AP Biology · Exam guide
AP Biology FRQ Guide: The Six Free-Response Questions and the 4-Point Rubric
The second half of the AP Biology exam is six free-response questions in 90 minutes. Two are long questions built on an experiment, and four are short questions. The long questions interpret and evaluate experimental results, and the second one asks you to draw a graph. The short questions cover scientific investigation, conceptual analysis, analysis of a model or visual representation, and data analysis. This guide explains the pattern the questions share, so you can answer them even when the topic is unfamiliar.
The six questions at a glance
| Type | How many | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Interpret and evaluate experimental results | 1 long | Read a described experiment, identify its parts, describe and explain the results, and judge the conclusion. |
| Interpret results and construct a graph | 1 long | Do the same task, and draw a graph from the data you are given. |
| Scientific investigation | 1 short | Design, predict or analyze a simple investigation. |
| Conceptual analysis | 1 short | Connect a biological concept to a scenario. |
| Analysis of a model or visual representation | 1 short | Interpret a diagram, model or picture and explain what it shows. |
| Data analysis | 1 short | Calculate or interpret numbers, often with a graph or table. |
The 4-point rubric for a short question
Each short question has four parts worth one point each. The same four verbs show up again and again, so learn what each one asks for.
| Part | Points | What earns it |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Describe or identify | 1 | State a feature or characteristic of the structure, process or trend. Naming the term alone, or restating the question, earns nothing. |
| (b) Explain or describe the relationship | 1 | Say how or why, linking cause to effect with accurate biology, and apply it to the organism, cell or population in the scenario. |
| (c) Predict or represent | 1 | Make a specific prediction (increase, decrease, no change, a value) or present the answer as asked: a calculation with units, a labeled graph, or a drawn model. |
| (d) Justify or support with evidence | 1 | Connect your claim to evidence from the data, the model or a biological principle, and say how it supports the claim. |
| Total | 4 |
What a strong answer to (b) looks like
Suppose a question gives a graph of enzyme activity falling at high temperature and asks you to explain the relationship.
It repeats the question and says nothing about how or why.
It links temperature to structure to function, using the specific enzyme in the scenario.
Rules for a graph
- Put the independent variable (what the experimenter changes) on the x-axis and the dependent variable on the y-axis.
- Label both axes with the variable and its units, and choose an even scale that uses most of the grid.
- Plot every point accurately, and draw a line or bars as the data call for. Use a line for a continuous variable and bars for categories.
- Include a title or key when more than one set of data is shown, and include error bars if the question gives them.
Common mistakes
- Using a vocabulary word without saying what it does in this scenario.
- Giving a correct general fact that is never connected to the data or organism in the question.
- Predicting "it changes" instead of saying whether it increases or decreases.
- Mixing up the independent and dependent variables on a graph.
- Leaving a part blank. A short, specific attempt can still earn the point.
Frequently asked questions
How many free-response questions are on AP Biology?
Six: two long questions and four short ones, in 90 minutes. The free-response section is half of the exam.
What are the long questions about?
The first interprets and evaluates the results of an experiment. The second does the same and also asks you to construct a graph.
Do I need to memorize experiments?
No. The questions describe the experiment for you. You need the concepts and the habit of reading data carefully.
How long should each answer be?
As short as it can be while still being specific. A sentence or two per part is usually enough, and extra detail does not add points.
Where can I find the official scoring rules?
Exam formats change a little from year to year, so check the current course and exam description on the College Board site before test day.
Keep practicing
Every unit in the AP Biology course ends with a quiz of 15 multiple-choice questions and 5 short free-response questions, with a writing space that scores against the four-point rubric and a model 4 out of 4 response to compare against. These free lessons also build the skills the free-response section tests:
See the AP Biology course Free lessons and lesson list
Other free-response guides:
AP is a registered trademark of the College Board, which is not affiliated with and does not endorse this site. This guide is our own explanation of the question types and scoring. For the official scoring guidelines, see the College Board.