Write Like A Scholar Series: Writing AP Environmental Science FRQs

Summary

This educational video script guides AP Environmental Science students on crafting effective Free Response Questions (FRQs). It emphasizes avoiding flowery language and opinionated statements, and instead, using precise scientific terms. The script advises starting with a brief prompt restatement, clearly separating answers, and adhering to sentence limits. It introduces a table for replacing common eco-jargon with APES vocabulary and encourages students to focus on major course themes. The video also includes annotated FRQ examples and scoring guides to demonstrate how to earn points, highlighting the importance of annotation and specificity in responses.

Takeaways

• 📝 Avoid using flowery language or persuasive statements in FRQs; stick to objective scientific facts.
• ❌ Never use vague terms like 'unhealthy' or 'toxic'; be specific with AP Environmental Science vocabulary.
• 🔑 Start FRQ answers with a brief prompt restatement to set the context without rewriting the entire question.
• 📑 Clearly separate answers when multiple responses are requested to ensure clarity for the reader.
• 📑 Divide FRQs into individual sections to make it easier for the reader to follow your thought process.
• ⏰ Stick to sentence limits and avoid adding unnecessary details that don't contribute to earning points.
• 🔍 Use specific scientific terms instead of general 'eco-jargon' to accurately describe environmental concepts.
• 🔬 Always specify pollutants and their impacts on the atmosphere, soil, or water to earn points on FRQs.
• 🌟 Hit major course themes like environmental, economic, and ecological impacts to tailor your answers effectively.
• ✏️ Practice annotating FRQs before writing to ensure you address all necessary components and modifiers.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the 'Writing Like a Scholar' series for AP Environmental Science students?

The main focus is to guide students on how to effectively write Free Response Questions (FRQs) for the AP Environmental Science exam.

Why should students avoid using flowery language or persuasive statements in their FRQs?

Students should avoid these because FRQs require objective scientific facts and ideas, not subjective opinions or embellishments, to earn points.

What is the significance of not using vague terms like 'unhealthy' or 'toxic' in AP Environmental Science FRQs?

Using vague terms can lead to a lack of clarity and specificity, which may result in not earning points. Instead, students should use precise AP Environmental Science vocabulary.

How should students restate the prompt when beginning their FRQ answer?

Students should start with a brief prompt restatement, not rewriting the entire prompt, to signal their starting point and remind themselves of the question.

Why is it important to clearly separate answers when responding to an FRQ that asks for multiple answers?

Separating answers clearly helps the reader identify distinct points, which is crucial as the reader will only consider the first two options provided if only two answers are requested.

What is the recommended strategy for students when writing FRQs to ensure they address all parts of the question?

Students should annotate the FRQ quickly before writing, breaking it down to understand and remember all the necessary components to address in their response.

How can students improve their use of AP Environmental Science vocabulary in FRQs?

Students can improve by reviewing the provided vocabulary table, replacing common eco-jargon with scientific terms, and using Quizlet sets linked in the video description.

What are the major course themes that students should aim to address in their FRQs?

Major themes include environmental impacts, economic impacts, ecological impacts, and human disturbances and their impacts, which are consistently addressed in AP Environmental Science FRQs.

Why is it crucial for students to pay attention to modifiers in the FRQ prompt?

Modifiers can change the scope of the answer required, and neglecting them can lead to providing incorrect or irrelevant information, potentially losing points.

What is the suggested time allocation for writing an FRQ after annotating and understanding the question?

The suggested time is about two minutes, which is roughly one minute per sentence, assuming the question has been thoroughly annotated and understood beforehand.