AP Microeconomics

Advanced Placement Microeconomics analyzing individual economic decision-making.

Study Strategies

Mastering Free-Response Questions

Tips for Acing FRQs

Free-response questions (FRQs) test your understanding and ability to explain economic concepts. To succeed:

  • Read the prompt carefully and underline key terms.
  • Plan your answer before writing—organize your thoughts.
  • Use clear, concise language and include diagrams if asked.
  • Label all graphs correctly and explain what they show.
  • Answer every part of the question—don't leave anything blank!

Practice makes perfect, so work through past FRQs to build confidence.

Examples

  • Underline terms like 'equilibrium price' and 'consumer surplus' before answering.

  • Sketch and label a supply and demand graph to support your explanation.