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
- Hypotheses stated correctly (when applicable).
- Conditions checked before running inference.
- Calculations shown (test statistic, p-value, CI, etc.).
- 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.
