APES FRQ 2: analyze data
Tap the graph, compare sites, and answer the four parts.
Scenario: A river is tested for nitrate at three sites. Site 1 is upstream of a farm, Site 2 is just below it, and Site 3 is 5 km farther downstream.
Read the data Tap one bar, then another, to compare them.
Answer the four parts
Common mistakes
- Describing without numbers.
- Dropping units (mg/L, percent).
- Explaining when asked to describe.
- Saying the data “proves” something.
- Proposing something unrelated to the cause in the data.
For teachers
Pair this with any simulator on the site: record a table from a run, then answer describe, calculate, explain, and propose prompts on that data.
Questions people ask
What is FRQ 2 on the AP Environmental Science exam?
FRQ 2 is the analyze and interpret quantitative data question. It gives a table, chart, or graph and asks you to describe patterns, use the data, explain causes, and propose a solution.
How do I describe a trend in a graph?
State the direction and give at least two data points with units, such as: nitrate rose from 1.2 mg/L at Site 1 to 6.8 mg/L at Site 2.
What is the difference between correlation and causation?
Correlation means two things change together. Causation means one change produces the other. Observational data usually shows a relationship, so say 'is associated with' unless the prompt describes a controlled experiment.
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.