2014 AP Human
Geography
Free Response Questions Released
Human Geography Free Response

Time 75 minutes

Percent of total score 50
Directions

You have 75 minutes to answer all three of the
following questions. It is recommended that you
spend approximately one-third of your time (25
minutes) on each question. It is suggested that
you take up to 5 minutes of this time to plan and
outline each answer. You may use the unlined
space below each question for notes. Be sure to
write your answers on the lined pages
immediately following each question.
Question 1

1. Rostow’s Five-stage model of economic growth and the
core-periphery concept of Wallerstein’s three-part world
theory are two of the more common economic
development models.

A. Identify and compare three differences between the
stages of economic growth and the core –periphery model.

B. Use one of the two models to explain the level of
economic development in either Mexico or Brazil.

C. Give two examples of how the core-periphery concept
can be applied below the national scale.
Question 1 Part A Answer
Identify & Compare 3 differences
Stages of economic growth
Rostow

Accurately names / describes all
five stages (Traditional society,
preconditions for take-off, take
off, drive to maturity, mass
consumption)

National economies developing
forward over time

National-level analysis
Core-Periphery model
Wallerstein

Accurately names all three parts of
the system (core, periphery, semiperiphery)

Countries are static or can move
backward in development

International –level analysis
Question 1 Part A Answer cont.
Stages of economic growth
Rostow

Economic change that focuses on a
single country


Core-Periphery model
Wallerstein

Uneven global development can be
lessened
Economic change that focuses on
spatial relationships between
countries ( trade,
interdependence, interaction)

Countries fund investment for
economic growth internally.
Uneven global development is a
basic characteristic

Peripheral countries are dependent
on core countries to finance
investment for economic growth.
Question 1 Part A Answer cont.
Stages of economic growth
Rostow
Core-Periphery model
Wallerstein

International trade may help
countries to grow economically

International trade strengthens
development in core countries
(exporting manufactured goods)
and constrains development in
peripheral countries (exporting
resources)

Does not emphasize the role of
colonialism/ Imperialism or neo
colonialism

Emphasizes the role of
colonialism/imperialism or neo
colonialism.
Question 1 Part A Answer cont.
Stages of economic growth
Rostow

Core-Periphery model
Wallerstein
Western/ Capitalist or liberal viewpoint

Marxist/structuralist viewpoint
One point is earned for each difference
compared.
To earn one point for a difference, the response
must make a corresponding comparison of both
models
Question 1 Part B
Use 1 of the 2 models to explain the level of
economic development in Mexico/Brazil

ROSTOW

Wallerstein

Take-off Stage 3 – Agriculture is
mechanized and commercialized

Semi-periphery

Newly industrialized country (NIC)

OR

Countries able to exploit
peripheral countries (LDCs), but
are themselves expointed by the
core countries (MDCs)

Or Manufacturing investment is
export-based economy

Transition from preconditions for
take off to take-off (stage2-stage3)

At least one characteristic listed
under take-off
Question 1 Part B Cont.
Use 1 of the 2 models to explain the level of
economic development in Mexico/Brazil

ROSTOW

Drive to Maturity (or stage4)

Economic output exceeds
population growth rate

Or Increased manufacturing
specialization and integration into
the global economy

Or Increased incorporation of
advanced technology

Wallerstein
Question 1 Part B cont.
Use 1 of the 2 models to explain the level of
economic development in Mexico/Brazil

Rostow

Wallerstein
One point is earned for identifying a ”stage” or “part”
One point is earned for an explanation of the “stage”
or “part”
Both identification and explanation must be from the
same model.
One point may be earned for an explanation without
identifying or correctly identifying a “stage” or “part”
Question 1 Part C
Give 2 examples of how the core-periphery
concept can be applied below the national scale.

Core

Periphery

Central Business District

Zone of transition/residential

City

Suburb/edge city

Small town

Remote areas or rural hinterland

Political center

Less powerful center/area

Large /Primate city or
metropolitan area

Small/ Medium city or non
metropolitan area/region

Populated area/region

Less populated region
Question 1 Part C cont.
Give 2 examples of how the core-periphery
concept can be applied below the national scale.

Core

Periphery

Core state or province

Peripheral state or province
One point is earned for each type of core-pheriphery
example identified from the list in the table
Spatial or geographically-bounded terminology must
be evident for both core and periphery examples
Global-scale and country-scale examples earn no
credit
Question 2

2. The international borders of Africa countries
are a legacy of colonialism.

A. Describe the concept of a superimposed
boundary.

B. Describe three political or cultural
consequences of superimposed boundaries in
Africa.

C. Identify and explain one challenge landlocked
African countries face in developing viable
economies.
Question 2 Part A Answer
 Define
the concept of a superimposed
boundary.
A
boundary line or border line placed over
and ignoring an existing cultural pattern OR
arbitrarily imposed by external powers
Question 2 Part B Answer
Describe 3 political or cultural consequences
superimposed boundaries in Africa

Multinational or multiethnic state

Separate nations within the same
territory

Multistate nation

Culture group split into pieces,
made into minority groups

Increased likelihood of religious,
ethnic, or tribal conflict

IncreasedIncreased likelihood of
international, regional or crossborder conflict

Internal Struggle

External Struggle
Question 2 Part B Answer Cont.
Describe 3 political or cultural consequences
superimposed boundaries in Africa

New language

European or regional languages
(Swahili) become official language
or lingua franca

Cultural syncretism (Synthesis)

Between culture groups of a single
country

Migration

May increase number of refugees
or internally displaced persons;
traditional or seasonal migration
patterns disrupted

Government Change

Nation- building difficulties, nonviable states formation of new
independent states, relocated
capitals
Question 2 Part B Answer Cont.
Describe 3 political or cultural consequences
superimposed boundaries in Africa

Lost or limited access to natural
resources

Ineffective governance

Political and economic hubs

Economic dependency

Governments, antecedent treaties
and laws less effective

Diffusion patterns extend from
ports along coasts to points inland
Question 2 Part C
Identify and explain 1 challenge landlocked African
countries face in developing viable economies
Landlocked Economies
Identify

Access to the Sea

Increased cost of imports

Limited road or rail transportation
for imported goods in bulk


Explain

Lack of easy access to maritime
trade or ocean resources.

Due to customs, tariffs, tolls,
distance or transportation costs

More break-of-bulk points

Communications needed between
landlocked and bordering states
(including provisions and resources
under the law of the Seas)

Can be cut off from global trade or
political support by hostile
neighbors
Economic Cooperation
Vulnerability
Question 3

3. Agricultural systems, such as the production of coffee,
are part of a global network.

A. Describe a common characteristic shared by the coffee
producing countries shown on the map.

B. Explain two impacts of coffee farming on producing
countries.

C. Identify and explain one way increased coffee
consumption outside of coffee growing areas affects its
production.

D. Explain one change in the urban landscape in the
developed world associated with coffee consumption.
Question 3 Part A Answer
Describe a common characteristic shared by the
coffee producing countries shown on the map below
 1.
Less developed, developing,
pheripheral, smi-peripheral
 2.
Tropical regions or between tropic lines,
low latituteds, equatorial
 3.
 4.
Former colonies
Utilize plantation or small scale
agriculture
Question 3 Part B Answer
Explain 2 impacts of coffee farming on producing
countries

Economic
Development

Increased employment

growth of GNP

Development of
infrastructure

cash/export crop

Improved foreign
exchange

Increased
global/trade/better
international relations
Question 3 Part B Answer Cont..
Explain 2 impacts of coffee farming on producing
countries

Single Commodity
dependency

Economic dependence on a
single crop

Coffee prices set by global
traders

Negatively impacts farmers
income and quality of life

Proliferation of low wage jobs

Underdevelopment as a result
of profits leaving the country
Question 3 Part B Answer Cont..
Explain 2 impacts of coffee farming on producing
countries

Environmental
 Harmful
effects of
agricultural chemicals
 Water
use issues
 Deforestation
 Biodiversity
 Soil
erosion
loss
Question 3 Part B Answer Cont..
Explain 2 impacts of coffee farming on producing
countries

Agricultural land use

Coffee, or other cash
crop, vs. Food

Coffee production limits
what other
crops/livestock can be
grown to meet local needs

Shift from traditional to
commercial agriculture
Question 3 Part C Answer
Identify and explain 1 way increased coffee consumption
outside of coffee growing areas affects its production
ID


Explanation
Increased Production
Increased fair trade production

Increased resources dedicated to
coffee production (land etc.)

Adoption of new techniques
dedicated to coffee production

Increased profit

New players in the coffee industry

Increased farm earnings/workers
wages

Fewer links in the commodity chain

More environmentally friendly
farming techniques
Question 3 Part C Answer Cont.
Identify and explain 1 way increased coffee consumption
outside of coffee growing areas affects its production
ID


Explanation
Increased Organic Production
Increased demand for certain
blends

More environmentally friendly
farming techniques

Price Premium

More acreage devoted to specialty
varieties at the expense of
traditional varieties
Question 3 Part D
Explain one change in the urban landscape in the
developed world associated with coffee consumption
Basic
Complex

More Coffee Shops


Multi-function/specialty coffee
shops
Special concept proximity to
consumers, Central place
theory,diffusion

Gathering spots, coffee related
merchandise

Revitalization of CBD /
neighborhood

Change in urban viewscape(litter
and signage), emissions and
congestion at drive=throughs

Coffee shops as catalyst

Environmental impact