AP Human Geography - 2023 Exam Student Samples and Scoring Commentary

Overview

• The document provides sample student responses and commentary on the Free-Response Question 3 from the 2023 AP Human Geography exam.
• Focuses on interpreting maps and data related to economic and urban development patterns, specifically in the Boston region.
• Draws from Units 6 and 7 of the AP Human Geography curriculum.

Free-Response Question 3 Components

Question Structure

• Part A: Describe spatial patterns of companies and institutions.
• Part B: Describe the concept of a growth pole.
• Part C: Explain how educational infrastructure affects high-tech development.
• Part D: Explain map patterns in relation to the galactic city model.
• Part E: Explain local economic changes due to deindustrialization.
• Part F: Explain how products/services indicate a shift to the quaternary sector.
• Part G: Explain the limitation of drawing country-scale conclusions from a regional map.

Scoring Guidelines

• Each part is worth 1 point, totaling 7 points for Question 3.
• Responses must accurately describe, explain, or interpret spatial patterns, economic concepts, and map data.

Key Concepts Explained

Part A: Spatial Patterns

• Focus on agglomeration, clustering, and concentration of economic activities, particularly in Boston and Cambridge.

Part B: Growth Pole

• Centers of economic development due to innovation and specialized institutions like universities or hospitals.

Part C: Educational Infrastructure

• Graduates promote regional economic development.
• Institutions attract high-tech businesses and investors.
• Research sponsorship creates economic value and employment.
• Lack of infrastructure can hinder high-tech development.

Part D: Galactic City Model

• Multiple development centers and decentralized business patterns.
• Infrastructure includes radial highway patterns.

Part E: Economic Changes Due to Deindustrialization

• Shift from manufacturing to service/technology-based economies.
• Outsourcing affects employment and economic stability.

Part F: Quaternary Sector

• Knowledge-intensive activities in high-tech sectors.
• Products/services require specialized and educated workforce.

Part G: Limitations of Regional Maps

• Inaccuracies in applying regional data to national conclusions (ecological fallacy).
• Regional specialization may not reflect national economic patterns.

Student Sample Scores

Sample 3A

• Score: 7
• Comprehensive responses across all parts, accurately describe spatial patterns, growth pole, and economic shifts.

Sample 3B

• Score: 5
• Missed points on explaining growth poles and limitations of regional maps for national conclusions.

Sample 3C

• Score: 3
• Lacked explanations in growth poles, education effects, and map pattern interpretations.

Conclusion

• The document provides detailed guidelines and examples for understanding economic and geographic concepts in an AP Human Geography context.
• Emphasizes the importance of spatial and economic analysis skills in interpreting geographic data and patterns.