HOW TO WRITE A FRQ YHS 2019 2020

HOW TO WRITE A FRQ… YHS 2019 -2020

FRQ basics � � Free Response Question Demonstrate knowledge in writing 3 FRQs on the AP Exam They cover these skills:

FRQ basics � � Common vocabulary in FRQ prompts: Know these verbs and what they mean! ◦ You can’t ADQ if you don’t understand these verbs!

FRQ basics � Types of FRQs on the AP Exam: � � FRQ #1 does not have any stimulus FRQ #2 includes one stimulus (map, data chart, image, etc) FRQ #3 includes two stimuli At least 2 of the 3 FRQs require students to analyze spatial relationships across multiple scales

Let’s go through the packet � Do not open the packet until instruction to do so! � Feel free to annotate as we go along

Ice Cream FRQ �Define ice cream �Describe ice cream �Identify two examples of ice cream �Explain the purpose of ice cream

Define ice cream �DEFINE - provide a specific meaning for a word or concept �Which of the following fits “define” ice cream? ◦ Sweet flavored frozen food, containing cream or butterfat and usually eggs ◦ A cold, creamy food, usually served for dessert, often in a bowl or cone ◦ Can come in a variety of flavors and often eaten with additional foods such as sprinkles or fruit

Describe Ice Cream �DESCRIBE- provide the relevant characteristics of a specified topic �Which of the following fits “describe” ice cream? ◦ Ice cream can be served soft serve in a cone with mixed flavors ◦ Ice cream is often served with birthday cake ◦ Ice cream is cold, creamy, and sweet

Identify two examples of ice cream �Now you try… �Identify examples of ice cream

Explain the purpose of ice cream �EXPLAIN - provide information about how or why a relationship, process, pattern, position, or outcome occurs, using evidence and/or reasoning. �Let’s do this one together:

We will try another FRQ tomorrow… �…this time with Human Geography in mind! �But first, let’s go step-by-step through the process �Feel free to take notes on the Ice Cream FRQ or on your own. �I will post this Power Point on the Website under “Exam Review”

Step One �Do not panic ◦ Breathe, relax, regroup

Step 2 �What does the question ask you to do? ◦ Identify ◦ Define ◦ Describe ◦ Explain ◦ Compare

Steps 3 and 4 �Think geographically �Plan! Outline! Plan! Brain dump! ◦ This is a geography test not a history test. Location, Scale, Place and Time are important…Incorporate these ideas wherever possible. ◦ Jot down what you know about the specific topic- ESPECIALLY vocabulary!!! ◦ Jot down what you know about other units or topics that might relate to the topic ◦ Outline what you want to write

Step 5 �Follow the rules ◦ No introduction, no thesis, no conclusion ◦ Do not skip lines ◦ Strikethrough mistakes, anything crossed off will not be scored ◦ Use pen, not pencil ◦ Use geographical terms whenever possible ◦ Label the sections A, B, C, D, an so on. ◦ No bullets or outlining- use sentences ◦ Write it out- no abbreviations (you have time) ◦ Remember, FRQ’s are not graded, they are scored; give the readers enough terms to give you pointssay what you mean ◦ RVSP your responses!!!

Step 6 � Assume your reader is tired!!! � The YHS Human Geography readers alone have the following happening: ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ � Coach 2 sports Sponsor 1 club Union President Pursuing a master’s degree 4. 5 kids 1 dog 1 who doesn’t drink caffeine! WE are tired!!! Help a reader out and in turn, help yourself out! Label the Question # and label different sections. Also, start a new paragraph for each part of the question. ◦ 1 ◦ 2 � A. B. C. Underline appropriate terms. For example if the question asks for the definition of a nation. . . then underline the word nation so the reader can see. . . "Oh yes here is the definition. "

How do I know I have given enough examples? ! If the question specifies a specific number of examples (ie two examples), I advise you to use the ”plus-one" principle. Give three examples with your best examples first. State your strongest example first, second strongest next, and a spare one at the end. The rational - Many students think they are giving two examples when in reality they are only providing one example with more details and explanation. The ”one-plus" principle gets students to more expand their writing and provide more details. In general readers are not punitive when a writer adds one more example. They view this as being detailed. If the question does not specify a number of examples, you are instructed to give two. In fact my rule is "when do we give examples and details? Always!!"

One Last Hint… �…and this comes up every time I grade an FRQ---ANSWER THE QUESTION--don't ramble! ◦ The only exception is if you truly don’t know the answer. In that case, write as much as you can related to the topic or unit and hope you hit some points!!! �ADQ! – Please…I really mean this one!