If you’re studying for the AP Psychology exam, you know that the free-response questions (FRQs) can be one of the most challenging parts of the test. These questions require you to synthesize information from the course and apply it to specific scenarios or prompts. However, with the right strategies and techniques, you can write AP Psychology FRQs that will impress your exam readers and earn you high scores.
Understanding the Format of AP Psychology FRQs
The first step to writing successful AP Psychology FRQs is to understand the format of the questions. The exam typically includes two FRQs that you’ll need to complete in 50 minutes. Each question is worth 12.5% of your exam score. The questions are usually broken down into multiple parts, and each part requires a specific answer or response.
Tips for Writing Strong AP Psychology FRQs
Here are some tips to help you write strong AP Psychology FRQs that will earn you high scores:
1. Read the Question Carefully
Before you begin writing your response, take the time to read the question carefully. Make sure you understand what the question is asking and the specific tasks or prompts associated with it.
2. Plan Your Response
Once you understand the question, plan out your response. Break the question down into its individual tasks or prompts, and brainstorm potential answers and supporting evidence for each part.
3. Use Relevant Course Concepts
When writing your response, try to incorporate relevant course concepts. Use terminology and theories from your course readings and lectures to strengthen your response and demonstrate your knowledge of the course material.
4. Provide Examples
It’s essential to provide specific examples to support your response. Use examples from your own life, course readings, or other sources to illustrate your points and show the exam reader that you understand the course material.
5. Use Clear and Concise Language
AP Psychology FRQs are timed, so it’s important to use clear and concise language to communicate your ideas effectively. Avoid using jargon or unnecessary words that could confuse the exam reader or detract from the focus of your response.
6. Stay Organized and Focused
Organize your response in a clear and logical way, with each part of the question addressed in a separate paragraph. Stay focused on the specific tasks or prompts associated with the question and avoid going off-topic or losing track of your main point.
Examples of AP Psychology FRQs
Let’s look at some examples of AP Psychology FRQs to see how these strategies and techniques can be applied:
Example 1: Memory and Forgetting
Explain how information is stored in long-term memory and the different types of forgetting that can occur. Provide an example of each type of forgetting.
Strategy:
- Read the question carefully and identify the individual tasks or prompts.
- Plan out your response, breaking down each type of forgetting and deciding on an example to use.
- Use relevant course concepts such as encoding and retrieval to explain how information is stored in long-term memory.
- Provide specific examples of each type of forgetting, such as interference and decay.
Example 2: Social Psychology
Explain the concept of conformity and provide an example of how it could impact behavior in a social situation.
Strategy:
- Read the question carefully and identify the individual tasks or prompts.
- Plan out your response, focusing on defining conformity and providing a relevant example.
- Use relevant course concepts such as social influence and group dynamics to explain conformity.
- Provide a specific example of how conformity could impact behavior, such as an experiment involving group pressure to conform.
Conclusion
Writing strong AP Psychology FRQs requires a combination of content knowledge, critical thinking skills, and effective writing strategies. By understanding the format of the questions, using relevant course concepts, providing examples, and staying focused and organized, you can write FRQs that will impress your exam readers and earn you high scores. Remember to read the question carefully, plan your response, and use clear and concise language to effectively communicate your ideas. With practice and preparation, you can master the art of AP Psychology FRQ writing and achieve success on the exam.