FRQs for AP Environmental Science Tips for writing an FRQ 1) Read then reread the question - what exactly is it asking and do you need evidence or reasoning to support your initial answer 2) Label each part clearly - 1(a) i - 1(a) ii or 1 (b) 3) Write only in complete sentences (1-5). Partial sentences will NOT be graded. 4) Do NOT use pronouns ex: it is not a good idea (what is “it” - write it out every time) 5) Do not use vague or general concepts to answer questions. Ex: Global warming is the cause of deforestation - huh???? 6) Answers should be short and direct - straight to the point - ONLY answer that question - don’t go on and on and on - if you contradict you lose the point 7) STATE THE OBVIOUS What those action words mean... compare: point out similarities, to examine 2 or more objects and consider the likenesses. contrast: point out differences, to examine 2 or more objects and consider the differences identify: name, list, give an example explain: tell how to do, tell the meaning of, or why, give reasons for. Provide details and reasons in order to clarify something (often 2 points—you might be given a claim and asked for evidence/reasoning, or given evidence and asked for the claim/reasoning—or any single part of that, which would just be one point) describe: to give a picture or account of in words, use details to provide an accurate account (usually 1 point, unless asked to “describe TWO or THREE…”) discuss: to consider from various points of view define: give a meaning for a word or phrase justify: support your statement using actual data/evidence. Refer to the data specifically! More action words... analyze: interpret data sets or statements made based on evidence in order to reach a conclusion apply: use a (biological) concept, theory, principle, or mathematical equation in a novel context calculate or solve: use math to find a relationship. You may need to use your formula sheet and a calculator. You should show your work. connect: find a relationship between two or more pieces of information construct: build or devise a representation or explanation of a biological concept design: produce an experimental plan that may be used to collect data evaluate: examine and judge; usually involves determining if data justifies a conclusion refine: clarify assumptions or models using evidence represent: use a graph, diagram, or model to illustrate a concept MATH o Calculations just require that you show the math (no sentences), but be sure to show how you got your answer. Start by writing the formula(s) you are using, then show the values you have inserted into those formulas, THEN do the math, including units in your calculation Box your answer, including units No units = no points, even if the calculation is otherwise correct. If you know you need a number to complete your calculation but don’t know where to get it, make one up, clearly state that you did this so you could complete your calculation, then carry on. Hint: direction of change If a question asks about a change, a disruption, or an effect, be sure that you talk about the direction of the change in your answer. For example, write about what an increase (or decrease) in insulin levels causes, not what a change in insulin levels causes. In recent years, this has been a point that has cost students repeatedly! Experiment · ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● If you are asked to design or describe an experiment, include these parts: Hypothesis and/or predictions clearly defined Identify independent variable(s) with units --which treatments will you apply Identify dependent variable(s) with units--what will you measure - what data are you taking Identify several variables to be controlled (VERY IMPORTANT). State, “Controls are.....” Describe the organisms/materials/apparatus to be used Describe what you will actually do (how will you apply the treatment) A clear description or what is to be measured, how it is to be measured and how frequently observations and measurements will be made Describe how the data will be graphed and analyzed (if appropriate) What is your reasoning fo how you will draw a conclusion (compare results to hypotheses and predictions) If you asked to create a graph (usually 3 points) ● If the prompt asks for a specific graph type, do it. Otherwise determine the appropriate graph type. (1 pt) ● Appropriately label (what it is and which units) your x- and y-axis. (1 pt) ● Plot all points and attempt to sketch in the curve (line). (1 pt) ● Include a key or label your lines/bars, if appropriate. 1. Answer in complete sentences a. Incomplete sentences are not graded The rules of answering FRQ’s 2. Less is more a. Aim to answer in 1-2 sentences per question b. Answers that contradict earlier parts of answer isqualify you from getting the question correct 3. Don’t flex/show off a. No one cares that you memorized every functional group. b. Just answer the question! Nothing else! 4. Number/letter each answer a. Always write ‘1a’ and then answer ‘1a’. Write ‘1b’ and then answer ‘1b’ b. Make it easy for the grader to give you points! Let’s Practice 1. The unique properties of water make life possible on Earth. Approximately three-quarters of the Earth’s surface is covered by water. Cells are made up of around 70-95% water. Water comprises roughly 70% of the human body. a) Describe one major physical/chemical property of water that make it unique from other liquids. a) Explain the properties of water that enable it to travel up through the roots and stems of plants to reach the leaves. 1. The unique properties of water make life possible on Earth. Approximately three-quarters of the Earth’s surface is covered by water. Cells are made up of around 70-95% water. Water comprises roughly 70% of the human body. a) Describe one major physical/chemical property of water that make it unique from other liquids. a) Explain the properties of water that enable it to travel up through the roots and stems of plants to reach the leaves. Answers: 1a. Hydrogen Bonds 1b. Transpiration What is wrong with these answers? -Incomplete sentences! This would get zero points! 1. The unique properties of water make life possible on Earth. Approximately three-quarters of the Earth’s surface is covered by water. Cells are made up of around 70-95% water. Water comprises roughly 70% of the human body. a) Describe one major physical/chemical property of water that make it unique from other liquids. a) Explain the properties of water that enable it to travel up through the roots and stems of plants to reach the leaves. Answers: -Water remains liquid between 0C and 100C because of the formation of hydrogen bonds between water molecules -Water moves through roots by cohesion between water molecules and adhesion between water What is wrong with these and plant parts answers? -No label! Missing 1a and 1b 1. The unique properties of water make life possible on Earth. Approximately three-quarters of the Earth’s surface is covered by water. Cells are made up of around 70-95% water. Water comprises roughly 70% of the human body. a) Describe one major physical/chemical property of water that make it unique from other liquids. a) Explain the properties of water that enable it to travel up through the roots and stems of plants to reach the leaves. Answer: 1a. Water is a molecule that is bent at 104.5 degrees between hydrogen atoms. It’s freezing point is 0 C and its boiling point is 100C. Water is polar which means it likes cold environments like polar bears. Water can dissociate into hydrogen atoms and hydroxyl molecules causing it to be a key component of most solutions and the pH scale. The pH scale is a measure of how acidic or basic a substance is. #Harvard look at me! What is wrong with this answer? -Too much flexing! Too Long! And the rant is incorrect! Polar does not mean it likes cold. 0/0 points. #NOHavard4U 1. The unique properties of water make life possible on Earth. Approximately three-quarters of the Earth’s surface is covered by water. Cells are made up of around 70-95% water. Water comprises roughly 70% of the human body. a) Describe one major physical/chemical property of water that make it unique from other liquids. a) Explain the properties of water that enable it to travel up through the roots and stems of plants to reach the leaves. Answer: 1a. Due to the high electronegativity of oxygen compared to hydrogen, the hydrogen atoms in a water molecule have a partial positive charge while the oxygen has a partial negative charge. What is wrong with this answer? -Nothing. It’s perfect. To the point. Short. Answers the question. Is labeled
