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How to Ace AP Statistics FRQs | 2025 Exam Writing Guide

••6 min read

Introduction: Why FRQs Are the Gatekeeper to a 5

The free-response questions (FRQs) make up 50% of your AP Statistics score. Many students feel confident on multiple choice but lose ground on FRQs — usually because they don’t explain enough, forget context, or skip key steps.

This guide will show you how to:

  • Understand the FRQ structure.
  • Write answers that graders love.
  • Avoid common traps.
  • Practice using RevisionDojo’s FRQ bank and rubrics.

Step 1: Structure of the FRQ Section

  • 6 questions total:
    • 5 shorter FRQs.
    • 1 investigative task (longer, integrative).
  • 90 minutes total.
  • Graders use rubrics broken into parts (E = essentially correct, P = partially correct, I = incorrect).

👉 Key: Even partial work earns points. Never leave blanks.

Step 2: The Four Essentials of a Full-Credit Answer

  1. Hypotheses stated correctly (when applicable).
  2. Conditions checked before running inference.
  3. Calculations shown (test statistic, p-value, CI, etc.).
  4. Conclusion in context (tied back to the real-world problem).

👉 RevisionDojo’s I CAN rubric:

  • Identify test.
  • Check conditions.
  • Analyze results.
  • Narrate conclusion.

Step 3: Writing in Context

Most lost points come from vague answers. Compare:

  • Weak: “Reject H₀.”
  • Strong: “Reject H₀. There is significant evidence that the average commute time in this city is greater than 25 minutes.”

Context earns points. Generic responses lose them.

Step 4: Time Management for FRQs

  • 90 minutes → ~15 minutes per problem.
  • Strategy:
    • First pass: Answer the straightforward ones.
    • Second pass: Work on investigative task (Q6).
    • Always leave 2–3 minutes to reread for context.

Step 5: Common Types of FRQs

1. Experimental Design

  • Describe sampling methods, randomization, and replication.

2. Probability & Simulation

  • Tree diagrams, random number tables, or calculator simulation outputs.

3. Inference (Proportions, Means, χ², Regression)

  • State hypotheses, run test, interpret in context.

4. Investigative Task (Q6)

  • Multi-step, often connects multiple units.
  • Strategy: Break into smaller parts. Even partial answers = points.

Step 6: Calculator Use on FRQs

  • You must show work — calculator answers alone aren’t enough.
  • Always:
    • State test name.
    • Give conditions.
    • Show test statistic and p-value.
    • Write conclusion.

👉 RevisionDojo’s calculator guides show step-by-step keystrokes.

Step 7: Sample FRQ Walkthrough

Question

A random sample of 50 students had a mean study time of 2.8 hours with SD = 1.2. Test if average study time differs from 3 hours at α = 0.05.

Solution

  • Step 1: Hypotheses
    • H₀: μ = 3.
    • Hₐ: μ ≠ 3.
  • Step 2: Conditions
    • Random sample.
    • n = 50 ≥ 30 → CLT applies.
  • Step 3: Test
    • t-test: t = -1.18, p = 0.24.
  • Step 4: Conclusion
    • p > 0.05 → Fail to reject H₀.
    • No significant evidence that mean study time differs from 3 hours.

👉 This earns full credit. RevisionDojo has dozens of worked FRQs like this.

Step 8: Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Forgetting hypotheses or writing them wrong.
  • Not checking conditions.
  • Using calculator numbers without explanation.
  • Forgetting to tie back to context.
  • Skipping the investigative task.

👉 RevisionDojo’s FRQ Mistake Log helps you track and correct these errors.

Step 9: The Investigative Task (Q6)

The investigative task is weighted more and often involves new contexts. Strategies:

  • Don’t panic at unusual wording.
  • Break into steps.
  • Earn partial credit where possible.

Many students leave it blank — don’t! Even partial work helps on the curve.

Step 10: Practice Makes Perfect

  • Write out 1 FRQ per day in full sentences.
  • After writing, compare with rubric.
  • Revise weak parts for clarity and context.

👉 RevisionDojo’s FRQ Writing Hub has past exam questions with step-by-step solutions.

RevisionDojo Resources

  • FRQ Bank: Hundreds of past questions with solutions.
  • I CAN Framework: Formula for full-credit answers.
  • Calculator Guides: TI-84/TI-Nspire walkthroughs.
  • Mistake Logs: Track weak areas.

👉 Check out RevisionDojo’s FRQ Success Hub here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How many FRQs do I need to get right for a 5?
A: Roughly 4–5 strong answers (plus decent MCQ) usually secures a 5.

Q: Can I skip showing conditions?
A: No — graders expect them. Missing conditions = lost points.

Q: How much partial credit can I get?
A: Even incomplete work earns partial points — never leave blanks.

Q: What’s the hardest FRQ type?
A: The investigative task, since it integrates multiple concepts.

Q: Should I memorize sample FRQs?
A: No — focus on structure. Use RevisionDojo’s FRQ practice instead.

Final Thoughts

FRQs are the make-or-break section of AP Statistics. To ace them:

  • Follow the I CAN framework (Identify test, Conditions, Analysis, Narrate).
  • Always write in context.
  • Use calculators smartly but explain results.
  • Attempt every problem, especially the investigative task.

With RevisionDojo’s FRQ bank, rubrics, and guided practice, you’ll know exactly what graders want — and how to deliver full-credit answers.

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