sufficient.

7. Don't write in the margin.

8. Don't worry about spelling every word perfectly or using exact grammar. These are not a part of the standards the readers use. It is important for you to know, however, that very poor spelling and grammar will hurt your chances of earning points.

9. Don't write sloppy. It is easy for a grader to miss an important word when he/she cannot read your handwriting.

10. Don't leave questions blank. Remember that one point on an essay question is the equivalent of about three of the multiple choice questions, and there is no penalty for a wrong guess. Make an effort to write something for every question!