The document provides information about the free response question section of the AP Test. It notes that there are 3 questions to be answered in 75 minutes, with each question worth a different number of points. While the points may differ, all 3 questions are equally weighted. It also recommends attempting all questions even if unsure of the answer, as it is easier to score lower on one question than get perfect scores on two. The document outlines the basic types of questions and advises studying vocabulary terms. It concludes with tips for test takers such as outlining responses before writing and including examples in answers.

1. The AP Test: The Free Response Question Section
1. There will be 3 questions that you need to answer in 75 minutes. That means you have to answer each
question in 25 minutes.
2. You have to answer ALL three questions.
3. Each question will have a different total (usually between 6-9 points) depending on the amount of
sections in each question. While the points for each will differ, all three questions will be weighted
equally in the final calculations.
4. Even if you do not know the answer to a question, you need to attempt to answer it. It is much easier to
get a low grade (1 or 2 points) on one part and solid grades on two of the questions than it is to get a
perfect score (5) on two of the sections. Be aware of your time and make sure that you answer all the
questions in this section. There is usually one tough question. Do not worry – attempt it!
5. There are 5 basic types of questions. These are as follows:
a. pattern/process (you will be presented with a series of charts, maps, or graphs that you will
need to interpret)
b. case studies (questions about important cases that we will investigate throughout the year that
illustrate concepts that we study – you will need to have knowledge of certain areas. For
example, Balkanization, Arab-Israeli conflict, etc.)
c. identify and explain (you will need to discuss issues and concepts that relate to parts of the
world that you should know)
d. concepts/models (you will study 20 models that are used by geographers to describe the world –
sometimes you are required to explain one of the models or concepts we studied)
e. synthesizing (this is the most difficult and requires you to incorporate multiple elements)
6. Study the vocabulary terms! This will help for both parts of the test. If you are not a strong writer, a
good knowledge of the vocabulary could help you pass the test.
7. Here are some tips from the test readers (graders):
a. preplan your answer – you should circle key words/ideas in the question prompts
b. make an outline response before you start writing – then draw a line and to write the response
(this is the part that gets graded, but sometimes you might forget to include an important fact,
but if the readers see it in your outline they will give you credit for knowing the important
information)
c. write your response in the same order that the questions are asked the first parts of the
questions are designed to be easier and you should be able to score quick points here
d. change the scale in your answers (for example, talk about California generally, and then change
the scale to talk about Orange County – “California has been a solidly Democratic state, but
Orange County has usually voted Republican”)
e. include a conclusion in your answer
f. credit goes to students who can include examples
8. There will be a US and International focus on the test.
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