AP Biology FRQ Task Verbs and Guidelines

Overview of AP Biology FRQ Task Verbs

  • Task verbs in AP Biology Free Response Questions (FRQs) indicate the type of response required.
  • Each verb is bolded on the FRQs and is assigned a point value (1-2 points).
  • Understanding and using these verbs correctly can increase scoring potential.

Key Task Verbs in AP Biology

  • Claim: Assert that something is true based on evidence.
  • Evidence: Use data from scientific observations to support claims.
  • Reasoning: Offer justification for how evidence supports claims.
  • Scientific Explanation: Addresses a question with a claim, evidence, and reasoning.

Important Task Verbs Definitions

  • Identify: Provide specific information about a topic without elaboration.
  • Define: Give the meaning of a term or phrase.
  • Describe: Offer relevant characteristics of a specified topic.
  • Explain: Clarify how or why a process or concept occurs, supported by evidence.
  • Analyze: Break down information into parts and discuss each part.

Evaluating Claims and Evidence

  • Evaluate: Assess the significance or quality of information or claims.
  • Justify: Provide evidence and reasoning that supports a claim or explanation.
  • Support a Claim: Explain how evidence substantiates a claim.

Predicting and Creating Responses

  • Predict: Forecast outcomes based on existing relationships or data.
  • Create/Design: Generate models, equations, or experimental plans based on information.

Guidelines for Responding to FRQs

  • Answer the Prompt (ATP): Focus on the question without unnecessary restatement or introductory paragraphs.
  • Avoid General Statements: Specific details are required to substantiate responses (e.g., replace “it” with the specific entity).
  • Use Active Language: Clearly articulate relationships and processes without ambiguity.

Examples of Effective Responses Using Task Verbs

  • Calculate: Show mathematical work leading to the answer; correct units matter.
  • Construct/Draw: Create visual representations that enhance explanations.
  • Make a Claim: Assert scientifically valid statements based on pre-existing knowledge or evidence.

Summary of Higher Order Thinking Skills

  • Compare and Contrast: Highlight similarities and differences between concepts or entities.
  • Summarize: Clearly convey the main ideas, including beginning, middle, and end of scientific stories.
  • Justify: Provide robust reasoning that aligns with scientific principles and data.
  • Differentiate: Demonstrate an understanding of distinctions in biological concepts or entities.