Tips for Writing an AP Psychology FRQ
1. Read each question
2. Remember to think before you start writing and maybe even down a few notes.
3. Outline the answer in your booklet.
4. DO NOT write the essay in outline form. Make sure you use complete sentences. Make sure you use paragraphs to show where you move to the next point or section of the question.
5. Identify names, concepts, and studies that could be used to support the answer (Academically throw-up).
6. Try not to write information that is not asked for in the question. This wastes your time.
7. Remember ICAE – identify, clarify, apply, and explain. For each bullet or term, Identify what it is through a definition, then Clarify the definition with another sentence or sentence extension; next Apply the term to the scenario given; and Explain their application.
8. DO NOT contradict – DO demonstrate knowledge of concepts
9. Use psychological terms. Readers are looking for your psychological knowledge and using vocabulary will show that understanding (psychological terms and proper names of theories, theorists, etc.). It could also get “floater points” for your essay (extra points can be picked up for specifics!). Support everything with an example, preferably from your course work (never from your personal life on the AP exam).
10. If you feel clueless about a part of an essay, do not despair. Do your best and write something. You might hit on what the rubric asks for. If not, you will not be penalized for trying.