Free Response Questions (College Board AP® Human Geography): Exam Questions

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a compound measure of development that was introduced in the 1990s  by the UN with the aim of looking at development beyond just economic measures.

Identify three key measures used to calculate the HDI.

Explain how HDI is a good measure of comparing development globally.

Describe the spatial pattern of HDI shown on the map, referring to different regions or continents.

Identify the region with the lowest HDI score on the map and explain ONE environmental factor that contributes to the low HDI scores in this region.

Explain ONE economic factor that contributes to the high HDI scores in Europe.

Explain the role of international organizations in improving the HDI in developing countries.

Discuss how climate change could impact the HDI of countries in the future.

The Dependency Theory is a theory of development that is used to explore and explain global inequalities.

Define the concept of the Dependency Theory.

Describe how More Developed Countries (MDCs) and  Less Developed Countries (LDCs) interact with each other in the Dependency Theory.

Identify TWO countries that support the Dependency Theory and explain how their relationship supports the theory.

Explain ONE-way globalization has either reinforced or challenged Dependency Theory.

Describe how foreign aid can impact the economic dependency of LDCs and MDCs.

Explain the role of multinational corporations (MNCs) in shaping dependency relationships between MDCs and LDCs.

Explain the degree to which the dependency theory is an accurate model for understanding global trade and development. (Response must indicate the degree [low, moderate, high] and provide an explanation.)

Microloans provide financial opportunities for individuals to start and grow their small business. This has particularly impacted women living in developing countries.

Define the concept of a microloan.

Describe why women may face challenges when accessing traditional banking institutions.

Explain ONE way in which they improve women's economic participation.

Explain ONE social impact of microloans on communities.

Describe ONE way microloans can perpetuate the cycle of debt.

Explain how microloans contribute to sustainable development.

Explain the degree to which microloans are an effective tool for development.  (Response must indicate the degree [low, moderate, high] and provide an explanation.)

Define the concept of industrialization.

Describe why England was the hearth of the Industrial Revolution.

Outline ONE reason why the Industrial Revolution had a causal relationship with the Second Agricultural Revolution.

Explain how Industrialization affected class structures.

Explain how outsourcing has led to deindustrialization in MDCs.

Explain how the relationship between core, semi-periphery and periphery countries leads to global economic inequality.

Explain the degree to which the Industrial Revolution expanded colonization.

Study the map above. Which countries produced 1-2 million tonnes of coffee in 2022?

Define the concept of comparative advantage.

Outline ONE reason why Brazil has a comparative advantage in coffee production

Explain ONE way in which neoliberal policies reduce barriers to trade.

Supranational organizations like the EU are useful for trade negotiations. Explain the relationship between supranational organizations and trade

Explain how the supranational organization MERCOSUR would benefit countries like Brazil

Explain how export processing zones attract companies for investment.