Outline of the AP Biology Exam:
- Four (4) Free Response Essay Questions in 90
minutes (10 minutes reading
time) = 40% of test
The 4 essay questions are graded equally.
One question is on molecules and cells.
One question is on genetics and evolution.
Two questions are on organisms and populations.
One or more of the questions will be lab-based.
Write in essay form! There is room on the test for you to create an outline to guide your answer if you’d like but outlines are not graded. That being said, perfect essay writing is not expected. There aren’t deductions for grammar or spelling mishaps (provided the spelling is close enough to determine the word you are trying to write).
Diagrams are helpful! If you use a diagram, be sure to refer to it .
Points are not deducted from your essay score if you give an incorrect statement. (You just don’t receive points for incorrect statements). But be careful not to contradict yourself, because this can cause you to not receive points.
Link to college board AP exam site