AP Environmental Science test information from College Board
Course at a Glance (topics and weights)
FRQ reminders
1) First, SHOW YOUR WORK! It is worth points. You are trying to capture all of the points.
2) Know basic math, exponents. It will help.
3) There is always a math-heavy question--usually energy or a population question.
4) Despite there being a question starting out with calculation, look beyond just the calculations because there is usually follow up questions NOT pertaining to the numbers you derived.
5) There are always % questions so, if you are not comfy with calculating %, etc. you want to be.
Pay close attention to the task verbs used in the free-response questions. Each one directs you to complete a specific type of response.
Calculate: Perform mathematical steps to arrive at a final answer, including algebraic expressions, properly substituted numbers, and correct labeling of units. Showing work is required.
Describe: Provide the relevant characteristics of a specified topic. State a few characteristics, not many sentences.
Explain: Provide information about how or why a relationship, process, pattern, position, situation, or outcome occurs, using evidence and/or reasoning to support or qualify a claim. Explain “how” typically requires analyzing the relationship, process, pattern, position, situation, or outcome; whereas, explain “why” typically requires analysis of motivations or reasons for the relationship, process, pattern, position, situation, or outcome. Also phrased as “give one reason.”
Identify: Indicate or provide information about a specified topic, without elaboration or explanation.
Justify: Provide evidence to support, qualify, or defend a claim and/or provide reasoning to explain how that evidence supports or qualifies the claim.
Make a claim: Make an assertion that is based on evidence or knowledge.
Propose a solution: Provide a proposed solution to a problem based on evidence or knowledge.
**pay close attention to words: environmental, economic, social and ecological.
Ecological-impacts on communities (biotic)
Environmental-impacts on ecosystems (biotic and abiotic); not people
Social-impacts on people
Economic-impacts on people and nations (ex: money and jobs)
Preparing for FRQ’s
Assembled by J. Rodewald, Shaker High School, Latham NY.
General rules
× What are the requirements for the question ‑ list, describe, cause and effect...
× If it asks anything besides identify, you should write at least two sentences. One stating your clear, specific answer and the second providing supporting evidence, examples or a detailed description.
× Know the difference between environmental, social, political and economic effects.
× How many examples are requested? If the question asks for two, only the first two will be graded
× If you are not sure about the meaning of a word in the question, figure out what it means by pulling apart the syllables (anthropogenic – anthro (man) genic (origin or made) is man-made)
× Start each question with whether it is A, B, C,... and leave a two to three line break between each section so you can come back later to add additional information
× Do not rewrite the question; it is a waste of time for you and the reader
× If you find yourself writing something vague, follow it up with a specific example. (Name a specific chemical that will cause the pollution and explain its impacts, name a specific specie or type of specie that would be impacted and explain how, name a specific law or specific possible law that will illustrate whatever you are talking about, etc.)
× If a fourth grader could say it, it is too vague.
× Be careful with absolutes, will it really kill all the animals? Will the entire ecosystem be harmed?
× Often wrong but never in doubt: even if you are making it up, make it sound good and confident. (Be specific. You might be right, but you will not get any credit if you are not specific enough. No "maybe" or "might" unless there is actual scientific uncertainty.)
× Make sure the answers are legible
× Always use complete sentences.
× Each answer should be organized, comprehensive, and in prose form; outline form is not acceptable.
× Drawings are acceptable only if there is a written explanation
× No eco‑babble, flowery, or vague phrases
× Do not write anything in the green book so all your work will be in the answer document
× Even if you can do the math in your head, show each step
× Include units in each step to insure it is correct and in the answer
× Does the answer make sense? A monthly light bill for a family should not be in the trillions of dollars.
There are several strategies you can use to help boost your score on the Free Response section of the AP Environmental Science exam. One of those strategies is to avoid the use of vague and “flowery” terms and phrases. These terms and phrases may sound descriptive, but they frequently say little and provide none of the detail needed to earn credit. To avoid them you should try to explain yourself as best as possible using more detail.
The followingare examples of terms and phrases to try to avoid:
1. “bad for the environment / planet”
2. "cause environmental degradation"
3. "cause global warming and pollution"
4. “change” (Instead of specifying increase or decrease.)
5. “destroy the environment”
6. “disrupt the environment”
7. “disturb the environment”
8. “ecofriendly”
9. “good for the environment”
10. “greener”
11. “global solution”
12. “global catastrophe”
13. “global cooperation”
14. “harm the environment”
15. "harmful / dangerous chemicals" (Without specifying.)
16. "help keep the habitat cleaner"
17. “human footprint”
18. “human impact”
19. “incentivize the system”
20. "kill all the plants/animals/wildlife"
21. "make it illegal" or "the water law" or "the air law" (Without identifying relevant laws.)
22. "make it more / less expensive" (When referring to incentives.)
23. “mother nature “
24. “overconsumption of natural resources”
25. “pollute the environment”
26. "pollute the water / air / soil" (Without specifying.)
27. “restore the environment”
28. “repair the damage”
29. “save the Earth”
30. “save the planet”
31. "stop global warming"
32. “sustainable” (Without elaboration.)
33. “toxins”, “pollution”, “chemicals” & “health effects” (Without specifying.)
34. “________ the habitat” (impact, change, alter)
35. “________ the ecology” (destroy, restore, maintain, support, harm, compromise, reinvent…)