Writing for Free-Response Items on the AP Human Geography Exam
The following is taken from the APHG Course Description (2015).
The free-response items on the AP Human Geography Exam require students to analyze and respond to three prompts with multiple parts in 75 minutes. Students are expected to address the prompts in a thorough manner, but due to the time constraints of the exam they are not penalized for grammatical errors. Students must write their answers in a narrative form, not in bulleted statements.
A successful exam response will demonstrate student knowledge and understanding of the geographic concept or concepts applicable to the prompt, with students providing examples and/or evidence that demonstrate proficiency with the topic. Students should use geographic terms and reference geographic themes or models when appropriate. If there is a stimulus (e.g., a map, diagram, or chart), students should thoroughly investigate the information provided before beginning to write an answer. Linking information in the stimulus to what was learned in the course may help in formulating an answer.
AP Human Geography students should be able to apply geographic concepts to places or situations other than those used in instruction. Exam prompts may require students to explain concepts that come from more than one unit of the course, such as population growth or decline in urban or rural areas. Students’ answers should demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and how they relate to the answer.
When taking the AP Human Geography Exam, students should not begin writing until they fully comprehend the prompt. Identifying the action verbs in the prompt (e.g., define, explain, or analyze) should provide guidance on the type of answer required for each part of the prompt. Space is provided on the unlined paper under the prompt for students to plan their responses. Students who spend time planning are more likely to stay focused on the specific language of the prompts. It is not necessary to rephrase the question in the answer or to include an introductory paragraph.
The format of the written response (answer) should reflect the format of the prompt (question). For example, lettered parts of the prompt might ask for definitions, explanations, or analysis, and the responses should reflect that order. Students are encouraged to label the parts of their response the way they were labeled in the prompt to ensure that they formulate a complete and organized response.
When writing a response to a new topic or new part of the prompt, students should create a new paragraph. Paragraphs create the structure of the response.
Providing appropriate illustrative examples makes a student’s response stronger by demonstrating that the student understands the context of the prompt.
Teachers can help students develop skill in answering AP Human Geography Exam–style questions by utilizing released FRQs from previous exams, available at http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/exam/exam_information/2004.html. These examples allow students to review the scoring rubrics used for previous exam questions; see examples of student essays earning high, middle, and low scores; and gain insight on writing a more complete exam response.