Hi there! I'm studying for the AP Environmental Science exam, particularly focusing on the FRQs, and I was wondering if there are specific topics that come up more frequently? Where should I put the majority of my study efforts? Thanks for any guidance you can offer!
Hey there! It's smart to focus on the FRQs for the AP Environmental Science exam, as they make up 40% of your overall score. While the FRQ topics can vary from year to year, some topics seem to be more commonly featured. Here are a few key areas to concentrate on while studying:
1. Energy Resources and Consumption: Be well-prepared to discuss various sources of energy, such as renewable and non-renewable resources, their advantages, drawbacks, and environmental impacts.
2. Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Understand concepts like ecosystem services, habitats, ecological succession, species interactions, and threats to biodiversity, such as habitat loss, invasive species, and pollution.
3. Pollution and Waste Management: Solid waste disposal methods, air and water pollution, their impacts on human health and the environment, and management strategies often appear on FRQs.
4. Global Environmental Changes: Climate change and global warming, including the major greenhouse gases, human actions contributing to climate change, and potential mitigation strategies, are central topics.
5. Environmental Legislation and Policy: Familiarize yourself with major environmental laws, such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act, as well as international agreements like the Paris Agreement or the Kyoto Protocol.
6. Sustainable Practices: Understand the principles of sustainability and be ready to discuss sustainable resource usage, agriculture, fishing, forestry, and development practices.
7. Environmental Science and the Scientific Method: Know the basics of scientific investigation, experimental design, and data interpretation related to environmental studies.
Keep in mind that FRQs often require you to integrate knowledge from multiple topics, so aim for a comprehensive understanding of the entire course material. Practice with past FRQs, available on the College Board website, to familiarize yourself with the question format and hone your analytical and problem-solving skills. Good luck with your studies!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.