Score Higher on AP Biology 2024: Tips for FRQ 6

FRQ 6 – Analyze Data (Short)

This guide compiles advice from past students who scored 4s and 5s on their exams. We hope this gives you new insights and tools for your study sessions. Remember, everyone’s different—what works for one student may not work for you. Think of this as additional help, not a must-follow overhaul.

📜 Overview

Students are given data in a graph or table and asked to analyze it.

• 6% of Exam Score

• Spend about 12 minutes

• Scored on a 4-point rubric:

  • Describes data (2)

  • Evaluates hypothesis with data (1)

  • Relates results to biological principles (1)

💡 General Advice

Tips on mindset, strategy, structure, time management, and other high-level things to know:

• Underline important words! Sometimes, the question might feel overwhelming due to the amount of information. Highlighting relevant phrases in the prompt can help you stay focused on what to look for in the data.

• Worried about time? Read all the questions first. If you read the questions before diving into the data, you’ll have a clearer idea of what to focus on when analyzing the presented information.

• Write something rather than nothing. Even if you feel lost, try not to leave any section blank. There’s always a chance that your guess might be correct. As each section builds on the previous one, try to keep your answers consistent.

• Keep it concise. Your response doesn’t need to be long—being direct and getting to the point is what matters. A shorter, precise response also helps you save time for the other FRQs.

⏰ Before You Write

What should a student do in the first few minutes, before they start writing?

• Consider what the data represents. Think about the significance of the data and the relationship between the variables. Connecting the data to overarching biological concepts can help you with the final sections of the problem.

• Plan your answer. Think about how you’ll structure your response. What will you start with? How will you communicate your point clearly? Break down the question to identify what is being asked. Annotate the question and any background information to make sure you’re extracting the key details.

💯 Tips for Earning Each Point

1. Describe Data

• Start by identifying trends or patterns in the data. Look for changes over time, differences between groups, or correlations.

• Describe trends with specifics—mention the magnitude and direction of changes. Highlight whether there’s a significant increase, decrease, or fluctuation.

• Use specific data points from the graph or table to support your description. Refer to values, intervals, or notable markers.

• Use relevant scientific terms to show familiarity with biological language.

• Discuss how changes in independent and dependent variables are related. Understanding this relationship adds depth to your analysis.

2. Use Data to Evaluate a Hypothesis/Prediction

• Begin by restating the hypothesis or prediction given in the question. State whether the data supports or contradicts it.

• Provide quantitative evidence from the data—mention specific numbers or percentages to illustrate how the data agrees or disagrees with the hypothesis.

• Consider any alternative explanations for the observed data.

• Relate the data to the experimental design and discuss how chosen variables influenced the results.

• Address limitations of the experimental design if applicable, and suggest improvements. This adds depth to your response.

3. Relate Results to Biological Principles/Concepts/Theory

• Clearly articulate the biological principles that apply to the results. This could involve cellular processes, genetics, or ecological dynamics.

• Discuss the broader significance of the experimental results within a biological framework. Why do these findings matter?

• If applicable, relate results to established biological theories.

• Be explicit about cause-and-effect relationships and explain how the data aligns with or challenges existing biological knowledge.