AP
ENVIRONMENTAL
SCIENCE
AP Environmental Science Exam – Student Guide
AP Environmental Science Exam - Exam Overview
The AP Environmental Science Exam will test your understanding of the environmental concepts covered in the course units, as well as your ability to design research studies to solve environmental problems. Calculators are permitted for use in all sections of the exam.
Exam Duration
2hrs 40mins
Exam Components
Section I: Multiple Choice - 80 questions | 1hr 30mins | 60% of Score
The multiple-choice section includes individual, single questions as well as sets of questions that refer to the same diagram or data presentation; these may include data tables, charts, graphs, models, representations, and text-based sources.
Questions will test your ability to:
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Explain environmental concepts, processes, and models
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Analyze visual representations
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Analyze text sources
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Analyze research studies
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Analyze and interpret data
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Use math in solving problems
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Propose and justify solutions to environmental problems
Section II: Free Response - 3 questions | 1hr 10mins | 40% of Score
The free-response section includes three questions:
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Question 1: Design an investigation presents students with an authentic environmental scenario accompanied by either a model/visual representation or quantitative data.
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Question 2: Analyze an environmental problem and propose a solution presents students with an authentic environmental scenario accompanied by either a model/visual representation or quantitative data.
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Question 3: Analyze an environmental problem and propose a solution doing calculations presents students with an authentic environmental scenario.
Questions will test your ability to:
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Explain environmental concepts, processes, and models
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Analyze visual representations
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Analyze research studies
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Analyze and interpret data
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Use math in solving problems
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Propose and justify solutions to environmental problems
AP Environmental Science Exam – Scoring
For the first section (multiple-choice), for every question you answer correctly, you will get one point each. There is no negative marking. It means that even if your answer is wrong or left blank, no points are deducted.
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Next is the free response section. Its scoring system is a bit complicated. Rather than being graded by AI, it is reviewed by AP graders and scored following these guidelines for Free Response Questions|Set 1 and Free Response Questions|Set 2.
For more information about AP Environmental Science Exam and scoring, you can visit the College Board’s website.
AP Environmental Science Exam – Credit
Keep in mind, credit and advanced standing based on AP scores vary widely from school to school. Though a score of 3 is typically considered passing, it is not always enough to receive credit. Regulations regarding which APs qualify for course credits or advanced placement depend on the policy that your desired college or university has for AP exams.
AP Environmental Science Exam - Study Resources
• College Board Classroom Resources
• Barron’s AP Environmental Science Premium
• Gizmos
• TEDEd
• National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science
• The Habitable Planet: A Systems Approach to Environmental Science
• National Geographic Laysan Albatross Virtual Bolus Dissection
Study Tips for AP Environmental Science Exam
Assess Your Skills
First, take a practice test or do some sample questions. It’s important to start your studying off with a good understanding of your existing knowledge. You can find a practice test in many of the official study guides, and some even include a diagnostic test to act as your initial assessment.
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Study the Material
Flashcards: The bulk of the material you will need to learn for the AP Environmental Science exam consists of highly specific vocabulary and knowledge of scientific principles and processes. These types of topics lend themselves well to rote memorization. Things like repetitive flashcard use and quizzing yourself will help to cement these in your mind.
Ask the Experts
There are some strong study guides available for purchase also. The Barron’s AP Environmental Science Premium is a good resource that has been updated for the latest version of the exam but is sometimes criticized for providing too much information with less summarization. It can be used more like a textbook overview.
Ask a Teacher
There are also many free study resources available online. Some AP Environmental Science teachers have posted free study guides, review packets, and readings. Just keep in mind that many online resources will be from previous versions of the test, so be sure to only study what is relevant to the updated exam.
A New Way to Study
Another new and convenient way to study is to use a study app for AP exams. These apps are especially useful for quizzing yourself on the go. Make sure you read reviews before choosing one, though—their quality varies widely.
Practice Multiple-Choice Questions
Once you have your theory down, test it out by practicing multiple-choice questions. You can find these in most study guides or through online searches. You could also try taking the multiple-choice section of a practice exam. Try to keep track of which areas are still tripping you up, and go back over this theory again.
Practice Free Response Questions
Pay close attention to the task verbs used in the free response prompts. On the AP Environmental Science exam, these most commonly include: describe, identify, give one reason why, discuss, explain, give a specific example, and calculate. Know precisely what each one of these words is asking you to do. Underline each section of the question, circle the task verb, and check them off as you write. Many students lose points by simply forgetting to include one part of a multipart question.
Free-response questions answering tips
Answer the question you’re most confident about first.
It’s a good idea to read through all of the questions to determine which ones you feel most prepared to answer. Then you can start to solve the questions in a sequence that allows you to perform your best.
Think about what each question is asking.
For example, some questions may require you to design an experiment. Others may ask you to develop an argument with examples to support it. Be sure to explain your answer if the question asks you to justify it: don’t just list and identify examples. Carefully craft your answer in response to what is actually being asked in the question prompt.
Keep an eye on your time.
Monitor your time carefully. Make sure not to spend too much time on any one question so you’ll have enough time to answer all of them. Don’t waste time restating the question in your answers: that won’t earn points.
Try to solve all parts of a question.
Many free-response questions are divided into parts such as (a), (b), (c), and (d), with each part requiring a different response. Credit for each part is awarded independently, so you should attempt to solve each part. For example, you may receive no credit for your answer to part (a), but still receive full credit for part (b), (c), or (d). If the answer to a later part of a question depends on the answer to an earlier part, you may still be able to receive full credit for the later part, even if that earlier answer is wrong.
Be organized.
You might want to label your answers according to the part, such as (a), (b), (c), etc. This will help you organize your thoughts and also help make sure that you answer all parts of the question.
Show your work.
Show all the steps you took to reach your solution on questions involving calculations. If you do work that you think is incorrect, simply put an “X” through it instead of spending time erasing it completely: crossed-out work won’t be graded. Also, be sure to clearly and correctly label all graphs and diagrams.
Use proper units.
Include the proper units for each number where appropriate. If you keep track of units as you perform your calculations, it can help ensure that you express answers in terms of the proper units. Depending on the exam question, it is often possible to lose points if the units are wrong or are missing from the answer.
Don’t use the “scattershot” or “laundry list” approach.
Don’t write many equations or lists of terms hoping that the correct one will be among them so that you can get partial credit. For questions that ask for two or three examples, only the first two or three will be scored.
Practice!
Answering free-response questions from previous AP Exams is a great way to practice: it allows you to compare your own responses with those that have already been evaluated and scored. Free-response questions and scoring guidelines are available in the Exam Preparation section of the About the Exam page.
Task Verbs
Pay close attention to the task verbs used in the free-response questions. Each one directs you to complete a specific type of response. Here are the task verbs you’ll see on the exam:
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Calculate: Perform mathematical steps to arrive at a final answer, including algebraic expressions, properly substituted numbers, and correct labeling of units. Showing work is required.
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Describe: Provide the relevant characteristics of a specified topic.
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Explain: Provide information about how or why a relationship, process, pattern, position, situation, or outcome occurs, using evidence and/or reasoning to support or qualify a claim. Explain “how” typically requires analyzing the relationship, process, pattern, position, situation, or outcome; whereas, explain “why” typically requires analysis of motivations or reasons for the relationship, process, pattern, position, situation, or outcome. Also phrased as “give one reason.”
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Identify: Indicate or provide information about a specified topic, without elaboration or explanation.
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Justify: Provide evidence to support, qualify, or defend a claim and/or provide reasoning to explain how that evidence supports or qualifies the claim.
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Make a claim: Make an assertion that is based on evidence or knowledge.
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Propose a solution: Provide a proposed solution to a problem based on evidence or knowledge.
Take Another Practice Test
As you did at the very beginning of your studying, take a practice test to evaluate your progress. You should see a steady progression of knowledge, and it’s likely that you will see patterns identifying which areas have improved the most and which areas still need improvement.
Conclusion
The AP Environmental Science exam is well-suited to self-studying due to its heavy emphasis on vocabulary and highly-specific theory. If you are planning to take the AP Environmental Science exam, you should prepare yourself and give your best shot on the exam day. Motivation to pass and preparedness will give you confidence - which will help you ace the exam. Good luck!