AP Human Geography: Sample FRQs

1. Question:

Urbanization and Its Impact on Development
Urbanization has been one of the most significant trends in global development over the past century. In your response, be sure to:

Explain the main factors contributing to urbanization.
Analyze the positive and negative impacts of urbanization on developing countries.
Discuss the challenges that urban areas in developing countries face as they grow.

Response Guidelines:

Identify the key drivers of urbanization, such as economic opportunities, industrialization, and population growth.
Provide specific examples of how urbanization can promote economic growth and improve infrastructure in developing countries.
Discuss the negative effects, such as increased poverty, slum development, and environmental degradation.
Address the specific challenges urban areas face in managing rapid growth, such as the provision of housing, transportation, and public services.

2. Question:

Migration Patterns and Its Effects on Regional Development
Migration plays a central role in shaping the demographic and economic landscape of both sending and receiving regions. In your response, be sure to:

Explain the primary push and pull factors of migration.
Analyze the economic and social impacts of migration on both sending and receiving regions.
Discuss the challenges faced by both sending and receiving regions in managing migration.

Response Guidelines:

Identify and explain push factors (e.g., conflict, economic instability) and pull factors (e.g., better job opportunities, higher living standards).
Discuss how migration impacts sending regions, such as brain drain, remittances, or a reduced labor force.
Examine how receiving regions benefit economically and socially but also face challenges, such as strain on public services and social integration.
Address the policies and strategies both sending and receiving regions might adopt to manage migration effectively.

3. Question:

Globalization and Cultural Landscapes
Globalization has led to significant changes in cultural landscapes around the world. In your response, be sure to:

Analyze how globalization has influenced the cultural landscape of a specific region.
Discuss the processes by which globalization has led to both the spread and preservation of cultural traits.
Provide examples of how globalization has led to cultural convergence or divergence in a particular region.

Response Guidelines:

Examine the influence of globalization on a region’s cultural landscape, such as the spread of Western consumer culture or the impact of global media.
Discuss how globalization has led to both the diffusion of cultural traits (e.g., fast food chains, global fashion trends) and the preservation of local cultures (e.g., cultural revitalization movements).
Use examples to show how some regions have embraced globalization while others resist or adapt to it, leading to cultural convergence or divergence.

Grading Rubric for AP Human Geography FRQs

The AP Human Geography FRQs are graded on a scale from 0-9, based on the clarity of the response, the depth of analysis, and the extent to which the student demonstrates an understanding of geographic concepts.

Urbanization and Its Impact on Development (0-6 points)

0-1 points: The essay lacks a clear analysis or is overly vague. Key aspects of urbanization or its impacts are missing or incorrect.
2 points: The essay provides a basic analysis but lacks depth or coherence. Some relevant points may be present but not fully developed.
3 points: The essay offers a clear analysis of urbanization but lacks sufficient depth, examples, or full explanation of both positive and negative impacts.
4 points: The essay provides a strong analysis with relevant examples, but the discussion lacks depth in certain areas, such as challenges faced by urban areas.
5 points: The essay provides a detailed analysis of the factors contributing to urbanization, with clear examples of both positive and negative impacts. The challenges are well-explained.
6 points: The essay offers a sophisticated analysis of urbanization, with nuanced explanations of factors, impacts, and challenges, and uses specific, relevant examples from developing countries.

Migration Patterns and Its Effects on Regional Development (0-6 points)

0-1 points: The essay lacks a clear understanding of migration patterns or is overly vague. Push and pull factors are not explained, or examples are missing.
2 points: The essay provides a basic description of migration but lacks a clear or detailed analysis of push and pull factors or the economic and social impacts.
3 points: The essay presents a general understanding of migration, but the analysis of its economic and social impacts is limited or not well-developed.
4 points: The essay provides a clear analysis of migration, with relevant push and pull factors, but the impacts on both sending and receiving regions may lack depth or specific examples.
5 points: The essay provides a thorough analysis of migration, including push and pull factors, and the economic and social impacts on both sending and receiving regions, with clear examples.
6 points: The essay offers an insightful, well-supported analysis of migration, using specific, relevant examples to demonstrate the impacts on regional development and addressing the challenges both regions face in managing migration.

Globalization and Cultural Landscapes (0-6 points)

0-1 points: The essay lacks a clear analysis or is overly vague. Key aspects of globalization and its impact on cultural landscapes are missing or incorrect.
2 points: The essay provides a basic analysis but lacks depth. The discussion of globalization’s effects on cultural landscapes is minimal or incomplete.
3 points: The essay offers a general understanding of globalization’s influence on cultural landscapes, but the analysis of processes like diffusion or cultural preservation is limited.
4 points: The essay presents a clear analysis of globalization’s influence on cultural landscapes, with some relevant examples, but may lack depth in explaining the processes.
5 points: The essay provides a detailed analysis of how globalization has influenced cultural landscapes, with specific examples of cultural diffusion and preservation, and a discussion of convergence or divergence.
6 points: The essay offers a sophisticated analysis, with nuanced examples and explanations of how globalization has shaped cultural landscapes, demonstrating a deep understanding of both cultural diffusion and preservation.

Sample Grading Breakdown (for one FRQ)

Urbanization and Its Impact on Development: 5 points
Migration Patterns and Its Effects on Regional Development: 6 points
Globalization and Cultural Landscapes: 6 points
Total: 17 points (for all three FRQs combined)

These sample FRQs provide a glimpse of the type of questions students will face on the AP Human Geography exam. They assess geographic thinking skills, including the ability to analyze spatial patterns, evaluate change over time, and use specific geographic concepts and examples in a clear and organized response. Let me know if you need additional examples or further clarification!