Biology Premium, 2024: 5 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice - Wuerth M. 2023

About the Exam
1 Introduction

Before beginning your review, it is important to understand the guiding principles and units that make up the AP Biology course and exam. The AP Biology curriculum focuses on four Big Ideas:

§ Big Idea 1: Evolution—The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life.

§ Big Idea 2: Energetics—Biological systems use energy and molecular building blocks to grow, reproduce, and maintain dynamic homeostasis.

§ Big Idea 3: Information Storage and Transmission—Living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes.

§ Big Idea 4: Systems Interactions—Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions exhibit complex properties.

These Big Ideas are the overarching themes covered in the eight units of content that make up the AP Biology course and exam. The review chapters that follow this introduction are all grouped according to these eight units, so you can test which units you are strongest in and which you may want to study more closely. Table 1.1 lists each of these eight units and the approximate percentage of questions that will be devoted to each unit on the AP Biology exam.

Table 1.1 AP Biology Units

Exam Format

You will have three hours total to complete the AP Biology exam, which consists of the two sections outlined in Table 1.2.

Table 1.2 AP Biology Exam Format

Section I: Multiple-Choice

You will have 90 minutes to complete 60 multiple-choice questions, which will make up 50% of your overall score. Each question will have four possible answer choices, and you need to select the choice that best answers the question. Some questions (in both Section I and Section II of the exam) may require you to use your math skills and the AP Biology Equations and Formulas sheet, which will be provided to you on test day.

TIP

Get familiar with the AP Biology Equations and Formulas sheet. You do NOT need to memorize any of those formulas, but you DO need to know when to use them and how to apply them.

Many of the multiple-choice questions will require you to evaluate data in tables, graphs, or diagrams. Thus, to prepare yourself for Section I, practice analyzing and interpreting as many different types of tables and graphs as possible. A wide variety of tables and graphs are incorporated throughout this book to provide you with as much practice with them as possible.

Section II: Free-Response

You will have 90 minutes to complete six free-response questions, two of which are long free-response questions and four of which are short free-response questions. Each of the six free-response questions will consist of four parts. All six free-response questions combined will make up 50% of your overall exam score.

Long Free-Response Questions

Questions 1 and 2 of Section II will be the long free-response questions. Each will be worth between 8 and 10 points, for a total of 18 points between both questions. Both will likely involve interpreting and evaluating experimental results. Question 1 may ask you to evaluate data presented in a table or graph, while question 2 may ask you construct a graph using the appropriate confidence intervals.

Short Free-Response Questions

Questions 3, 4, 5, and 6 of Section II will be the short free-response questions. Each of these questions will be worth 4 points.

Question 3 may describe an experimental scenario. You may be asked to identify the parts of the experiment (such as any controls, the independent variable, and the dependent variable), predict results, and justify your predictions. You may also be asked to describe the biological processes covered in the experiment.

Question 4 is typically a conceptual analysis question. In this question, you may be asked to describe and explain a biological process. Given a disruption in the process, you must predict how that disruption will affect the process and justify your prediction with evidence.

Question 5 may ask you to analyze a model or visual representation of a biological concept. You may be presented with a diagram and asked to describe the characteristics of the process represented in this model. Then, you may be asked to explain the relationships between the different parts of the model and relate or apply the model to a larger biological concept.

Question 6 may ask you to analyze data. You may see data in a graph or table, and you might be asked to describe the data and to use the data presented to evaluate a claim. Finally, you may be asked to explain how the data presented relates to a larger biological concept.

Tips for Section I: Multiple-Choice Questions

§ Do NOT skip over the scenarios and/or diagrams presented in the stem of the question. A stem that contains a description of a scenario and/or a diagram or graph will precede many of the multiple-choice questions. In a testing situation where time is limited, students are sometimes tempted to save time by skipping over the stem and proceeding directly to the question. Don’t do this! Often, taking just 30 seconds to read over the data or scenario presented will make it easier to answer the question or questions that follow it. The scenario presented in the stem of the question often will have important background information that will help you answer the question. If you are presented with a graph, note the variables shown on each axis and their units, and try to detect any patterns in the data. In data tables or charts, note the column headings and their units, and observe any trends or patterns in the data.

§ Do NOT be afraid of organisms or genes you may not have heard of before. There are so many great examples of organisms, genes, and ecosystems that apply to the content of the AP Biology course, and no teacher or textbook can mention all of them. Any example that is not explicitly included in the AP Biology Course and Exam Description will be described in enough detail in the question so that you will have enough background information to answer the question. Therefore, don’t worry if you see a question about the CYP6M2 gene in Anopheles gambiae and you’ve never heard of either before! The stem of the question will tell you what you need to know about that gene and organism (for example, that the CYP6M2 gene confers insecticide resistance to Anopheles mosquitoes), so all you need to do is apply your knowledge and skills to that background information to find the correct answer.

§ Do NOT be tempted by the “distractors.” Incorrect answer choices are called distractors. As you read each question, cover the answer choices with a piece of paper or your hand. Before you reveal the answer choices, think of the characteristics that a good answer to the question at hand will contain. Then, reveal the answer choices and choose the answer that best fits the characteristics you know a good answer will have. It is often easier to focus your brain on finding the best answer rather than trying to eliminate each of the distractors.

§ DO pace yourself. You will have 90 minutes to answer 60 multiple-choice questions. If it is taking you more than two minutes to answer a question, move on to the next question and go back to that question later. Just make sure to skip the bubble in the answer sheet for each question you skip so that the following answers are filled in in the correct bubbles.

§ DO answer every question. There is no guessing penalty on the AP Biology exam. If you leave a question blank, you are guaranteed to not earn points for that question, so answer every question, even if you have to guess. Never leave a question blank on the AP Biology exam! Reserve the last two or three minutes of the time allotted for Section I to check that you have answered all of the questions and have not left any questions blank.

Tips for Section II: Free-Response Questions

§ Do NOT leave any questions blank. Even if you think you don’t know how to answer the question, reread the question to see what terms in the question you do know something about. Then, use those terms as the basis for your answer, keeping in mind the task verbs in the question. As in Section I, if you leave a question blank, you are guaranteed to not earn points on that question, but if you write something, you may earn some points that could make the difference between a score of a 3, 4, or 5. Never give up—remember, you CAN do this!

§ Do NOT make any contradictory statements. For example, if you state that the function of the mitochondria is to generate energy for the cell (a correct statement) but then later in your response state that the function of the mitochondria is also to perform photosynthesis (an incorrect statement), you have made two contradictory statements. Thus, you will not earn any points for either of those statements.

§ DO plan your approach to Section II. Take the first 5—10 minutes allotted for Section II to “read and rank.” Read all six free-response questions, and then place the number 1 next to the question you think will be the easiest for you, the number 2 next to the next easiest question, and so on. You do not have to answer the questions in the order they appear in the test. Sometimes the easiest free-response questions are at the end of this section, and if you get hung up on a more challenging question that appears earlier, you may never get to the easier questions you are likely to earn points on.

§ DO read each question carefully. Read each question carefully at least two times. Each time you read the question, circle or underline key words, especially any bolded words (which are the action or task verbs), any numbers, or any words like and or or (which indicate whether all or some of the items mentioned need to be addressed).

§ DO pace yourself. You will have 90 minutes to complete all six free-response questions. Some of the free-response questions will require less time; others will require more time. Here is a suggested time plan for Section II:

· First 5—10 minutes for “read and rank” (see above)

· 20 minutes for each of the two long free-response questions (Questions 1 and 2) for a total of 40 minutes

· 5—10 minutes for each of the short free-response questions (Questions 3, 4, 5, and 6) for a total of 20—40 minutes

§ DO write legibly. This may seem obvious, but if your answer is unclear or unreadable, the AP reader cannot award you points for it. Use a black ballpoint pen to write your answer. If you make a mistake, just cross it out with a single strikethrough—any more than that is unnecessary. If your handwriting is particularly difficult to read, consider writing on every other line in the test booklet. Don’t worry about running out of pages—the test booklet usually contains more blank pages than are typically needed, and the test proctor is required to give you extra pages if you do run out of paper in the test booklet.

§ DO label your graphs completely with units. If a question asks you to construct a graph, always make sure the axes are labeled clearly with the appropriate units. A unitless graph will not earn points. Use consistent scaling on your axes, and give your graph a title.

§ DO label the parts of your answer appropriately. This makes it easier for the reader who scores your exam to award you points. However, if you happen to answer part (a) of a question in the section you labeled (b), the reader will still award you points for it.

§ DO use complete sentences. As per the instructions for Section II, use complete sentences in your answers. You will not be awarded points for bulleted lists. If you use a drawing in your answer, make sure to also describe it in complete sentences.

§ DO ATP (Address the Prompt). Do not waste time writing an introductory paragraph, a thesis statement, or a concluding paragraph. Do not restate the question—the reader knows what the question is! While you need to be clear in your writing, you are not being evaluated on your ability to write a well-constructed essay, as you might be in an AP English course. You ARE being evaluated on your knowledge of biology. Make sure you understand the question prompt and what it is asking you to do. Then, reread your answer to make sure you addressed all of the task verbs in the question and did not make any contradictory statements.

§ DO pay attention to the task verbs! Pay attention to these action verbs, which are typically bolded in the long and short free-response questions, as these words indicate what the question requires you to provide in your response. Some of the most frequently used task verbs are the following:

· Predict—state what you think will happen if a change is made in a system or process

· Justify—give evidence to support your prediction

· Make a claim—make a statement based on the available data or evidence

· Support a claim—give evidence to defend a claim

· Describe—note the characteristics of something

· Explain—state “why” or “how” something happens (Note: This is more demanding than describing.)

· Identify—provide the information that is asked for (Note: This is less demanding than describing.)

· Calculate—perform the requested calculation, and ALWAYS show your work and your units!

· Construct—make a graph (show units!) or a diagram that illustrates data or a relationship

· Determine—make a conclusion based on evidence

· State—give a null hypothesis or an alternative hypothesis that is supported by data/evidence

· Evaluate—assess the validity or accuracy of a claim or hypothesis

Scoring of the AP Biology Exam

The AP Biology exam is scored on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest possible score. Table 1.3 describes each score.

Table 1.3 AP Biology Exam Scores

Scores of 3 or above may earn you college credit or allow you to skip introductory courses and take more advanced courses earlier in your college career. Policies regarding credit for AP exam scores vary widely between schools and may even vary between majors at the same school. Always check with the college or university you plan to attend to find out the latest information.

Fifty percent of your total score is based on your performance on Section I (the multiple-choice section), and the other 50% of your total score is based on your performance on Section II (the free-response section). For this reason, it is very important to practice answering all question types (multiple-choice, short free-response, and long free-response)—that is why you will see all of these types of questions at the end of every chapter of this book.

Suggested Study Plans

The following are suggested study plans depending on how much time is left until test day. If there’s a lot of time left before the exam, read through all of the chapters in this book, answer all of the practice questions, and complete all the practice tests. If time is limited, refer to these study plans to skip to the areas that you may want to study further. Follow what works best for you and your schedule. Remember, by reviewing and practicing with this book, you are already taking the first step toward achieving success on the AP Biology exam!

Six Weeks Until the Exam

§ Start by taking all of Practice Test 1.

§ Once you’ve completed Practice Test 1, review the answer explanations and use the Self-Analysis Chart for Section I to determine what your strengths are and to diagnose the four units where you need the most improvement.

§ Read through the chapters that cover those four units, and answer all the practice questions in those chapters.

§ Reread the preceding tips for Section I and Section II.

§ Review Chapter 2, which focuses on statistics (since 95% confidence intervals, the null hypothesis, and the chi-square test are key tools used to evaluate experimental results in AP Biology).

§ Take all of Practice Test 2.

§ Once you’ve completed Practice Test 2, review the answer explanations and use the Self-Analysis Chart for Section I to determine where you’ve improved and what two units you’re still having trouble with.

§ Reread the chapters related to those two units, and answer all the practice questions in those chapters.

§ Review Chapter 24, which focuses on the lab component of the course. Answer all the practice questions at the end of this chapter, and review the answer explanations for any questions you may have answered incorrectly.

§ Revisit the preceding tips for Section I and Section II one last time so that those reminders are fresh in your mind for test day.

Two Weeks Until the Exam

§ Complete all of Practice Test 1.

§ Once you’ve completed Practice Test 1, review the answer explanations and use the Self-Analysis Chart for Section I to determine what your strengths are and to diagnose the three units where you need the most improvement.

§ Read through the chapters that cover those three units, and answer all the practice questions in those chapters.

§ Reread the preceding tips for Section I and Section II.

§ Review Chapter 2, which focuses on statistics.

§ Complete all of Practice Test 2.

§ Once you’ve completed Practice Test 2, review the answer explanations and use the Self-Analysis Chart for Section I to determine where you’ve improved and the one unit you’re still having trouble with.

§ Reread the chapters related to that unit, and answer all the practice questions in those chapters.

§ Review Chapter 24, which focuses on the lab component of the course. Answer all the practice questions at the end of this chapter, and review the answer explanations for any questions you may have answered incorrectly.

One Week Until the Exam

§ Complete all of Practice Test 1.

§ Once you’ve completed Practice Test 1, review the answer explanations and use the Self-Analysis Chart for Section I to determine what your strengths are and to diagnose the two units where you need the most improvement.

§ Read the chapters related to those two units, and answer all the practice questions in those chapters.

§ Reread the preceding tips for Section I and Section II.

§ Review Chapter 2, which focuses on statistics.

§ Complete all of Practice Test 2.

§ Once you’ve completed Practice Test 2, review the answer explanations and use the Self-Analysis Chart for Section I to determine where you’ve improved and the one unit you’re still having trouble with.

§ Reread the chapters related to that unit, and answer all the practice questions in those chapters.

§ Review Chapter 24, which focuses on the lab component of the course. Answer all the practice questions at the end of this chapter, and review the answer explanations for any questions you may have answered incorrectly.

The Day Before the Exam

§ Complete just Section I of one of the two practice tests in this book.

§ Once you’ve finished Section I, review the answer explanations and use the Self-Analysis Chart to diagnose the one unit where you need the most improvement.

§ Skim through the chapters related to that unit, and answer all the practice questions in those chapters.

§ Reread the preceding tips for Section I and Section II.

§ Review Chapter 2, which focuses on statistics.

§ Review Chapter 24, which focuses on the lab component of the course.