Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Section I: Content Analysis
- Section II: Argument Development
- Section III: Rhetorical Analysis
- Section IV: Synthesis
- Section V: Practice Questions
Introduction
The APES (Advanced Placement Environmental Science) 2024 FRQ (Free Response Question) will challenge students to demonstrate their understanding of key concepts in environmental science. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the FRQ format, scoring criteria, and strategies for success.
Section I: Content Analysis
Key Concepts
- Biodiversity
- Climate Change
- Energy Resources
- Human Population Growth
- Pollution
- Sustainability
Data Analysis
- Students will be expected to analyze data from graphs, charts, and tables.
- Common data types include:
- Trends over time
- Cause-and-effect relationships
- Comparisons between different variables
Scoring Rubric
- Content: 3 points
- Analysis: 3 points
- Explanation: 2 points
Section II: Argument Development
Thesis Statement
- Students must develop a clear and concise thesis statement that responds to the prompt.
- The thesis statement should be specific, arguable, and supported by evidence.
Evidence
- Students must provide evidence to support their thesis statement.
- Evidence can come from various sources, such as:
- Scientific studies
- Government reports
- Data from monitoring programs
Reasoning
- Students must explain how the evidence supports their thesis statement.
- Reasoning should be logical and well-organized.
Counterarguments
- Students may need to address counterarguments to strengthen their position.
- Counterarguments should be acknowledged and refuted with evidence and reasoning.
Scoring Rubric
- Argument: 3 points
- Evidence: 3 points
- Reasoning: 2 points
Section III: Rhetorical Analysis
Identifying Rhetorical Devices
- Students will be asked to identify rhetorical devices used in a passage.
- Common rhetorical devices include:
- Figures of speech (e.g., metaphors, similes)
- Emotive language
- Repetition
- Counterarguments
Analyzing Author’s Purpose and Tone
- Students must determine the author’s purpose and tone in the passage.
- Purpose can be persuasive, informative, or argumentative.
- Tone can be objective, subjective, or biased.
Scoring Rubric
- Rhetorical Analysis: 3 points
- Author’s Purpose and Tone: 3 points
Section IV: Synthesis
Connecting Ideas from Different Sources
- Students will be required to synthesize ideas from two or more sources.
- They must identify common themes, patterns, or relationships between the sources.
Developing a Cohesive Essay
- Students must write a cohesive essay that integrates the ideas from the sources.
- The essay should have a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
Scoring Rubric
- Synthesis: 3 points
- Essay Coherence: 3 points
Section V: Practice Questions
Content Analysis
- Analyze the following graph and explain how it supports the hypothesis that climate change is occurring.
- Interpret the data in the table to describe the trends in biodiversity over the past 50 years.
Argument Development
- Develop a thesis statement and support it with evidence for the prompt: “The transition to renewable energy sources is essential for environmental sustainability.”
- Address the counterargument that nuclear energy is a viable alternative to renewable energy sources.
Rhetorical Analysis
- Identify the rhetorical devices used in the following passage and explain their purpose.
- Analyze the tone of the author in the passage and discuss how it influences the reader’s perspective.
Synthesis
- Synthesize the ideas from the following two sources and develop a cohesive essay:
- Source 1: An article on the impacts of deforestation on biodiversity
- Source 2: A study on the role of conservation efforts in protecting threatened species
Conclusion
The APES 2024 FRQ requires students to demonstrate a deep understanding of environmental science concepts, analytical skills, and persuasive writing abilities. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, students can prepare effectively for this challenging assessment.
Additional Tips
- Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice writing FRQs, the more confident and efficient you will become.
- Time management: Be mindful of the time you spend on each section of the FRQ.
- Clear and concise writing: Use precise language and avoid ambiguous phrasing.
- Proofread carefully: Check for any errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
- Stay informed: Keep up with current events and advancements in environmental science.
