AP Environmental Science
Free Response Questions
Four Questions = 40% of Exam
 1 Data Set
 1 Document Based
 2 Synthesis and Evaluation
Timing
 You will have approximately 22 minutes to answer each FR
question (you must answer all 4!)
 You are free to answer the questions in any order you choose,
just be sure to put your answer in the correct space in the
exam booklet (there is a section labeled for each question)
Setting Up Your Response
 Each question is divided into several sections (sections may
not have equal weighting)
 Label your responses according to the question:
a)
b)
c)
d)
Answering the Questions:
General Advice
 Do NOT structure your answer as you would an English
exam essay – there is no need to repeat the question in
your response
 DO write in complete sentences – lists usually do not
earn points, even if the answer is correct
 Do your best to use correct spelling and grammar, but
these things will NOT count against you
 Write legibly!
Follow the Directions!
 If it asks for 2 examples, give only two. Readers will not read
past the first two examples given, even if a third answer is
correct and the first two are wrong!
Answer the question asked!
Pay attention to key words such as,
“Identify and Discuss,” “Describe”
For “Identify and Discuss,” be sure to link your identification
clearly with its discussion
-Points are not usually given just for an identification!
Document Based Question
 Use the information in the question in your answer, but this
does not mean just repeat it – you are trying to demonstrate
that you understand what is being asked, not that you can
read!
Data Based Question
 SHOW ALL WORK
 Partial credit is given if you set up an equation properly, but
make an error in the calculation
 Use proper units!
Pay attention to the question – MPG or kWh provides you with
some clues about how to set up your problem!
Watch decimal points!
Know Your Units
 Know your metric conversions!
 Know energy units such as kWh, BTU and calories
Graphing
 Know how to correctly set up a graph AND carefully graph
data
 Know how to read and interpret graphs (don’t forget you
MAY write on the graphs!)
Show What You Know!
 The reader is looking to award points for what is correct in
your answer, not to take away points for incorrect info
 As long as you do not contradict yourself (give a correct
answer and then an opposite incorrect answer) you will
probably get credit, even if your answer contains some
incorrect info
NO LAUNDRY LISTS!
 If you don’t know an answer, don’t put down a laundry list of
possible answers hoping to hit on the correct one, readers
can discern whether or not you really understand.
 Avoid “enviro-speak”
For example, some students use words like “pollution,” in a very
general sense.You must always specify what type of pollution.
Scoring
 Each question is awarded a maximum of 10 points
(occasionally a question may be able to earn 11 or 12 points,
but 10 is the max)
 Elaboration points – if a student goes into more detail and
really shows a grasp of the concepts sometimes an “extra”
point is available
Know Your Nutrient Cycles!
 Carbon/oxygen
 Water
 Nitrogen
 Phosphorus
Know Key Terms
 Life Cycle Cost
 Short Term and Long Term
 Per Capita
 Net
 Cost/Benefit
Other Helpful Stuff
 1st Law of Thermodynamics
 2nd Law of Thermodynamics
 Be able to give specific examples:
Introduced species, endangered species, dams,
environmental/natural disasters, environmental toxins,
environmental legislation
Know Your Environmental Laws!
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Air Quality
Clean Air Act, 1955
Kyoto Protocol, 1997
Energy
Energy Policy and Conservation Act, 1975
General Laws
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 1969
Freedom of Information Act, (FOIA), 1966
Occupational Safety and Health Act, 1970
Land Use and Conservation
Land and Water Conservation Act, 1965
Soil and Water Conservation Act, 1977
Pesticides
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Control Act (FIFRA), 1947
Resources and Solid Waste Management
Mining Act, 1872
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), 1976
Toxic Substances
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and liability (Superfund) Act (CERCLA), 1980
Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (Hazmat), 1975
Nuclear Waste Policy Act, 1982
Water Quality
Clean Water Act, 1972
Ocean Dumping Ban Act, 1988
Safe Drinking Water Act, 1974
Wildlife Conservation