5 | Create Performance Task: Written Responses | Practice Sessions | AP Computer Science Principles

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive guide for students preparing for the AP Computer Science Create Performance Task. It covers key submission requirements, including a video demonstrating the running program, a PDF of the program code, and the Personalized Project Reference (PPR). The tutorial explains the essential elements that must be included in the program code, such as input/output, procedures, lists, selection, and iteration. The video also showcases sample PPRs and written response prompts, offering practical examples to help students understand the expectations and scoring criteria. The focus is on clear explanation and preparation for exam day.

Takeaways

• 😀 The AP Daily practice session focuses on preparing students for the Create Performance Task, specifically the video, program code, Personalized Project Reference (PPR), and written response number one.
• 😀 Students must submit a video showing their program running, including input, program functionality, and output, without any voice narration or personal identifying information.
• 😀 The program code submission must include input/output, a procedure with at least one parameter, sequencing, selection, iteration, and a call to the procedure.
• 😀 The program must also include a list or other collection type to manage data, helping to fulfill the program's purpose.
• 😀 A procedure must be defined and used, and it should include a parameter. A procedure without an explicit parameter can still earn points for the code but will not earn points for related questions in the written response.
• 😀 Code segments with selection and iteration do not need to be in the same procedure or algorithm to earn points. A list must be used effectively for storing and managing data.
• 😀 The Personalized Project Reference (PPR) includes key code segments that highlight a procedure with a parameter, calls to the procedure, and the use of a list in the program.
• 😀 Comments are not allowed in the PPR, and including them will result in a score of zero for the written response portion of the exam.
• 😀 The scoring guidelines for the written responses will be unique each year. Students need to explain how input is received and how the output is produced in relation to the program.
• 😀 Examples of written responses show how the user interacts with the program, such as answering questions for pet recommendations, using WD keys in a maze game, or clicking buttons in a Choose Your Own Adventure game, all of which earn points if explained correctly.

Q & A

What are the key elements that need to be included in the video for the AP Create Performance Task?

The video must demonstrate the running of the program, showing both input and output. It should not include personal identifying information or voice narration. The video cannot be solely screenshots or a storyboard.

Do you need to show the program code in the video?

No, the program code does not need to be shown in the video. You only need to submit the program code separately as a PDF.

What specific items must the program code PDF include for the AP Create Performance Task?

The program code PDF must include input and output functionality, a procedure with at least one parameter, an algorithm using sequencing, selection, and iteration, and a list or collection type to manage data.

What happens if the procedure does not have an explicit parameter?

If the procedure does not have an explicit parameter, you can still earn the point for the program code, but you will not earn points later on in the written responses that require the use of an argument for the procedure.

What are the scoring criteria for the video in the AP Create Performance Task?

The video must demonstrate the program running, including both input and output. The video cannot consist solely of screenshots or a storyboard. The program code does not need to be shown in the video.

What is the purpose of the Personalized Project Reference (PPR) in the AP Create Performance Task?

The PPR highlights specific sections of the program code that demonstrate key concepts, such as the use of a procedure with a parameter, selection, iteration, and lists. The PPR is used during the written response portion of the exam.

Can comments be included in the PPR for the AP Create Performance Task?

No, comments are not allowed in the PPR. Including comments will result in a zero for the written response portion of the exam.

What are the components that should be included in the PPR for the program code?

The PPR should include a procedure that uses a parameter, a call to the procedure, selection and iteration, and the use of a list or collection type. It should also show how the list is being used in the program.

How should the written responses be structured in relation to program input and output?

The written responses should explain how input is received by the program and how the corresponding output is produced based on the input. The explanation should be accurate and match the program functionality.

What are some examples of programs used in the PPR and their respective features?

Examples include a Pet Recommender (which uses user answers to suggest pets), a Maze Game (where users navigate a maze with keyboard input), and a Choose Your Own Adventure game (where users click buttons to make decisions). Each program demonstrates features like input, output, selection, iteration, and the use of lists.