AP Human Geo FRQ Terms

Question 1

Identify:

Answer 1

Indicate or provide information about a specific topic, without elaboration or explanation
One sentence OK here
Identify a characteristic of a map, age range
Understanding vocab

Question 2

Define:

Answer 2

Provide a specific meaning for a word or concept
One sentence ok here
Define pronatalist

Question 3

Describe:

Answer 3

Provide the relevant characteristics of a topic
A description involves providing a depiction or portrayal of a phenomenon or its most significant characteristics
A description most often addresses “what” questions. The description must include more than simply a list of facts if it is asking about a process, explain the steps- like you are telling your grandma. Be detailed and thorough
3-4 detailed sentences with specifics
Making connections

Question 4

Explain:

Answer 4

Provide information about how or why a relationship, process, pattern, position, or outcome occurs, using evidence and/or reasoning
Paragraph
Use “because” and “for example” must use the word because in your response - you are explaining the why
More argument style - in detail into why -
Qs are often looking for you to explain cause/effect relationship
Explain the effect of China’s one-child policy on the current population
High dependency ratio
The male ratio is higher

Question 5

Compare:

Answer 5

This task requires students to make specific links between two or more concepts or phenomena
Provide a description or explanation of both the similarities and differences unless the prompt specifically tells you which comparison to make
Paragraph
Useful words: Both, whereas
Never say A is ___ and B is not. You must elaborate on both A and B
Don’t ever say concept A is — and B is not (don’t use vice versa)
Have to describe why B is not and why A is

Question 6

Explain the Degree:

Answer 6

Students explain the degree to which a geographic concept, process, model, or theory effectively explains geographic effects in different contexts and regions of the world and across various geographic scales
This is an explain task - must follow all requirements for explain (include using “because” to explain the why)
Provide an indication of what degree the concept/ model is seen in the situation (not at all, a little, moderately, a considerable extent, completely, etc.)
Support this indication with an explanation as to why
Have to say what degree or to what extent