AP® Biology Free-Response Questions (FRQs)

Common Task Verbs and Their Meanings

Understanding task verbs used in AP Biology FRQs helps you earn maximum points. Here are common verbs and their meanings:

• Calculate: Apply mathematical steps using basic algebra or formulas from the provided Equations and Formulas sheet. Show your work for extra points, and use a calculator for accuracy. Highlight your final answer by boxing it.
  • Example: Using Figure 1, calculate the average rate of change in growth in the control group.
• Construct: Create a visual representation, such as a diagram, model or graph. Consider if labels or titles are needed, as these often earn points.
  • Example: Construct a diagram showing the steps of mitosis.
• Describe: Provide information about a particular process, topic, or experiment. Include a concrete example to show understanding.
  • Example: Describe the role of protons in the electron transport chain.
• Determine: Decide or conclude after evaluating information. Provide reasoning or evidence for your determination.
  • Example: Using the experimental data, determine if the results are statistically significant.
• Draw: Similar to “construct,” draw a representation of a concept. Ensure it includes necessary labels, units, or titles.
  • Example: Using the provided phylogenetic tree, draw a circle around each of the two groups that are least closely related to one another.
• Evaluate: Judge or conclude the significance of a claim or information. Include reasoning for your conclusion.
  • Example: Evaluate the scientist’s hypothesis about the keystone species in the community.
• Explain: Provide information on why or how something happened. Use specific examples or data from the question to demonstrate understanding.
  • Example: Explain the functions of apoptosis in multicellular organisms.
• Identify: This task verb requires you to indicate or give information pertaining to a specific topic.
  • Example: Identify the dependent variable in the experiment.
• Justify: Provide evidence to show that a claim is true using data from the question. You may need to explain how your evidence supports, defends, or modifies the claim.
  • Example: Justify the scientist’s claim about this cell signaling pathway in yeast.
• Make a Claim: State a factual assertion based on information from the question and/or from your content knowledge. Your claim should reflect what you believe to be true given the available information.
  • Example: Using the data in Table 1, make a claim about the permeability of the experimental membrane.
• Predict: Provide a reasonable, educated guess about the cause(s) or effect(s) of a change to a system, often including reasoning or data analysis.
  • Example: Predict the effect of antibiotic treatment on the retrovirus.
• Represent: Use illustrations, symbols, tables, graphs, and/or words to describe a biological concept.
  • Example: Using the provided figure, represent the active site of the enzyme by writing an “X” on the appropriate portion of the figure.
• State the Hypothesis: Provide a prediction relating to a scientific question,or identify a hypothesis from the information given.
  • Example: State the null hypothesis of the experiment.
• Support: Explain why a line of evidence favors a particular claim, often referencing given data or experimental results.
  • Example: Support the researcher’s claim about the effect of a mutation in the CFTR gene.

One of the best ways to improve your performance is by studying AP Biology FRQ examples from past exams. Reviewing sample responses can help you understand how points are awarded and what graders look for in high-scoring answers.