FRQ 5 – Analyze Model or Visual Representation (Short)

This guide organizes advice from past students who got 4s and 5s on their exams. We hope it gives you some new ideas and tools for your study sessions. But remember, everyone's different—what works for one student might not work for you. If you've got a study method that's doing the trick, stick with it. Think of this as extra help, not a must-do overhaul.

📌 Overview

• Students are given an authentic scenario with a visual representation and are asked to analyze relationships within a model and to broader biology topics
• 6% of Exam Score
• Spend about 12 min
• Scored on a 4 point rubric
  • Describes biological characteristics (1)
  • Explains characteristic relationships (1)
  • Represents relationships in model (1)
  • Relates results to biological principles (1)

💭 General Advice

Tips on mindset, strategy, structure, time management, and any other high level things to know

• Go with the flow! Oftentimes, there is an intended directionality in which the model can usually be interpreted (e.g. arrows in flowcharts, top to bottom in pedigrees). As you follow through the visual representation, mentally compare and contrast each component and consider the possibilities/biology concepts as to why it may be happening.
• Take your time analyzing the model to be sure you are familiar enough to answer the question. Don’t panic, and trust in the knowledge you’ve accumulated over the last year/semester.

🕓 Before You Write

What should a student do in the first few minutes, before they start writing?

• Consider the relationships portrayed in the model, and brainstorm overarching concepts in biology.
• Connect the model to your knowledge of biology. For example, if the model is of an enzyme pathway, recall what you know about enzymes and enzyme structure. Making these connections will help you with answering the question and will give you confidence in your answer.

💯 Tips for Earning Each Point

Describe Characteristics of Biological Concepts, Processes, or Models

• Biological concepts, processes, or models should be described with clarity and accuracy. Avoid vague or ambiguous descriptions that may lead to misunderstandings.
• Focus on describing characteristics that are directly relevant to the visual representation provided. Irrelevant details can detract from your analysis.
• Whenever applicable, incorporate examples to illustrate the characteristics being described.

Explain Relationships between Characteristics Represented Visually

• Clearly identify and explain the relationships between different characteristics depicted in the visual representation. This could include causal relationships, dependencies, interactions, etc.
• Offer context for each relationship by explaining its significance within the broader biological context.
• Be mindful of potential alternative interpretations or perspectives on the relationships depicted.

Represent Relationships within A Biological Model

• When representing relationships within a biological model, strive for visual clarity and coherence. Ensure that the connections between components are clearly depicted and understandable.
• If applicable, consider the hierarchy and organization of the biological model. Highlight any hierarchical relationships or organizational structures present.
• Recognize that biological models often represent dynamic processes or systems. Discuss how changes in one component or relationship may affect others within the model.

Explain How a Represented Concept Relates to a Larger Principle/Concept/Theory

• Articulate how the represented concept contributes to or exemplifies a larger principle, concept, or theory within biology.
• Offer examples or real-world applications that illustrate the relationship between the represented concept and broader biological principles.