APES FRQ strategy
How the three free-response questions work and where students lose easy points.
Three questions, 70 minutes, 10 points each. Pick a question type, plan your time, then fix a weak answer.
Design an investigation
Variables, controls, procedure.
Practice → Question 2Analyze data
Read a graph, describe, explain.
Practice → Question 3Calculations
Set up the math, keep units.
Practice →Plan your 70 minutes Drag the sliders.
Fix this answer Tap each sentence to see if it earns the point.
(a) Describe the trend in nitrate (Site 1: 1.2 mg/L, Site 2: 6.8 mg/L, Site 3: 3.1 mg/L).
(b) Propose one solution.
Seven habits Tick the ones you already do.
Questions people ask
How many FRQs are on the AP Environmental Science exam?
There are 3 free-response questions in Section II. You get 70 minutes, the section counts for 40 percent of your exam score, and each question is scored out of 10 points.
What are the three APES FRQ types?
Question 1 is design an investigation. Question 2 is analyze and interpret quantitative data. Question 3 is analyze an environmental problem using calculations. Each includes proposing a solution to the problem in the scenario.
How do I get a 10 out of 10 on an APES FRQ?
Answer every lettered part, match the task verb, use the data in the scenario with units, and make each statement specific. Most points are earned by one precise sentence.
Teaching AP Environmental Science?
The Green Flask Science™ full-year APES bundle covers all nine units with slides, guided notes, original activities, simulations, and quiz and test banks.