Aim for FiveComputer Science Principles

Free-response practice

Computer Science Principles free-response questions

Free-response questions (FRQs) are the part of the AP® Computer Science Principles exam where you write your own answers. Here they're grouped the way the exam uses them. Write your answer, then score it yourself with the rubric and a model answer, or sign in for free AI scoring.

20 questions · 2 types

Written Response 1: Program design, function and purpose

One prompt about the program as a whole: for example, who the program is for and how its design meets that user's needs, what its inputs and outputs are, or what documentation would help another programmer understand a code segment.

On the exam: Question 1 of 2 (1 point). Section II has 2 written-response questions (4 prompts) in 60 minutes, taken in Bluebook at the end-of-course exam; no calculator. On the real exam the questions are about your own Create performance task program, and you can see your Personalized Project Reference (screenshots of your procedure and list code). The Create task is 30% of the AP score, scored on 6 one-point rows: video, program requirements, WR1, WR2(a), WR2(b) and WR2(c). On this site you answer the same kinds of prompts about a short sample program given with the question. Plan on about 15 minutes for one.

Written Response 2: Algorithms, errors and testing, and abstraction

Three prompts about the program's code. (a) Algorithm development: explain how a loop or condition works, such as how many times a loop runs or what makes it stop. (b) Errors and testing: describe a call, input or change that causes an error or wrong behavior and explain why. (c) Data and procedural abstraction: explain how the list or procedure manages complexity, or explain, step by step, an algorithm that uses the list.

On the exam: Question 2 of 2 (3 points: parts (a), (b) and (c) are worth 1 point each). Section II has 2 written-response questions (4 prompts) in 60 minutes, taken in Bluebook at the end-of-course exam; no calculator. On the real exam the questions are about your own Create performance task program, and you can see your Personalized Project Reference (screenshots of your procedure and list code). The Create task is 30% of the AP score, scored on 6 one-point rows: video, program requirements, WR1, WR2(a), WR2(b) and WR2(c). On this site you answer the same kinds of prompts about a short sample program given with the question. Plan on about 45 minutes for one.