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AP Environmental FRQs

7 min readnovember 17, 2021

Harrison Burnside

Harrison Burnside

M

Mark Little

Harrison Burnside

Harrison Burnside

M

Mark Little

Overview of FRQs (2020)

AP Environmental Science started as a course during the 1997-98 school year and the first exam was in 1998.  There were 4 FRQs written in 90 minutes and the combined score from these questions was 40% of the total score. Each question was worth a maximum of 10 points.

Starting this year, there are only three free-response questions. You will have a total of 70 minutes for the three questions. These 3 questions are worth 40% of your exam score.  That translates into that each question is worth about 13-14% of your exam score! Learning to answer FRQs is very important to your success on the AP Exam in May.

There is ONE important thing for you to remember for this exam this year: the ’s and the multiple choice this year.  

FOR 2020 Exam ONLY: FRQs will be 100% of your exam score! There are 2 FRQs:

  • #1 = 25 minutes + 5 minute upload

  • #2 = 15 minutes + 5 minutes upload.

The College Board has not recommended that a calculator be used for the 2020 Exam.


FRQ Question Breakdown


Question 1: Design an Investigation

You will be given a real-life problem with some type of visual representation or a model ( for example: data table, experimental data graph, food web or a map of seismic activity). The question will see how well you can do the following:

  1. a process or something else from the visual representation.

  2. or explain some type of in writing.

  3. Analyze the data, the visual representation or model.

  4. Examine research studies that evaluate the environmental concepts.

  5. some potential issues and possible environmental changes.

  6. (Independent variable, controls, etc.) Independent variable is the variable you change such as the amount of fertilizer. The dependent variable is what you measure, such as the amount of plant growth.  The is what keeps the same such as the type of plant, amount of light or water.

FOR 2020 Exam ONLY: This will be the longer #1.


Question 2: Analyze an Environmental Problem and Propose a Solution

You will be given a real-life or authentic story providing you some type of model or visual representation (examples in question 1) or such as the number of deer in an area every year.

  1. a characteristic, a specific criterion or something else about the story presented in the .

  2. or explain some type of in writing.

  3. Analyze the data, the visual representation or model.

  4. Write about or pose a solution to the given problem and give reasons for the solution you wrote.

FOR 2020 Exam ONLY: This will be the shorter #2.


Question  3: Analyze an Environmental Problem and Propose a Solution Using Math

  1. or explain some type of in writing.

  2. Using math to analyze an or concept.

  3. Come up with and provide or propose a  justifiable solution to a given environmental situation.

FOR 2020 Exam ONLY: This will NOT be on the exam.


Key Terms

Key terms or Task verbs used on the questions for APES.  Please note: Each bolded Task Verb this year is worth one point in each .

*Calculate

Do the math steps necessary to determine or calculate the correct answer.  This may require the use of algebra.

*Show Work

Showing work is required for the Calculate point.  This may be just showing the setup on how the answer was calculated or Dimensional Analysis set up. Proper units are needed. (Example Kg or iron…)

Provide the relevant details to provide an account of a situation.  Talks about the facts.

Explain (How)

Write an answer that writes the details out on how things happen.  Usually for how looks at relationships or patterns.

Explain (Why)

Write an answer that writes the details out on why things happen. With why you look at reasons or incentives or motives.

Point out or specify something for a particular topic without a long explanation.

Provide support or evidence for a position or claim.  Provide an explanation on why the evidence your wrote supports a position or claim

Write a statement that is based on evidence or your knowledge.  Usually this should be one sentence.

Provide or write a solution to a problem based on the evidence or knowledge.

  • Calculate and Show work go together. The Calculated Answer is worth one point and the Shown work is worth one point.


Recommendations from AP Readers

The section of the exam is worth 40% of your total exam score. AP questions are written by the College Board which are very well written questions that cover course content and access student skills or science practices. AP readers are trained to grade your questions accurately and checks are in place to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the grading. These college and high school teachers are an outstanding group of teachers.

The task verbs mentioned in the previous section are key for you.  Knowing the meaning of these terms and being able to apply them will help you earn the highest score possible.  Each task verb is worth one point


Strategies from Fiveable for APES FRQS

  1. Read through all three FRQs carefully first. You do not want to miss any chances for points by not reading the questions carefully. 

  2. You can write notes or outline on the question pages but those notes will not be scored.  Only what is written on the lined portion of the page will be scored.

  3. Circle, box or underline the bold faced task verbs

  4. Write complete sentences unless it is , or Calculate. Remember to use units on calculations like ppm.

  5. Use a blue or black pen if you can to write your FRQs.

  6. When you make a mistake, draw a line through the word or phrase and continue.

  7. You can answer the questions in any order you choose.

  8. Remember to label each section of the question.

  9. Time yourself.  You have 70 minutes to answer the three questions.

  10. This is not a language arts class.  Do not restate the prompt. No introductory paragraph.  Just answer the question. Remember the phrase ATP:  Answer The Prompt.  

  11. Using specific terminology (biotic factor for example--living factor like grass or deer) provide an example if you can.


Practice FRQ

The graph provided below shows the monthly mean carbon dioxide (CO2) taken from the observatory on top of Mauna Loa from the big island in Hawaii. 

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2Ffrqs.JPG?alt=media&token=1afe4485-80ee-4449-a6bd-531132a14a0e

a.

Using the graph above, answer the following questions.

(i) Based on the data provided in the graph, calculate the rate of CO2 increase between year 1980 and 2000. Show your work.

b.

There are reasons for the increase in CO2 levels worldwide and the concerns with the environment. One of these concerns is an increase in global average temperature.

(i) are a concern for raising global average temperature.  one other greenhouse gas besides CO2.

(ii) For your identified greenhouse gas in i, one strategy to reduce the levels of this gas.

(iii)For CO2, ONE that contributes to its emission or release.

(iv) one strategy that can be done to reduce the anthropology contributions of CO2.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F1%20yr.JPG?alt=media&token=413b1c66-cabe-4d93-9362-cba01477bf09

c.

Here is a graph an enlarged section of one year.  Propose a reason why there is a variation in CO2 levels throughout the year. your reason for the variation in CO2 levels.

d.

The occurs naturally.  

(i) Explain why the naturally occurring is a benefit to life on Earth.

(ii) Explain why naturally occurring has a negative effect on life on Earth.


Rubric-Scoring Guidelines

Please note these are suggested responses that work. Other answers may work beyond what is provided.


a.

Calculate CO2 increase:

Set Up/work (1 pt)

Answer with units (1pt)

Setup (2pts)

  • 368-338= 1.5 carbon dioxide concentration ppmv/year

  • 20 years

  • Acceptable numbers 365-370; 335-340 to use.


b.

(i) another greenhouse gas (1pt)

  • Water vapor (H2O), Methane (CH4), Nitrous oxide (N2O), Ozone (O3).

(ii) The strategy to reduce your selected gas in (i) (1pt)

Greenhouse gas

Example of Strategy to reduce this gas

Water Vapor (H2O),

Reduce other will help lower the surface temperature and decrease the evaporation of water.

Methane (CH4)

Decrease the amount of red meat being eaten.

Nitrous oxide (N2O)

Decrease the amount of nitrogen fertilizer being used.

Ozone (O3)

Drive a more efficient car or reduce how much you drive your car.

There may be more strategies that may reduce each gas.

(iii) of CO2 (1pt)

  • Transportation, power plants, oil production and agriculture practices.

(iv) Reduce anthropogenic CO2 production (1pt)

  • Reduce,Reuse, Recycle, Decrease energy use (heat and AC), drive your car less, energy efficient appliances. 

 

Reason:  The Carbon dioxide levels will decrease during the cooler, colder or during the winter. (1pt)


c.

  • : Seasonal variation of the carbon cycle because cell respiration occurs all year long while photosynthesis

occurs mostly during the spring and summer months. (1pt)


d.

  • Benefit: Helps maintain the Earth’s temperature. Block harmful solar radiation for hitting the Earth. (1pt)

  • Negative: Leading to changes in the climate. Reduce the rate of photosynthesis. (1pt)


Key Terms to Review (19)

Analyze an Environmental Problem and Propose a Solution

: Analyzing an environmental problem and proposing a solution involves examining an issue from multiple perspectives, gathering data, identifying causes and effects, evaluating potential solutions, and ultimately suggesting effective strategies for addressing the problem.

Anthropogenic Source

: Anthropogenic source refers to any activity or process that is caused by human beings and contributes to environmental issues. These sources can include pollution from industries, deforestation, and the burning of fossil fuels.

Control

: Control refers to the management or regulation of a process, system, or situation in order to maintain stability or achieve desired outcomes.

Describe

: To provide a detailed account or explanation of something, including its characteristics, features, and qualities.

Design an Investigation

: Designing an investigation refers to the process of planning and organizing a scientific study or experiment. It involves identifying research questions, developing hypotheses, determining variables, designing data collection methods, and outlining procedures.

Environmental Concept

: An environmental concept refers to fundamental ideas or principles related to the environment. These concepts help us understand the interactions between living organisms, ecosystems, natural resources, and human activities.

Environmental Problem

: An environmental problem refers to any issue that negatively impacts the natural world, ecosystems, or human well-being. These problems can arise from pollution, habitat destruction, climate change, resource depletion, and other factors.

Experimental variables

: Experimental variables are the factors or conditions that are intentionally changed or manipulated in an experiment to observe their effect on the dependent variable.

Explain (How)

: To provide information about the process or steps involved in achieving a particular outcome or result.

Explain (Why)

: To provide reasons, justifications, or causes for why something occurs or why it is important.

FRQ

: FRQ stands for Free Response Question. It is a type of question commonly found in AP Environmental Science exams where students are required to provide a written response rather than selecting from multiple-choice options.

Greenhouse Effect

: The greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat from the sun, causing an increase in temperature on the planet. It acts like a blanket around the Earth, allowing sunlight to enter but preventing some of the heat from escaping back into space.

Greenhouse Gases

: Greenhouse gases are gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat and contribute to the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming. They include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases.

Identify

: To identify means to recognize or determine the specific characteristics or qualities of something or someone.

Justify

: To justify means to provide valid reasons, evidence, or arguments in support of a claim, decision, action, or belief.

Make a claim

: Making a claim means stating an assertion or proposition about something without necessarily providing evidence at that moment.

Practice FRQ Terms

: Practice FRQ terms refer to the key concepts and vocabulary that are commonly tested in Free Response Questions (FRQs) on AP Environmental Science exams.

Propose a solution

: Propose a solution refers to the act of suggesting or presenting a potential answer or remedy to a problem or challenge.

Quantitative data

: Quantitative data refers to numerical information or data that can be measured and expressed using numbers. It involves collecting and analyzing data in a quantitative manner, such as through measurements, calculations, and statistical analysis.

AP Environmental FRQs

7 min readnovember 17, 2021

Harrison Burnside

Harrison Burnside

M

Mark Little

Harrison Burnside

Harrison Burnside

M

Mark Little

Overview of FRQs (2020)

AP Environmental Science started as a course during the 1997-98 school year and the first exam was in 1998.  There were 4 FRQs written in 90 minutes and the combined score from these questions was 40% of the total score. Each question was worth a maximum of 10 points.

Starting this year, there are only three free-response questions. You will have a total of 70 minutes for the three questions. These 3 questions are worth 40% of your exam score.  That translates into that each question is worth about 13-14% of your exam score! Learning to answer FRQs is very important to your success on the AP Exam in May.

There is ONE important thing for you to remember for this exam this year: the ’s and the multiple choice this year.  

FOR 2020 Exam ONLY: FRQs will be 100% of your exam score! There are 2 FRQs:

  • #1 = 25 minutes + 5 minute upload

  • #2 = 15 minutes + 5 minutes upload.

The College Board has not recommended that a calculator be used for the 2020 Exam.


FRQ Question Breakdown


Question 1: Design an Investigation

You will be given a real-life problem with some type of visual representation or a model ( for example: data table, experimental data graph, food web or a map of seismic activity). The question will see how well you can do the following:

  1. a process or something else from the visual representation.

  2. or explain some type of in writing.

  3. Analyze the data, the visual representation or model.

  4. Examine research studies that evaluate the environmental concepts.

  5. some potential issues and possible environmental changes.

  6. (Independent variable, controls, etc.) Independent variable is the variable you change such as the amount of fertilizer. The dependent variable is what you measure, such as the amount of plant growth.  The is what keeps the same such as the type of plant, amount of light or water.

FOR 2020 Exam ONLY: This will be the longer #1.


Question 2: Analyze an Environmental Problem and Propose a Solution

You will be given a real-life or authentic story providing you some type of model or visual representation (examples in question 1) or such as the number of deer in an area every year.

  1. a characteristic, a specific criterion or something else about the story presented in the .

  2. or explain some type of in writing.

  3. Analyze the data, the visual representation or model.

  4. Write about or pose a solution to the given problem and give reasons for the solution you wrote.

FOR 2020 Exam ONLY: This will be the shorter #2.


Question  3: Analyze an Environmental Problem and Propose a Solution Using Math

  1. or explain some type of in writing.

  2. Using math to analyze an or concept.

  3. Come up with and provide or propose a  justifiable solution to a given environmental situation.

FOR 2020 Exam ONLY: This will NOT be on the exam.


Key Terms

Key terms or Task verbs used on the questions for APES.  Please note: Each bolded Task Verb this year is worth one point in each .

*Calculate

Do the math steps necessary to determine or calculate the correct answer.  This may require the use of algebra.

*Show Work

Showing work is required for the Calculate point.  This may be just showing the setup on how the answer was calculated or Dimensional Analysis set up. Proper units are needed. (Example Kg or iron…)

Provide the relevant details to provide an account of a situation.  Talks about the facts.

Explain (How)

Write an answer that writes the details out on how things happen.  Usually for how looks at relationships or patterns.

Explain (Why)

Write an answer that writes the details out on why things happen. With why you look at reasons or incentives or motives.

Point out or specify something for a particular topic without a long explanation.

Provide support or evidence for a position or claim.  Provide an explanation on why the evidence your wrote supports a position or claim

Write a statement that is based on evidence or your knowledge.  Usually this should be one sentence.

Provide or write a solution to a problem based on the evidence or knowledge.

  • Calculate and Show work go together. The Calculated Answer is worth one point and the Shown work is worth one point.


Recommendations from AP Readers

The section of the exam is worth 40% of your total exam score. AP questions are written by the College Board which are very well written questions that cover course content and access student skills or science practices. AP readers are trained to grade your questions accurately and checks are in place to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the grading. These college and high school teachers are an outstanding group of teachers.

The task verbs mentioned in the previous section are key for you.  Knowing the meaning of these terms and being able to apply them will help you earn the highest score possible.  Each task verb is worth one point


Strategies from Fiveable for APES FRQS

  1. Read through all three FRQs carefully first. You do not want to miss any chances for points by not reading the questions carefully. 

  2. You can write notes or outline on the question pages but those notes will not be scored.  Only what is written on the lined portion of the page will be scored.

  3. Circle, box or underline the bold faced task verbs

  4. Write complete sentences unless it is , or Calculate. Remember to use units on calculations like ppm.

  5. Use a blue or black pen if you can to write your FRQs.

  6. When you make a mistake, draw a line through the word or phrase and continue.

  7. You can answer the questions in any order you choose.

  8. Remember to label each section of the question.

  9. Time yourself.  You have 70 minutes to answer the three questions.

  10. This is not a language arts class.  Do not restate the prompt. No introductory paragraph.  Just answer the question. Remember the phrase ATP:  Answer The Prompt.  

  11. Using specific terminology (biotic factor for example--living factor like grass or deer) provide an example if you can.


Practice FRQ

The graph provided below shows the monthly mean carbon dioxide (CO2) taken from the observatory on top of Mauna Loa from the big island in Hawaii. 

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2Ffrqs.JPG?alt=media&token=1afe4485-80ee-4449-a6bd-531132a14a0e

a.

Using the graph above, answer the following questions.

(i) Based on the data provided in the graph, calculate the rate of CO2 increase between year 1980 and 2000. Show your work.

b.

There are reasons for the increase in CO2 levels worldwide and the concerns with the environment. One of these concerns is an increase in global average temperature.

(i) are a concern for raising global average temperature.  one other greenhouse gas besides CO2.

(ii) For your identified greenhouse gas in i, one strategy to reduce the levels of this gas.

(iii)For CO2, ONE that contributes to its emission or release.

(iv) one strategy that can be done to reduce the anthropology contributions of CO2.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F1%20yr.JPG?alt=media&token=413b1c66-cabe-4d93-9362-cba01477bf09

c.

Here is a graph an enlarged section of one year.  Propose a reason why there is a variation in CO2 levels throughout the year. your reason for the variation in CO2 levels.

d.

The occurs naturally.  

(i) Explain why the naturally occurring is a benefit to life on Earth.

(ii) Explain why naturally occurring has a negative effect on life on Earth.


Rubric-Scoring Guidelines

Please note these are suggested responses that work. Other answers may work beyond what is provided.


a.

Calculate CO2 increase:

Set Up/work (1 pt)

Answer with units (1pt)

Setup (2pts)

  • 368-338= 1.5 carbon dioxide concentration ppmv/year

  • 20 years

  • Acceptable numbers 365-370; 335-340 to use.


b.

(i) another greenhouse gas (1pt)

  • Water vapor (H2O), Methane (CH4), Nitrous oxide (N2O), Ozone (O3).

(ii) The strategy to reduce your selected gas in (i) (1pt)

Greenhouse gas

Example of Strategy to reduce this gas

Water Vapor (H2O),

Reduce other will help lower the surface temperature and decrease the evaporation of water.

Methane (CH4)

Decrease the amount of red meat being eaten.

Nitrous oxide (N2O)

Decrease the amount of nitrogen fertilizer being used.

Ozone (O3)

Drive a more efficient car or reduce how much you drive your car.

There may be more strategies that may reduce each gas.

(iii) of CO2 (1pt)

  • Transportation, power plants, oil production and agriculture practices.

(iv) Reduce anthropogenic CO2 production (1pt)

  • Reduce,Reuse, Recycle, Decrease energy use (heat and AC), drive your car less, energy efficient appliances. 

 

Reason:  The Carbon dioxide levels will decrease during the cooler, colder or during the winter. (1pt)


c.

  • : Seasonal variation of the carbon cycle because cell respiration occurs all year long while photosynthesis

occurs mostly during the spring and summer months. (1pt)


d.

  • Benefit: Helps maintain the Earth’s temperature. Block harmful solar radiation for hitting the Earth. (1pt)

  • Negative: Leading to changes in the climate. Reduce the rate of photosynthesis. (1pt)


Key Terms to Review (19)

Analyze an Environmental Problem and Propose a Solution

: Analyzing an environmental problem and proposing a solution involves examining an issue from multiple perspectives, gathering data, identifying causes and effects, evaluating potential solutions, and ultimately suggesting effective strategies for addressing the problem.

Anthropogenic Source

: Anthropogenic source refers to any activity or process that is caused by human beings and contributes to environmental issues. These sources can include pollution from industries, deforestation, and the burning of fossil fuels.

Control

: Control refers to the management or regulation of a process, system, or situation in order to maintain stability or achieve desired outcomes.

Describe

: To provide a detailed account or explanation of something, including its characteristics, features, and qualities.

Design an Investigation

: Designing an investigation refers to the process of planning and organizing a scientific study or experiment. It involves identifying research questions, developing hypotheses, determining variables, designing data collection methods, and outlining procedures.

Environmental Concept

: An environmental concept refers to fundamental ideas or principles related to the environment. These concepts help us understand the interactions between living organisms, ecosystems, natural resources, and human activities.

Environmental Problem

: An environmental problem refers to any issue that negatively impacts the natural world, ecosystems, or human well-being. These problems can arise from pollution, habitat destruction, climate change, resource depletion, and other factors.

Experimental variables

: Experimental variables are the factors or conditions that are intentionally changed or manipulated in an experiment to observe their effect on the dependent variable.

Explain (How)

: To provide information about the process or steps involved in achieving a particular outcome or result.

Explain (Why)

: To provide reasons, justifications, or causes for why something occurs or why it is important.

FRQ

: FRQ stands for Free Response Question. It is a type of question commonly found in AP Environmental Science exams where students are required to provide a written response rather than selecting from multiple-choice options.

Greenhouse Effect

: The greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat from the sun, causing an increase in temperature on the planet. It acts like a blanket around the Earth, allowing sunlight to enter but preventing some of the heat from escaping back into space.

Greenhouse Gases

: Greenhouse gases are gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat and contribute to the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming. They include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases.

Identify

: To identify means to recognize or determine the specific characteristics or qualities of something or someone.

Justify

: To justify means to provide valid reasons, evidence, or arguments in support of a claim, decision, action, or belief.

Make a claim

: Making a claim means stating an assertion or proposition about something without necessarily providing evidence at that moment.

Practice FRQ Terms

: Practice FRQ terms refer to the key concepts and vocabulary that are commonly tested in Free Response Questions (FRQs) on AP Environmental Science exams.

Propose a solution

: Propose a solution refers to the act of suggesting or presenting a potential answer or remedy to a problem or challenge.

Quantitative data

: Quantitative data refers to numerical information or data that can be measured and expressed using numbers. It involves collecting and analyzing data in a quantitative manner, such as through measurements, calculations, and statistical analysis.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.