Tips for FRQs

While you're waiting for exam day to roll around, here are some FRQ writing hints. They come from Mr. Frank Franz, who teaches at Madison HIgh School in Vienna, Virginia. He sent them to the teachers Electronic Discussion Group (EDG) for AP teachers.

I think these ideas are excellent. The only thing I’d add to the list would be to paraphrase the question as an introduction. In the last couple years some rubrics have insisted that responses have introductions that label what is being discussed.

Here's what Mr. Franz wrote,

Here's the strategy I place on every FRQ I give my students. I believe it helps them focus on the questions and will help them earn as high of a score as possible. Some of these ideas are my own and some are from colleagues who have served as readers and table leaders.

Free Response Strategy

• Mark-up the question.
• Count up how many points you are trying to earn. (Look for number references, count the verbs)
• Write as many sentences as there are points.
• Write simple, declarative sentences.
• Answer the question asked. Nothing else.
• Answer every part of the question.
• Look for time references, patterns, and passage of time.
• Do not argue with the premise of the prompt.
• Add an extra response just in case.
• Answer the question in the order asked.
• Skip a line between parts, but do not label.

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(See pp. 15-23 in What You Need to Know.)

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