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Introduction
It’s about time we review an actual AP assessment: FRQs.
If you’re a student facing an upcoming Free-Response Question (FRQ) assessment and are feeling a bit overwhelmed, don’t worry – you’re not alone!
FRQs can be challenging, but with the right strategies and some practice, you can excel in these assessments. Plus, they aren’t that bad at all when you compare them to the monsters that are DBQs in AP history classes. Those are, sorta, awful.
Before Taking an FRQ
Step 1: Understand the Purpose of FRQs
Before you begin writing FRQs, it’s crucial to understand their purpose. FRQs are designed to assess a student’s ability to:
- Apply knowledge and concepts to real-world scenarios.
- Analyze and synthesize information.
- Develop well-structured, coherent responses.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- By keeping these objectives in mind, you can create FRQs that effectively measure these skills.
So, what’s the answer in your situation?
Step 2: Review Your Learning Objectives
Secondly, before diving into your FRQ preparation, you need to take a moment to review your course materials and learning objectives.
What key concepts, theories, or skills have you covered in your course? Make a list of these, as they will likely be the basis for your FRQ questions.
For example, when I took AP World, we would often cover core learning skills such as comparison, cause and effect, and plenty more. Knowing these could give me an idea of how exactly I should prepare, rather than what I should possibly prepare for.
When Taking the FRQ
Step 1: Break Down the Question
When you receive your FRQ question, read it carefully and break it down into smaller parts. Identify the following:
- What is the main topic or concept being tested?
- Are there multiple parts or components to the question?
- Do you need to provide examples or evidence to support your response?
- What exactly are you being asked to do and how must/can you do that?
Breaking down a question is important because it’ll tell you exactly what to write and not waste your time on. Understanding the question’s components is also crucial for a well-structured answer.
Step 2: Plan Your Response
Before you start writing, take a few moments to plan your response. Consider creating a simple outline that includes:
- An introduction: State your main point or thesis.
- Body paragraphs: Address each part of the question with supporting evidence or examples.
- Conclusion: Summarize your key points and restate your main argument.
When in this situation, you need to neatly organize everything so that your ideas are smoothly presented and are extremely informative towards the reader. The idea here is to meet all the requirements, but not overdo.
Step 2.1: What if I don’t know what to Write?
But, what if you don’t know what to write at all?
In this situation, you need to ensure that you’ve read the question entirely correctly and have used your context-analyzing capabilities as best possible.
But, if you still don’t know what to write, then you need to start creating links. What I mean by this is creating a connection to something that you easily know to something else that’s related, that you may have trouble remembering.
Example
As an example, let’s say that I have an FRQ for biology, which specifically is on the function and usage of chloroplasts in cells.
You don’t remember exactly what they are or how they work, but you do remember that they are only in one type of cell, that being a plant cell. From there, you remember the green pigment that plants have, thanks to chloroplasts – providing extra support towards your explanation.
And, just like that, you made a connection; or, what I like to call: a brain link! These are great to practice and attempt because you don’t need to master or remember everything right from the dome. You can just have it sit there in the back of your head, where there is plenty of space to store things, and just leave the rest of the work to your brain-linking system.
Step 3: Be Concise and Clear
In your response, aim for clarity and conciseness. Avoid unnecessary jargon or overly complex sentences that don’t contribute to your writing. More writing is not better, especially when you’re timed.
Keep your ideas straightforward, and make sure each paragraph flows logically into the next. A great way you can do this is through the usage of transitions to make sure everything is seamless.
Step 4: Provide Examples and Evidence
Whenever possible, back up your claims with concrete examples or evidence on whatever you remember on that certain concept. Hopefully, if you’re reading this and are preparing for an FRQ, you know the topic or are very familiar with the course content that you’ve overviewed recently.
Else, if not, consider doing exactly that. Good evidence demonstrate your knowledge and strengthens your argument. It’s also a great way to show the depth of your understanding.
Step 5: Manage Your Time Wisely
FRQs often come with time limits, so it’s essential to manage your time wisely. Allocate a specific amount of time to each part of the question. If you find yourself spending too much time on one section, move on and come back to it later if time allows.
Step 6: Proofread Your Work
Before submitting your FRQ response, take a moment to proofread. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and ensure that your writing is coherent and well-organized. A polished response will leave a better impression on your grader.
BONUS Step: Review Sample FRQs
Sure, taking literal FRQs yourself is the best way to learn and adapt, but another good way is reviewing sample ones. This allows you to prepare for FRQs, without having to deal with all the stress and other elements with actually taking one.
Your teacher or textbook may provide examples. If not, you can look at your CollegeBoard course curriculum and materials online, and you’re going to find something.
Practicing with these can help you become more familiar with the format and improve your writing skills.
Conclusion
Writing Free-Response Questions may seem daunting, but with practice and a clear strategy, you can excel in these assessments.
Remember to understand the question, plan your response, provide evidence, and manage your time effectively. The best way to learn and adapt is to continuously practice until you’ve engrained the method into your brain, in most cases at least.
