Overview of Short Essay (FRQ) Questions
The AP Biology exam underwent significant redesign in 2019. Previously, the exam included eight long-form free-response questions, but now it consists of six FRQs. Of these, two are “long” questions, and four are “short.” The short questions make up 50% of the total FRQ score, which accounts for 25% of your total exam score.
While shorter in length, these four questions still carry significant weight in determining your overall performance.
Key Features of the Short Essay Questions
- The last four questions on your exam are the short FRQs.
- These questions differ from the first two in length and point value but still require you to know the content and apply the essential verbiage effectively.
- You need to write your responses in blue or black ink (using pencil is discouraged). Make sure you have a few good pens on hand!
- Each question is worth 4 points and often focuses on multiple content areas, but they are less likely to cover as many diverse topics as the long questions.
How Short FRQs Are Graded (Insights from an AP Reader)
The last four questions of the FRQ section contain 16 points in total, which makes up 25% of your AP Biology score. AP Readers are rigorously trained to ensure grading consistency and fairness. They know precisely what they are looking for when grading, and if a response doesn’t match the specific points, they move on quickly.
This may sound intimidating, but it’s actually to your advantage—if you know how to identify and respond to the bolded verbs within the question, you’ll know precisely what AP Readers want, minimizing the risk of losing points on technicalities.
Essential Verbiage
Questions will use specific verbs, like “explain,” “describe,” “predict,” and “justify.” Knowing what each verb demands is critical to writing a complete and accurate response. If you know what a verb is asking for, you will be able to craft your response effectively, maximizing your points. Keep in mind that if a question asks you to do something multiple times (e.g., describe two factors), you should multiply the number of points by the number of items the question expects you to cover.
| Word | How to Respond | # Points |
|---|---|---|
| Predict / Determine | The core of AP exams is not just recalling facts but applying knowledge to predict outcomes. This requires critical thinking. Make a clear prediction about what you think will happen, and explain your reasoning using evidence from the question or related scientific knowledge. | 2 |
| Propose | Similar to prediction, but generally less demanding. You need to provide a reason why something might happen, usually without as much emphasis on detailed evidence. | 1 |
| Construct / Create a Graph | Graph questions are easy points if done correctly. Make sure to label axes (independent variable on x-axis and dependent variable on y-axis), add a descriptive title, and use an appropriate scale. Graphs are often worth multiple points, so be precise. | 3 |
| Word | How to Respond | # Points |
|---|---|---|
| Construct / Create a Graph | Label both axes correctly, indicating the independent variable (x-axis) and the dependent variable (y-axis). Ensure you scale the axes properly (include units, or you’ll miss points), and accurately plot the data. Graphing questions are often easy points, especially if done with precision. | ≥ 3 |
| Construct / Design an Experiment | These questions can still occasionally appear. They are worth significant points, and you can earn partial credit by doing any of the following: – Identify independent and dependent variables – Identify constants – Identify controls – State that you will use a large sample size – State that you will run multiple trials | ≥ 3 |
| Explain | In this type of question, you need to clarify the why and the how. Why does a biological process occur, and how does it work? Provide detailed explanations, and use examples to illustrate your points. The explain questions are often similar to describe, but with more emphasis on mechanisms and reasoning. | 2+ |
| Word | How to Respond | # Points |
|---|---|---|
| Indicate / Enter | These questions usually involve graphs, figures, tables, or images. You’ll need to examine the image and determine where something is located, what something is, or provide specific details related to it. They focus heavily on visual interpretation. | 1 |
| Make a Claim | A very short version of Predict or Propose questions. Based on a given set of events or observations, you need to state what you expect to happen. Just make a confident claim! | 1 |
| Pose a Question | You’ll be given a scenario and need to come up with a valid scientific question based on the context. This could include an ethical question or a cause and effect type question. Make sure your question is clear and concise, as it only requires a quick, straightforward response. | 1 |
Strategies for Scoring a 5 on FRQs
- Read the Question Carefully. Missing a single critical word can cost you a point. Pay close attention to both the questions and directions.
- Complete Sentences. Unless explicitly stated (e.g., for an “identify” or “graph/draw” question), your answers should be written in complete sentences. Bullet points and outlines are not acceptable.
- Circle Bolded Verbs. Identify and circle each bolded verb to help determine which points need the most attention.
- Skip and Return. If a question stumps you, skip it and return later. Avoid wasting valuable time that could be used to answer other questions.
- Answer Easy Questions First. Tackle identify and graph/draw questions first, as they are typically the quickest to answer.
- Manage Your Time. Allocate 90 minutes wisely for six FRQs. Aim to spend 10-11 minutes on each of the short FRQs to maintain enough time for longer questions.
- Go Straight to the Point. AP Readers are not interested in flowery language. Avoid unnecessary introductions or repeating the question; instead, be direct and concise.
- Label Your Responses. Clearly label each part of your response as a, b, c, etc. to help Readers identify your answers easily.
- Commit to Your Answer. Avoid hesitant language. Be assertive in your responses, even if you’re unsure.
- Use Examples if Possible. Examples help clarify your points and might even help you pick up extra points.
Question Types in Short FRQs
The four short questions cover four key question types:
- Scientific Investigation – Describes an experimental scenario and expects you to describe, identify, predict, and justify.
- Conceptual Analysis – Presents a real-life scenario and requires you to describe the biological process, explain concepts, and make and justify predictions.
- Analysis of Model or Visual Representation – Involves interpreting a biological model or visual representation, describing and identifying characteristics, and connecting the scenario to a larger concept.
- Analysis of Data – Involves examining a dataset or graph, describing data, evaluating a hypothesis, and explaining experimental results in the context of a biological concept.
Sample Questions
Scientific Investigation Example:
A forest ecosystem contains a balance of life forms: autotrophs, heterotrophs, and decomposers. Buteo jamaicensis (the red-tailed hawk) preys on small reptiles and mammals. Recently, this ecosystem has been impacted by deforestation, leading to a decline in the hawk’s roosting habitat.
- (a) Describe the niche of the red-tailed hawk.
- (b) Identify the type of relationship shared between the red-tailed hawk and a common forest mouse.
- (c) Predict the short-term impact of deforestation on the hawk population and how it will impact the rest of the ecosystem.
- (d) Justify your prediction.
Conceptual Analysis Example:
The lac operon is a model often used to demonstrate gene regulation, allowing E. coli to metabolize lactose by turning a gene “on” or “off” only when necessary.
- (a) Describe the gene expression process from DNA to protein.
- (b) Explain why operons provide an evolutionary advantage over constantly transcribing and translating genes.
- (c) Predict what might occur if a lac repressor were used on the trp operon.
- (d) Provide evidence to support your prediction.
Analysis of Model or Visual Representation Example:
Signal transduction pathways occur when a cell receives a signal from outside, passing it through the cell to initiate a response. These pathways are critical for processes like growth, protein production, and cell division.
- (a) Predict a potential cellular response resulting from the signal.
- (b) Describe the steps of the signal transduction pathway leading to the response.
- (c) Explain why secondary messengers may be necessary for signal transduction.
- (d) Identify the ligand shown in the figure.
Analysis of Data Example:
A data table presents the population dynamics of a species in response to a certain environmental change.
- (a) Describe the trend shown in the data over the observed time period.
- (b) Describe any anomalies or unusual results.
- (c) Evaluate whether the hypothesis that “the species population will decline” is supported by the data.
- (d) Explain how the data results support or challenge a biological concept (e.g., competitive exclusion, resource availability, etc.).
Biology Short Essay Free Response Questions
Unit 2 FRQ (Intercellular Transport)
