AP Biology Section II: Free-Response Questions
Strategy #1: Do NOT leave any questions blank.
Even if you think you don’t know how to answer the question, reread the question to see what terms in the question you do know something about. Then, use those terms as the basis for your answer, keeping in mind the task verbs in the question. As in Section I, if you leave a question blank, you are guaranteed to not earn points on that question, but if you write something, you may earn some points that could make the difference between a score of a 3, 4, or 5. Never give up—remember, you CAN do this!
Strategy #2: Do NOT make any contradictory statements.
For example, if you state that the function of the mitochondria is to generate energy for the cell (a correct statement) but then later in your response state that the function of the mitochondria is also to perform photosynthesis (an incorrect statement), you have made two contradictory statements. Thus, you will not earn any points for either of those statements.
Strategy #3: DO plan your approach to Section II.
Take the first 5–10 minutes allotted for Section II to “read and rank.” Read all six free-response questions, and then place the number 1 next to the question you think will be the easiest for you, the number 2 next to the next easiest question, and so on. You do not have to answer the questions in the order they appear in the test. Sometimes the easiest free-response questions are at the end of this section, and if you get hung up on a more challenging question that appears earlier, you may never get to the easier questions you are likely to earn points on.
Strategy #4: DO read each question carefully.
Read each question carefully at least two times. Each time you read the question, circle or underline key words, especially any bolded words (which are the action or task verbs), any numbers, or any words like and or or (which indicate whether all or some of the items mentioned need to be addressed).
Strategy #5: DO pace yourself.
You will have 90 minutes to complete all six free-response questions. Some of the free-response questions will require less time; others will require more time. Here is a suggested time plan for Section II:
- First 5–10 minutes for “read and rank”
- 20 minutes for each of the two long free-response questions for a total of 40 minutes
- 5–10 minutes for each of the four short free-response questions for a total of 20–40 minutes
Strategy #6: DO write legibly.
This may seem obvious, but if your answer is unclear or unreadable, the AP reader cannot award you points for it. Use a black ballpoint pen to write your answer. If you make a mistake, just cross it out with a single strikethrough—any more than that is unnecessary. If your handwriting is particularly difficult to read, consider writing on every other line in the test booklet. Don’t worry about running out of pages—the test booklet usually contains more blank pages than are typically needed, and the test proctor is required to give you extra pages if you do run out of paper in the test booklet.
Strategy #7: DO label your graphs completely with units.
If a question asks you to construct a graph, always make sure the axes are labeled clearly with the appropriate units. A unitless graph will not earn points. Use consistent scaling on your axes, and give your graph a title.
Strategy #8: DO label the parts of your answer appropriately.
This makes it easier for the reader who scores your exam to award you points. However, if you happen to answer part (a) of a question in the section you labeled (b), the reader will still award you points for it.
Strategy #9: DO use complete sentences.
As per the instructions for Section II, use complete sentences in your answers. You will not be awarded points for bulleted lists. If you use a drawing in your answer, make sure to also describe it in complete sentences.
Strategy #10: DO ATP (Address the Prompt).
Do not waste time writing an introductory paragraph, a thesis statement, or a concluding paragraph. Do not restate the question—the reader knows what the question is! While you need to be clear in your writing, you are not being evaluated on your ability to write a well-constructed essay, as you might be in an AP English course. You ARE being evaluated on your knowledge of biology. Make sure you understand the question prompt and what it is asking you to do. Then, reread your answer to make sure you addressed all of the task verbs in the question and did not make any contradictory statements.
Strategy #11: DO pay attention to the task verbs!
Pay attention to these action verbs, which are typically bolded in the long and short free-response questions, as these words indicate what the question requires you to provide in your response. Some of the most frequently used task verbs are the following:
- Predict—state what you think will happen if a change is made in a system or process
- Justify—give evidence to support your prediction
- Make a claim—make a statement based on the available data or evidence
- Support a claim—give evidence to defend a claim
- Describe—note the characteristics of something
- Explain—state “why” or “how” something happens (Note: This is more demanding than describing.)
- Identify—provide the information that is asked for (Note: This is less demanding than describing.)
- Calculate—perform the requested calculation, and ALWAYS show your work and your units!
- Construct—make a graph (show units!) or a diagram that illustrates data or a relationship
- Determine—make a conclusion based on evidence
- State— give a null hypothesis or an alternative hypothesis that is supported by data/evidence
- Evaluate—assess the validity or accuracy of a claim or hypothesis