Answering constructed response questions

Constructed response questions

(CRQ)

is the same as

Free response questions (FRQ)

AP Exam

75 multiple choice questions in 60 minutes

3 CRQ’s in 75 minutes (an average of 25 minutes per question)

Types of Questions

Definition (specific explanations and examples)

Connection (to case studies, actual situations)

Synthetic (critical thinking, process-oriented)

Tips

Integrate geographic themes and terms (think of your vocabulary lists)

Answer the question in the same format it was written (A, B, C)

Discuss: explain underlying concepts with a specific example that supports the concept

Southeast Asia

A. Define space-time compression, relating it to technological innovations. Give an example of its impact on human interaction.

Sample Response (A)

Space-time compression is the process that seems to bring places and people closer together in terms of communication and distance through the improvement of communication and transportation technology. Although the absolute distance remains the same between two places, the relative distance decreases as the places become interconnected through technological innovations. Some examples of technology that has brought places closer together are email and airline travel.

B. Describe the impact of space-time compression on the friction of distance.

Sample Response (B)

Space-time compression is reducing the friction of distance, which is the degree to which distance is a barrier to communication and travel. With improved telephone and Internet connections combined with more available and more affordable air travel, the degree by which distance inhibits travel and communication is diminishing. This facilitates the transmission of ideas, information, and goods.

C. Identify and explain one positive and one negative effect of space-time compression on one of the following regions.

Sample Response (C)

In Southeast Asia, time-space compression has had both positive and negative effects. As a result of improved transportation and communication, combined with the changing global economy, multinational corporations have relocated factories to Southeast Asia. A positive effect of this has been increased employment and wages in the region. People have left agricultural jobs and lifestyles for opportunities in factories, where they are making more money than they would have on their family farms. However, there are also negative effects that come from this transition to urban life. As part of the drive for profits, multinational corporations have employed many children in sweat shops. These children are often working under harsh conditions for very long hours. They are faced with physical punishments and emotional abuse.