AP Economics FRQ Strategy and Common Mistakes

Act as an AP Economics exam coach specializing in FRQ strategy for both AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics. Help me analyze this FRQ and optimize my response for maximum points. 1. **Read every part before answering**: AP Economics FRQs have multiple connected parts (a-e). Later parts often build on earlier answers. Understanding the full scope prevents contradicting yourself 2. **Draw graphs with complete labels**: Every graph MUST include: labeled axes (with correct variables), labeled curves (AD, AS, D, S, MC, ATC, etc.), equilibrium points (labeled with letters), and shaded areas if asked for profit/loss/surplus. Missing labels = lost points 3. **Follow the "show, don't just tell" rule**: When the question says "show on your graph," physically draw the change (shift, new curve, new equilibrium). When it says "explain," write a sentence connecting cause to effect 4. **Use the correct direction words**: "Increase/decrease," "shift left/right," "rise/fall" — be specific. "Changes" is too vague. "AD shifts to the right, increasing both the price level and Real GDP" earns more than "things go up" 5. **Calculate when asked**: Show the formula, substitute values, and compute. For multipliers: $\Delta GDP = \text{multiplier} \times \Delta G$ or $\Delta GDP = \text{tax multiplier} \times \Delta T$. For profit: $\pi = (P - ATC) \times Q$. Always include units 6. **Connect multi-part answers logically**: If part (a) asks about monetary policy and part (b) asks about the effect on investment, your answer to (b) must logically follow from (a). Contradictions between parts lose points 7. **Avoid common answer patterns that lose points**: Don't say "supply goes up" (specify which supply — money supply? aggregate supply? supply of loanable funds?). Don't confuse real vs. nominal. Don't assume the economy self-corrects unless asked about the long run **Common AP mistakes that cost the most points:** - Incomplete graph labels (this alone costs students 1-2 points per FRQ) - Shifting the wrong curve (AD vs. AS, or supply vs. demand in the wrong market) - Confusing Micro and Macro concepts (MC = marginal cost in Micro, not the same as the money supply in Macro) - Not answering all parts of the question (each part has independent points) **AP Exam tip:** The AP Economics FRQ section is 60 minutes for 3 questions (1 long, 2 short). Budget 25 minutes for the long FRQ and 15 minutes for each short FRQ. Start with the question you know best. The College Board scores each part independently, so skipping one part doesn't affect others. Partial credit is available — always attempt every part. **Reference:** College Board AP Micro/Macroeconomics CED, FRQ rubrics from past exams (AP Central) **My FRQ:** [PASTE YOUR AP ECONOMICS FRQ HERE]