How to write an AP Human

Geography Essay

What happens on the test?

You will have 75 minutes to write
three essays. There is no reading
time or choice.
You will not know ahead of time
how many points each essay will
be worth (lately each essay is
worth 6-10 points although they
can be worth more or less).
The essays are worth roughly 1/2
of your AP HUG grade

Types of Essays That we

Have Seen Before

Analyze a graphic, map, model,

or diagram
Application of terms or concepts
to a specific scenario

Important note:
These essays are what we refer to as
being technical writing. This means
that you are writing specifically about
the content and no points are awarded
for how well the essay is constructed.
Introductions and Conclusions are
strongly discouraged and you are not
rewarded on any level for writing them.

Sample FRQ
In 1798 Thomas Robert Malthus published An Essay on
the Principle of Population in which he argued that
population growth will inevitably outpace food
production, resulting in widespread famine.
A. Identify and explain TWO reasons why some
geographers today believe Malthus theory can be
used to predict future population issues.
B. Identify and explain TWO reasons why some
geographers today believe Malthus theory cannot be
used to predict future population issues.

PLAN
Defining the term is not planning (unless the
question asks you to define)
You CAN define the term but we want to see
the example
You will get 5 points on essays for your
planning
Write it on the essay prompt!! Not on the
essay paper.
Not more than 2-3 minutes should be spent
planning

FORMAT
Must write in complete sentences.
Put each point in a separate paragraph.
DO NOT WRITE AN INTRODUCTION OR
CONCLUSION. You also DO NOT need to
restate the question in your essay.
Must use a blue or black pen and write
LEGIBLY.
Do not write in outline format.

CONTENT
Support with textbook examples or scenarios. Do not
talk about personal stories like your grandma.
Only use AP HUG terminology, not Oprah terms.
Keep it simple! Only write about the essay and the
example. Do not write additional information. It does
not get you extra points.
Do not contradict yourself! If you end up contradicting
yourself you will lose the point.
Do not use the term to define the term without
clarification. Example: Population density is how dense
the population is.
USE THE TERM in the sentence. You cant receive credit
if you do not identify what you are talking about

Tips
* Good FRQs tend to be 1 to 2 pages
* Write how you are comfortable
* Use APHG words if you can do so fairly
correctly
* Start by briefly reading all three
* Do most comfortable, next most, least
most
* 30 minutes, 25 minutes, 20 minutes
(unless you know them all (then 25/25/25))

Tips Continued

Use all the room you want

Bad hand writingskip lines
Underline main points you are fairly sure about
Break up into parts if question does
LOOK AT CHART OR PICTURE!!!!!!!!

What to write about?

Write about what the
GEESE DID
Globalization
Environmental Impact
Effects of Colonial Powers (Dependency Theory)
Social Hierarchy
Economic Growth/Decline

Diffusion/Media/Internet/Pop Culture
Immigration/Emigration
Development HDI/CBR/Education/DTM/Gender Issues