The Free Response Question (FRQ) section of the AP Human Geography exam constitutes 50% of your total score. You will have 75 minutes to write responses to three multi-part prompts.
Unlike English or History AP exams, APHG FRQs do not require a formal essay format. There is no need for an introduction, thesis statement, or conclusion. Instead, you must write direct, concise, and structured answers that address each sub-prompt individually.
This guide breaks down the strategy, command verbs, and provides practice prompts with scoring criteria.
Mastering the Command Verbs
Scoring rubrics are strictly aligned with the specific verb used in each sub-prompt. You must tailor your response length and depth accordingly.
| Verb | Required Action | Approximate Length |
|---|---|---|
| Identify | Name or point out a specific geographic concept, pattern, or example. No explanation needed. | 1 sentence |
| Define | State the exact meaning of a geographic term or model. | 1–2 sentences |
| Describe | Provide the key characteristics, features, or details of a geographic phenomenon or process. | 2–3 sentences |
| Explain | Provide the causes, reasons, or details of how or why a geographic pattern or process occurs. You must link cause to effect (e.g., using “because,” “due to,” or “leads to”). | 3–5 sentences |
| Compare | Detail the similarities and/or differences between two geographic concepts, regions, or models. | 3–4 sentences |
Strategy and Writing Checklist
When writing your FRQs, follow this checklist to maximize points:
- Label your parts: Write your response sections clearly with matching letter headers (e.g., Part A, Part B, etc.). This helps the AP reader locate your points quickly.
- Do not write a single block paragraph: Break your response into paragraphs corresponding to each prompt letter.
- Be direct: Skip the fluff. Answer the question in the very first sentence of your paragraph, then provide details or explanations in subsequent sentences.
- Use the “ESP” framework: If stuck on explaining effects, think about the Economic, Social/Cultural, and Political impacts. This gives you structured points to write.
Practice Prompt: Devolution and Devolutionary Pressures
Use this practice prompt to test your writing skills. Try drafting your response before reading the scoring guidelines.
Prompt Details
Devolution is the transfer of certain powers from the central government to regional governments. In some cases, devolutionary pressures can weaken a state’s political structure.
- Part A (1 point): Define the concept of devolution.
- Part B (2 points): Describe ONE cultural factor and ONE physical geographic factor that can create devolutionary pressures within a country.
- Part C (2 points): Explain how supranationalism can act as a counter-force to devolutionary pressures, helping to stabilize a country.
Scoring Guidelines (Answer Key)
Part A: Define Devolution
- Target: Correctly define the transfer of administrative power.
- Model Response: Devolution is the process by which a central government delegates or transfers political, legislative, or administrative power to local or regional sub-national governments. (1 point)
Part B: Cultural and Physical Factors
- Target: Identify and describe one cultural factor and one physical factor.
- Model Response:
- Cultural Factor: A country with distinct ethnic, linguistic, or religious minority groups concentrated in a specific region may face devolutionary pressures as those groups demand self-determination or autonomy to preserve their heritage. (e.g., Catalonia in Spain or Quebec in Canada). (1 point)
- Physical Factor: Physical geography barriers such as mountain ranges, large deserts, or deep water bodies can isolate regional populations from the capital city, making central administration difficult and fostering distinct regional identities that demand self-rule. (e.g., the island topography of Indonesia). (1 point)
Part C: Supranationalism as a Counter-Force
- Target: Explain how supranational organizations unify and stabilize states.
- Model Response: Supranationalism acts as a unifying counter-force by integrating countries into larger economic or political alliances, like the European Union or NATO. Membership in these alliances offers shared economic benefits, free-trade zones, and collective military security. This shared stability can reduce internal regional grievances and economic disparities, encouraging sub-national regions to remain part of the state to enjoy these supranational benefits. (2 points)
Want to practice identifying the shapes of sovereign nation-states and their political boundaries before the next exam? Head to the homepage to play Border Run or try Hidele to test your regional and geographic clues!