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AP 3-D Art and Design: Sample FRQs

1. Question:

Create a 3-D artwork that explores the concept of "texture." Your work should incorporate multiple textures (e.g., smooth, rough, soft, hard) to create visual and tactile contrasts. Consider how texture can influence the viewer’s perception of form and space.

Response Guidelines:

  • Focus on how different textures can be integrated into your work, both visually and tactically.
  • Experiment with materials and surfaces to create texture contrasts.
  • Discuss how texture contributes to the meaning or experience of the piece, considering both visual and physical elements.

2. Question:

Create a 3-D sculpture that addresses the theme of "movement." Your sculpture should suggest or imply motion, either through its form or the way elements interact with space. Consider how the use of line, shape, or material choice can convey a sense of motion.

Response Guidelines:

  • Think about how your sculpture can suggest or evoke movement, whether actual or implied.
  • Use form, line, or material to create a sense of kinetic energy or transformation within the sculpture.
  • Explain how your choices of materials, shape, and arrangement contribute to the sense of motion.

3. Question:

Create a 3-D artwork that incorporates the concept of "scale" to explore the relationship between the artwork and its surroundings. Your piece should utilize scale—either larger or smaller than life size—to create an impact. Discuss how this manipulation of scale affects the viewer’s perception and interaction with the work.

Response Guidelines:

  • Play with scale to either exaggerate or reduce elements of your piece.
  • Consider how the size of the piece in relation to its environment influences the way the viewer engages with it.
  • Discuss how scale plays a role in the conceptual or emotional impact of your sculpture.

Grading Rubric for AP 3-D Art and Design FRQs

The AP 3-D Art and Design portfolio is graded based on a few key areas: technique, composition, concept, and creativity. Each FRQ is scored on a scale of 0-9 points, based on the student’s ability to execute the design and communicate their artistic ideas effectively.

Content and Technique (0-6 points)

  • 0-1 points: The response demonstrates minimal understanding of the prompt. The sculpture is poorly executed, with little attention to materials, form, or composition.
  • 2 points: The sculpture shows limited understanding of the prompt, with some technical or compositional issues. The work lacks cohesion or clarity.
  • 3 points: The sculpture demonstrates a basic response to the prompt, with moderate understanding and application of materials and techniques. Some elements may be underdeveloped.
  • 4 points: The sculpture demonstrates a solid understanding of the prompt, with good use of materials and techniques. The work is effective but may have minor technical weaknesses or lack full conceptual depth.
  • 5 points: The sculpture fully addresses the prompt with thoughtful application of materials and techniques. The work shows competence and attention to detail in both form and composition.
  • 6 points: The sculpture is highly successful in addressing the prompt. The materials and techniques are creatively and expertly applied, showing a sophisticated understanding of the prompt and the three-dimensional medium.

Composition and Concept (0-2 points)

  • 0 points: The composition is unclear or ineffective, and the concept is underdeveloped. The viewer may struggle to understand the relationship between the sculpture and the theme.
  • 1 point: The composition is adequate, but it may lack visual coherence or conceptual depth. The relationship between the sculpture and the theme is somewhat unclear or only partially explored.
  • 2 points: The composition is strong, with clear unity, balance, and emphasis. The concept is fully developed and clearly communicated through the artwork.

Artistic Intent and Explanation (0-1 point)

  • 0 points: The response does not include an explanation of the artistic choices made or provides insufficient reasoning for those choices.
  • 1 point: The response includes a clear and thoughtful explanation of the artistic choices made, including how materials, form, and technique were used to communicate the concept.

Sample Grading Breakdown (for one FRQ)

  • Content and Technique: 5 points
  • Composition and Concept: 2 points
  • Artistic Intent and Explanation: 1 point
  • Total: 8 points

These sample FRQs reflect the types of questions and exercises that will appear in the AP 3-D Art and Design exam, which assess students' ability to demonstrate their technical skills, conceptual thinking, and creativity in three-dimensional art. The rubric ensures that responses are evaluated based on the effectiveness of the artistic process and the communication of ideas through sculpture. Let me know if you'd like more examples or a deeper explanation of any of the components!