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Biology Long Essay Free Response Questions

9 min read • january 6, 2021

Jessica Nadzam

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Overview of the Long Essay (FRQ) Questions

The AP Biology exam used to consist of eight long-form free response questions, but in 2019 it was redesigned to consist of only six free response questions. Two of those questions are in the “long” form, and these consist of 50% of the free response score, or 25% of your total score.

Long story short, those two questions make a biiiiiiiiig impact on your score! 

The long essay questions will always be the first two on your exam, so you’ll see them as soon as you open the test booklet. You have to write in blue or black ink (for all things that are good, please do not use a pencil), so have a few of your favorite pens ready. You’ll have lots of pages to write on (if you use all of them, you may have written too much), and you’ll be given a copy of the Formulas and Equations sheet for any calculations you need to do. 

Questions are between 8-10 points apiece, and they typically contain content and problems concerning multiple content areas. You could initially respond about protein structure in the first part and then end up describing the evidence of evolution by the end of the question. There’s a lot of points on the table, and CollegeBoard will make you work for them. 

There is one guarantee on the long essay portion, and that is that one of these questions will ask you to graph something, but IMHO, this is the easiest part. Graphs are usually just that - graphs! And they’re worth three whole points just for plotting some information from a table - woohoo! I always tell my students to go straight to the graph and complete it, if possible. Just remember that when you complete that graph, you must:

Scale your graph appropriately

Label the axes and use proper units (if you don’t list your units, this point won’t count)

Plot the actual data 

Pretty simple, right? 

Response Grading (from a former AP Reader)

There are almost twenty points in this section, and they make up 25% of your AP Biology score. So, how are those points calculated and scored? CollegeBoard is fantastic at writing rigorous questions, but they’re also very good at training their graders (called AP Readers) how to objectively score the questions. Readers spend a whole day training to grade just ten points worth of questions, and then spend a whole week grading only those questions, eight hours a day . 

A well-oiled machine may be an understatement. The bottom of the line is, AP Readers know exactly what they’re looking for when they’re grading. They read a hundred tests a day (minimum), and if you don’t have the answer they’ve been told is the right answer, they tend to move on pretty quickly. 

While this seems intimidating, it’s actually good news for you - but only if you pay very close attention to the next section on verbage. You see, the bolded verbs in AP free response questions are just hints as to what AP Readers are looking for in an answer. If you know those verbs backwards and forwards, you will know what type of response AP Readers want. And if you know that, you don’t have to worry about writing something that may be right content-wise, but still missing a point on a technicality. 

Essential Verbiage

There are a lot of verbs used in AP exams to pose questions for students to ponder and rip their hair out over. 

To keep all that hair on your head, we’ve made you a table. It’s pretty easy - if you know exactly what to do when you encounter each bolded verb , you know exactly what to do to answer the question the way the Reader wants to see it. You know how many points it's worth, and therefore can figure out how much time to spend on it. 

Side note - keep in mind that if a question asks you do something more than once - maybe to describe two factors or explain three phenomenon, you should multiple that # Points by however many things it expects you to do. 

Strategies for 5able Responses

Do you want a 5 on this test? Then here’s what you need to know and be able to do: 

Read. The. Question. Care. Fully. Seriously. You don’t know how many students miss points because they were skimming and missed a critical word. It’s a heartbreaker for Readers, who want to give you that point, but can’t. Also, read the directions carefully. Your papers always say something about how responses on the actual question page will not be scored. Do not write on the question page . You can for brainstorming or outlining as scratch paper, but if your words aren’t written on lined paper or a graph or table, they won’t be scored. So make sure you put your answers in the right place! 

Complete. Sentences. Unless it’s an identify or construct or calculate question, you need a capital letter and a period, or the Reader will not grade that response. Period. Outlines, bulleted lists, and drawings won’t be graded unless specified in the question’s directions. 

Circle your bolded verbs . Find them. Figure out which are worth the most points, the least points, will take the longest, will be the quickest, etc. Then, figure out which ones to answer first. 

When you start the test, you don’t have to go in order. If your mind goes blank on question one, skip it . It’s not going anywhere, you can come back to it. But don’t waste time on it when there are others you can definitely answer later in the booklet. 

Skip around to answer these types of questions first, as they are worth the most points and/or are the quickest to answer: Construct a graph, Design an experiment, Identify, Graph/draw. Most other question types take longer just to read the question and write out the full answer, so these are the quickest and most bang-for-your-buck question types. 

Time yourself. You get 90 minutes, but it goes by fast. Keep a digital watch that does not beep , and refer to it regularly. Plot how long you want to spend on each question so you don’t waste time in one area and lose points on another question you could have easily answered. 

This is not AP English. The graders are not English teachers. They don’t care how pretty your introduction is or how thought-provoking your thesis statement is, so don’t write these. Skip the fluff and go straight to the point. Don’t restate the question or introduce the topic or regurgitate random knowledge - it won’t get you extra points, it’s a waste of time for you, and the Readers get bored sorting through all your thoughts and writing. 

Label your responses . While you still have to write in complete sentences, please label each response with a, b, c, etc. if the essay question has multiple parts. You don’t even have to go in order, but this helps Readers find your answer so they don’t have to sift and guess what you meant. 

COMMIT TO YOUR ANSWER . Readers don’t like wishy-washy papers. Erase the words “might” and “possible” and “I think” from your vocabulary. You could be completely wrong, but if you’re writing about a purple hippopotamus, COMMIT to that purple hippopotamus. Don’t say “I think the purple hippopotamus might possibly maybe do photosynthesis if it feels like it.” That’s wishy washy, and Readers don’t accept that as an actual answer, so they won’t give points for it. Be committed , and loudly proclaim “This purple hippopotamus does photosynthesis!” Ta-da! 

If possible, always give an example. We said earlier not to mind dump and regurgitate, but examples are usually a good way to sweep up an extra point or two if you have budgeted your time wisely and can accurately apply it to the scenario. Examples should be a demonstration of the phenomenon you’re describing. ~For example~ if you’re asked to describe the differences between natural and artificial selection, a good example of artificial selection would be to discuss the development of different dog breeds for different traits and features. 

Now that’s we’ve passed on the knowledge, let’s take it out for a test drive. Below you will find a sample question with tips to apply to maximize your time and points for that Fiveable 5 score! 

Sample Question

Soybeans, or Glycine max , are grown and harvested in the American delta. They are a popular crop and are used in a variety of foodstuffs including soy milks, tofu, and other added ingredients. As a high protein bean, they are very popular and fast to grow, with only sixty days from planting to harvest. However, they are very sensitive to their environments, and farmers frequently worry about frost destroying their crops. Also, they do not work alone. Soybeans rely on fungi in their roots (mycorhizzae) to exchange nutrients and fix nitrogen. 

a) Construct a graph of soybean grown between days 1 and 60. 

b) Draw and label a line for your prediction if the mycorhizzae were not present in soybean roots. Explain why this would occur. 

c) The mycorhizzae in plant roots are responsible for fixing nitrogen that plants need. Identify the type of relationship that occurs between the plants and the mycorhizzae, and make a claim as to why it is beneficial or harmful.

d) Botanists recommend rotating soybean fields every three years or so. Typically, farmers will alternate soybeans and corn in different fields. Describe why this is done and how it benefits the plants and their environments. 

Sample Question Answer Key

Phew. That’s a lot of words, a lot of scientific terminology, and a lot to answer in approximately twenty minutes - the maximum amount of time you should spend on one FRQ. Remember, you don’t have to answer questions in order and you can pick and choose parts to answer each time, but for the sake of this example, I’ll be moving from a-d. 

Before we answer, let’s do some quick recon. It’s question one, so we know it’s a long FRQ. It’s got four parts, and six parts are bolded. We tally it up, and we find this question is worth 10 points . But we don’t panic, because we know how to tackle these AP verbs! 

Part A is pretty simple, and I recommend doing it first. Draw and label the graph. I’ve linked my example below. Notice that I labeled my axes and made sure to include my units ( 1) , and the scales on my graph are equidistant and accurate ( 1 ), and I plotted my points correctly ( 1) . Ding ding ding, that’s three points right there!

Moving on to Part B, we’re asked to draw a line. Okay, cool, we can do that. But where do we draw the line? Remember, this is only 1 point, so it’s okay to skip it for now if you aren’t sure. Definitely don’t waste your time wracking your brain if it baffles you. But, if you were to draw it, you’d have a flat line on the bottom of the X-axis. Why? Because mycorrhizae are essential for plant growth. Without them, the plant wouldn’t survive.

We’ve got 4 points total and two more parts to go, so there’s going to be a lot expected from these questions. Part C wants you to identify a relationship between a plant and a fungus - that’s Ecology 101 again, and the answer is “mutualism.” Remember, since this is an identify question, we don’t need complete sentences, just the one word answer to get our 1 point. Yay, time saved! For the make a claim portion, explain this relationship. Why is it good or bad? Well, it’s mutualism, which means both parties benefit. For this one, you do need complete sentences, but since it’s just 1 point, one complete sentence defining mutualism should suffice.  Finally, we get to the finale - Part D. The Describe question. Students typically love or hate these, because they leave a bit of wiggle room in the answer, but they also take a lot of time. Since this one is worth 2 points, we want to take the time to answer it correctly. Why do farmers rotate their crops? The key part to a describe question is identifying the phenomenon or concept, and then explaining it or illustrating it with an example. So in this case, we want to identify that crops are rotated to keep nutrients from being overused, and then provide substance to that answer by saying what nutrients are needed for, how they rebuild over time, etc.

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How to answer A-level Biology essay questions

The Synoptic essay questions in paper 3 of the AQA A-level biology course carries 25 marks, so can make a big difference to your overall grade. The essay encourages you to think across different topics (some call this “synoptic” or “holistic” thinking). This is also valuable for other areas of the exams, particularly the application questions .

Here are a few tips for tackling your A-level biology essay: (As an example, Let’s use the title “The importance of movement in cells and tissues”)

Think broadly…

Essay titles are deliberately vague to give you the chance to show your knowledge in a variety of topics. To help you to choose what’s most relevant, look out for subjective words like “movement” and “cells”. Think of the possible alternatives. “Cells”, for example, hints that you could discuss plants, animals, single-celled organisms etc. in your essay. “Movement” could mean short distances (across a membrane) or much further (circulation or mass flow) or even the whole tissue moving (phototropism).

Visualize and catastrophize!

If you can’t think of enough topics for an “importance” essay, flip the question around – what would happen if movement in cells suddenly ground to a halt? Or if ATP suddenly vanished, or our cells were robbed of their ions? Sometimes catastrophizing in this way frees up thoughts, and helps you see what is really important. Another way is to picture every diagram in your notes or textbook that features the thing-that’s-important-in-the-question. If it’s in a diagram, it could go in your essay.

Pick your strongest topics

It’s possible to drop marks on the essay for scientific errors. With that in mind, even if you have lots of ideas for things to include, always pick the topics you can write confidently about. For bonus marks, try to order them in a way that “flows” like a story. Take care to use A-level (and not GCSE) language too.

Keep an eye on the question

While you’re writing, keep asking yourself “Where am I placing the emphasis?”. If the essay is about movement, perhaps you don’t need a whole page about nervous responses, only the bits where movement is involved – sodium ions flowing through channels, waves of depolarisation etc. Movement is the focus of the essay, after all, not neurons. Always ask yourself “Does this sentence fit with the title of the essay?”

Use outside knowledge

The top marks for the essay are reserved for displaying “evidence of reading beyond specification requirements”. Often you can drop recent scientific research or news into your writing – how vaccines tackle COVID might work in an essay about viruses, for example. I often encourage students to have a quick look at the news pages of New Scientist pages (eg https://www.newscientist.com/subject/health/ ) before paper 3 for inspiration – you don’t need to spend ages doing this, just long enough to have one or two ideas up your sleeve…

Good luck with your essay!

If you’d like to work through some example essay questions, please get in touch with me at Woolton Tutors (or Woolton Biology) and we can set up some online biology tutoring sessions.

Best wishes,

Dr John Ankers

Specialist online A-level biology tutor

www.wooltontutors.co.uk

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Frequently Asked Biology Questions and Answers

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Biology is a wondrous science that inspires us to discover more about the world around us. While science may not have the answers to every question, some biology questions are answerable. Have you ever wondered why DNA is twisted or why some sounds make your skin crawl? Discover answers to these and other intriguing biology questions.

Why Is DNA Twisted?

DNA is known for its familiar twisted shape. This shape is often described as a spiral staircase or twisted ladder. DNA is a nucleic acid with three main components: nitrogenous bases, deoxyribose sugars, and phosphate molecules. Interactions between water and the molecules that compose DNA cause this nucleic acid to take on a twisted shape. This shape aids in the packing of DNA into chromatin fibers, which condense to form chromosomes . The helical shape of DNA also makes DNA replication and protein synthesis possible. When necessary, the double helix unwinds and opens to allow DNA to be copied.

Why Do Certain Sounds Make Your Skin Crawl?

Nails on a chalkboard, squealing brakes, or a crying baby are all sounds that can make one's skin crawl. Why does this happen? The answer involves how the brain processes sound. When we detect a sound, sound waves travel to our ears and the sound energy is converted to nerve impulses. These impulses travel to the auditory cortex of the brain's temporal lobes for processing. Another brain structure, the amygdala , heightens our perception of the sound and associates it with a particular emotion, such as fear or unpleasantness. These emotions can elicit a physical response to certain sounds, such as goose bumps or a sensation that something is crawling over your skin.

What Are the Differences Between Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Cells?

The primary characteristic that differentiates eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic cells is the cell nucleus . Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus that is surrounded by a membrane, which separates the DNA within from the cytoplasm and other organelles . Prokaryotic cells do not have a true nucleus in that the nucleus is not surrounded by a membrane. Prokaryotic DNA is located in an area of the cytoplasm called the nucleoid region. Prokaryotic cells are typically much smaller and less complex than eukaryotic cells. Examples of eukaryotic organisms include animals, plants, fungi and protists (ex. algae ).

How Are Fingerprints Formed?

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Fingerprints are patterns of ridges that form on our fingers, palms, toes, and feet. Fingerprints are unique, even among identical twins. They are formed while we are in our mother's womb and are influenced by several factors. These factors include genetic makeup, position in the womb, amniotic fluid flow, and umbilical cord length. Fingerprints are formed in the innermost layer of the epidermis known as the basal cell layer. Rapid cell growth in the basal cell layer causes this layer to fold and form various patterns.

What Are the Differences Between Bacteria and Viruses?

While both bacteria and viruses are capable of making us sick, they are very different microbes. Bacteria are living organisms that produce energy and are capable of independent reproduction. Viruses are not cells but particles of DNA or RNA encased within a protective shell. They do not possess all of the characteristics of living organisms. Viruses must rely on other organisms in order to reproduce because they do not possess the organelles needed to replicate. Bacteria are typically larger than viruses and susceptible to antibiotics . Antibiotics do not work against viruses and viral infections.

Why Do Women Typically Live Longer Than Men?

In almost every culture, women usually outlive men. While several factors can influence the life expectancy differences between men and women, genetic makeup is considered to be the major reason women live longer than men. Mitochondrial DNA mutations cause males to age faster than females. Since mitochondrial DNA is only inherited from mothers, mutations that occur in female mitochondrial genes are monitored to filter out dangerous mutations. Male mitochondrial genes are not monitored so the mutations accumulate over time.

What Are the Differences Between Plant and Animal Cells?

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Animal cells and plant cells are both eukaryotic cells with a number of common characteristics. These cells also differ in a number of characteristics such as size, shape, energy storage, growth, and organelles. Structures found in plant cells and not animal cells include a cell wall , plastids, and plasmodesmata. Centrioles and lysosomes are structures that are found in animal cells but not usually in plant cells. While plants are capable of generating their own food through photosynthesis , animals must obtain nutrition through ingestion or absorption.

Is the 5-second Rule True or a Myth?

The 5-second rule is based on the theory that food that has been dropped on the floor for a brief period of time does not pick up many germs and is safe to eat. This theory is somewhat true in that the less time food is in contact with a surface, the fewer  bacteria are transferred to the food. Several factors play a role in the level of contamination that may occur once food has been dropped on the floor or another surface. These factors include the texture of the food (soft, sticky, etc.) and the type of surface (tile, carpet, etc.) involved. It is always best to avoid eating food that has a high risk of contamination, such as food that has been dropped in the trash.

What Are the Differences Between Mitosis and Meiosis?

Mitosis and meiosis are cell division processes that involve the division of a diploid cell . Mitosis is the process by which somatic cells ( body cells ) reproduce. Two identical daughter cells are produced as a result of mitosis. Meiosis is the process by which gametes (sex cells) are formed. This two-part cell division process produces four daughter cells that are haploid . In sexual reproduction , the haploid sex cells unite during fertilization to form a diploid cell.

What Happens When Lightning Strikes You?

Lightning is a powerful force that can cause serious injury to those that are unfortunate enough to be hit by it. There are five ways in which individuals may be hit by lightning. These types of strikes include a direct strike, side flash, ground current strike, conduction strike, and a streamer strike. Some of these strikes are more serious than others but all involve electrical current traveling through the body. This current moves over the skin or through the cardiovascular system and nervous system causing serious damage to vital organs .

What Is the Purpose of Bodily Functions?

Have you ever wondered why we yawn, burp, sneeze, or cough? Some bodily functions are the result of voluntary actions controlled by the individual, while others are involuntary and not under the control of the individual. Yawning, for example, is a reflex response that occurs when a person is tired or bored. Though the reasons for yawning are not fully understood, studies indicate that it helps to cool the brain.

What Are the Different Types of Plant Growth?

Have you ever noticed how plants grow toward different types of stimuli? Growth of a plant in the direction of a stimulus is called plant tropism. Some of these stimuli include light, gravity, water, and touch. Other types of plant tropisms include growth in the direction of chemical signals (chemotropism) and growth in response to heat or temperature changes (thermotropism).

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Biology KCSE Essay Questions and Answers Paper 2; Over 1,000

KCSE BIOLOGY PAPPER TWO 231/2 -ESSAYS FROM 1995 -2023

  a). Describe how insect pollinated flowers are adapted to pollination ( KCSE1995)

• Progesterone
• Luteinizinghormone
• Describe how excretion takes place in: ( KCSE1995)
• MammalianKidneys
• Greenplants
• a).Explainhowthemammalianskinisadaptedtoperformitsfunctions (20marks; KCSE 1996)

b). Describe how new plants arise by asexual reproduction (20 marks; KCSE 1996)

• a). What is parasitism? (KCSE1997)

b). Describe how the tapeworm is adapted to a parasitic mode of life (KCSE 1997)

• a). What is meant by the term digestion? (KCSE1997 )

b). Describe how the mammalian small intestine is adapted to its function (KCSE 1997)

• Discuss the various evidences, which show that evolution has taken place (20 marks; KCSE 1998)
• Explain how the mammalian intestines are adapted to perform their function (20 marks; KCSE 1998)
• a). Describethe:
• Process of inhalation in mammals ( KCSE 1999)
• Mechanisms of opening and closing of stomata in plants (KCSE1999)

b). Explain how the various activities of man have caused pollution of air (20 marks; KCSE 1999)

• a). Describe the role of hormones in the human menstrual cycle (20 marks; KCSE2000)

b). How are leaves of mesophytes suited to their functions (20 marks; KCSE 2000)

• a). State the functions of the following parts of the mammalian ear; (KCSE2001)
• Tympanicmembrane
• Eustachiantube
• Earossicles

b). Describe how semicircular canals perform their functions (KCSE 2001 )

• a). Describe the process of fertilization in a flowering plant ( KCSE2001)

b). State the change that take place in a flower after fertilization ( KCSE 2001)

• a). Describe the role of hormones in the growth and development of plants (20 marks; KCSE 2002)
• a). Name three types of skeletons found in multicellular animals ( KCSE2002)

b). Describe how the cervical, lumbar and sacral vertebrae are suited to their functions

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(KCSE 2002)

• a). Describe the functions of the various parts of the human eye (20 marks; KCSE2003)

                                                                                                                                         1 | P a ge

(b). Describe how fruits and seeds are suited to their modes of dispersal (20 marks; KCSE 2003)

• a). How is the mammalian skin adapted to its functions? (20 marks; KCSE2004)

b). Explain how a biotic factors affect plants (20 marks; KCSE 2004)

• a). Describe how gaseous exchange takes place in terrestrial plants (20 marks; KCSE2005)

b). How is the human eye adapted to its function? (20 marks; KCSE 2005)

• a). Describe how human kidney functions (20 marks; KCSE2006)

b).Describehowwatermovesfromthesoiltotheleavesinatree (20marks; KCSE2006)

• a). Describe the structure and functions of the various parts of the human ear (20 marks; KCSE 2007 )

b). Describe causes and methods of controlling water pollution (20 marks; KCSE 2007 )

• Describe the nitrogen cycle (20 marks; KCSE2008)
• a). State four characteristics of gaseous exchangesurfaces

b). Describe the mechanism of gaseous exchange in a mammal (16 marks; KCSE 2008)

• a). How are flowers adapted to wind and insect pollination? (20 marks; KCSE2009 )

b). Describe the role of the liver in homeostasis in the human body (20 marks; KCSE2009)

• a). Describe the process of fertilization in flowering plants (20 marks; KCSE2010)

b). Describe how a finned fish such as tilapia moves in water (20 marks; KCSE 2010)

• a). Describe the exoskeleton and its function in insects (13 marks; KCSE2011)

b). Describe how accommodation in the human eye is brought about when focusing on a near object (7 marks; KCSE 2011)

• Using a relevant example in each case, describe simple and conditional reflex action (20 marks; KCSE2012)
• a).Usingarelevantexample,describehowanallergicreactionoccursinahumanbeing

(10 marks; KCSE 2012)

b).Describehowenvironmentalfactorsincreasetherateoftranspirationinterrestrialplants

• a). Describe the process of blood clotting in human beings (10 marks; KCSE2013 )

b).Howarerespiratorysurfacesinmammalsadaptedtotheirfunctions? (10marks; KCSE 2013)

• Describe the role of the following organs in excretion andhomeostasis
• The liver (10 marks; KCSE2013)
• The skin during hot environmental conditions (10 marks; KCSE2013 )
• a). Explain how each of the following factors affect the rate ofphotosynthesis:
• Temperature (2 marks; KCSE2014)
• Chlorophyll concentration (2 marks; KCSE2014 )

b). Describe the process of carbohydrate digestion in human beings (16 marks; KCSE2014)

• a). How does excretion take place in plants (4 marks; KCSE2014)

b). Describe the role of the human skin in homeostasis (16 marks; KCSE 2014)

• a).Explainthevariouswaysinwhichseedsandfruitsareadaptedtodispersal (20marks; KCSE 2015)

b). How is a mammalian heart structurally adapted to its function? (20 marks; KCSE2015)

                                                                                                                                         2 | P a ge

• (a).Usingarelevantexampleineachcase,describesimpleandconditionalreflexaction

(20 marks; KCSE 2016)

b). Describe how the mammalian heart is structurally adapted to its function (20 marks; KCSE 2016)

• a ) Explain the importance of protecting the forest ecosystem with reference to the following (20 marks; KCSE 2017 )
• a) Climate change
• b) Biodiversity

c)Biotechnology

d)Water conservation

• e) Pollution
• b) Describe how a mammalian eye is structurally adapted to its functions (20 marks)
• a) Describe the mode reproduction in a named fungus (5 marks)
• b) Describe the roles of hormones in the menstrual cycle (15 marks; KCSE 2018 )
• a) Giving examples, describe the following among organisms (20marks; KCSE 2019 )
• Predator-prey relationship
• b) Explain the effect of increased physical activity on the following organ system (20 marks)
• a)(i)Explain the role of the liver in blood regulation (3 marks ; KCSE 2020)
• Describe how a mammalian heart is adapted to its functions (17 marks)
• b) (i) Explain how the presence of chloroplast in guard cell affect the opening of the stomata (5marks)

(ii) Describe how various environmental factors affect the rate of photosynthesis (15marks)

• a) (i) Explain the role of placenta during pregnancy(10 marks) ( KCSE 2021)
• ii) Explain features and mechanisms that hinder self pollination and self fertilization(10 marks)

b)( i) Describe how xylem is structurally adapted to its functions  (5marks)

(ii) Describe the functions of mammalian blood in the human body(15 marks)

• a i) Describe how plants eliminate waste products(8 marks; KCSE2022 )

ii)Describe the structure and function of mammalian nephron (12marks)

• b) i. Describe five tropic responses and their survival values (15marks)

ii)Describe how mammalian heartbeat is controlled                (5mks)

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BIOLOGY ESSAY COLLECTION Compiled By: A.L.Miskeen (MSc PGDE SLPS)

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A/L Biology Essay Questions and Answers by Dr Hiran Amarasekera

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