How to Tackle AP® Biology Free-Response Questions (FRQs) | Key Strategies & Tips

How to Answer AP Biology Free-Response Questions

Success in the FRQ section requires both subject knowledge and strategic thinking. Here are some proven strategies to maximize your score:

Pay Attention to Bolded Words

The College Board® bolds certain words in FRQs to guide you. These words typically relate directly to scoring points, often being “task verbs” directing specific actions. 

• Consider what is needed to accomplish each part of the question as you read. 
• Before moving on to the next question, ensure you have not missed anything in the current question.

Budget Time Wisely

You have 90 minutes for this section. Use the first 10 minutes for reading, leaving about 20 minutes for each long FRQ and 10 minutes for each short-answer FRQ. You can answer the questions in any order.

Start with questions you feel most comfortable with and can answer quickly for maximum points. Use the 10-minute reading period to strategize. If you get stuck, leave space and move on to the next question, returning to the unfinished ones if time allows. If you finish early, review your responses to ensure you have answered all parts and fulfilled all requirements. 

Be Concise But Thorough

Earning full credit on each FRQ isn’t about writing more but ensuring everything you write addresses the question directly. Focus on demonstrating your understanding of the concept, not impressing with your vocabulary. Use complete sentences, not outlines or bullet points. Mentioning a term without showing understanding doesn’t earn points. Don’t restate the question; just answer it directly. Once you’ve answered the question, stop writing to avoid contradictions.

If asked for examples, provide only the requested number. Extra examples aren’t scored. If you can’t spell a word, try your best. Explain ideas clearly even if you can’t recall specific terms.

One of the best ways to improve your performance is by studying AP Bio practice FRQs from past exams and online resources. For a comprehensive preparation plan, our AP Biology Online Review Course offers everything you need. Featuring engaging videos, expert-designed practice questions, and much more, this all-in-one prep course is your key to top scores.

Common Task Verbs and Their Meanings

Understanding task verbs used in 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 AP Bio Equations and Formulas sheet 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.

Mistakes to Avoid on AP Biology Free-Response Questions

Many students lose points on AP Biology FRQs not because they lack content knowledge, but because of mistakes in how they read, organize, or explain their answers. Recognizing these issues in advance can help you avoid unnecessary point loss. Common mistakes to watch out for include:

• Misinterpreting the question by missing key details or bolded task verbs, which can cause you to answer a different question than the one being asked
• Ignoring the command words such as describe, explain, or justify, leading to responses that do not match the depth or type of explanation required
• Over-explaining or under-explaining, either by adding unrelated information or by not fully addressing all parts of the prompt
• Failing to use the provided data or context, including graphs, tables, or experimental setups that are essential to earning points
• Using vague or imprecise language, which makes it harder for graders to understand your reasoning and award credit

Avoiding these mistakes starts with reading carefully and staying focused on the task at hand. When your answers are precise, well-organized, and directly tied to the question and data provided, your responses are much easier to score accurately.