How to Answer AP Biology FRQ (copy)

Long FRQs

2 questions (8–10 points each) focus on integrating biological concepts with experimental data.

Short FRQs

4 questions (4 points each) that require concise answers to specific questions.

Partial credit

Awarded for attempts; important to try every part of an FRQ.

Identify

Provide a brief, specific answer to a question.

Describe

Provide key details while avoiding unnecessary information.

Explain

Address the 'how' or 'why' of a process, linking evidence to outcomes.

Predict

Anticipate an outcome based on given conditions.

Calculate

Show all work, including equations and units, to arrive at a numerical answer.

Justify

Support your claim with reasoning or data.

Independent Variable

The factor that is manipulated in an experiment.

Dependent Variable

The outcome that is measured in an experiment.

Control Variables

Factors that are kept constant during an experiment.

Graphing

Key steps include labeling axes, providing a title, plotting points clearly, and describing trends.

Conciseness in Short FRQs

Responses should be 1-3 complete sentences.

Cellular Respiration

Includes glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.

Photosynthesis

The process that converts light energy into chemical energy.

Mendelian Inheritance

The principles predicting phenotypic ratios using Punnett squares.

Trends in Data Analysis

Look for increases, decreases, plateaus, or anomalies in graphical data.

Practice FRQs

Using past exam questions to familiarize with FRQ types and practice conditions.

Scientific Reasoning

Providing reasoning in responses, even if not explicitly asked.

Time Management

Suggestions for how long to spend on long and short FRQs.