AP Human Geography Exam Review: Ideas and Tips

Prepared by Ken Keller ([email protected])

Key Issues and Strategies for Exam Preparation

Understanding Models and Theories

• Students often struggle with models, theories, and associated geographers.
• Use resources like Prezi to explore these topics.
• Encourage comparison and contrast of models, e.g., von Thünen vs. Burgess concentric zone model.
• Connect concepts across all seven units of the course.

Vocabulary Connections

• Create connections between vocabulary terms from different units.
• Identify terms that connect and those that do not (Odd One Out activity).
• Work in groups to understand why terms connect or differ.

FRQ Predictions and Familiarity

• Analyze past FRQs to predict possible exam topics.
• Explore action verbs used in FRQs: identify, define, describe, explain, compare.
• Recognize that only "explain" and "compare" require examples.

FRQ Test-Taking Strategies

• Outline answers to all three questions before starting.
• Address the easiest question first to allocate time efficiently.
• Use elaboration and examples in answers.
• Refer to AP Central for scoring rubrics.

Group Presentations and Practice

• Students present important concepts from different units via PowerPoint or Prezi.
• Engage in practice exams available on AP Central and AP Classroom.
• Practice exams help gauge knowledge and focus areas needing review.

Application and Term Mastery

• Students should associate examples and applications with each term.
• Review geographic regions and patterns.
• Identify major countries and cities within regions.

Model Connections and Data Analysis

• Connect the Demographic Transition Model with others like the Epidemiologic and Zelinsky's Migration Models.
• Analyze population pyramids for demographic patterns.

CED and Exam Topic Review

• Evaluate terms and concepts in the CED not yet on FRQs.
• Consider potential new contexts for reappearing topics.

Unit I Terms and Concepts

• Review definitions and applications for Unit I terms like distance decay, scale, map projections, and diffusion.

Additional Exam Tips

• Outline FRQs before writing responses to organize thoughts and improve answers.
• Answer all 60 MCQs; focus on stimulus questions (20% of total).
• Use strategy: narrow choices, manage time, and be cautious of terms like NOT or EXCEPT.
• Organize FRQ responses clearly, labeling parts (A, B, C, etc.).

Final Preparation

• Ensure a good night's rest before the exam.
• Eat a good breakfast on exam day.
• Encourage focus and reduced stress levels during the exam process.