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.

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

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Sustainable development is a concept used by many international organisations and non-governmental organisations.

Define the concept of sustainable development.

Sustainable development is a concept used by many international organisations and non-governmental organisations.

Identify ONE reason sustainable development is needed in the world today.

Sustainable development is a concept used by many international organisations and non-governmental organisations.

Explain how fair trade practices align with the principles of sustainable development.

Sustainable development is a concept used by many international organisations and non-governmental organisations.

Describe ONE social benefit of Fair Trade on small producers in less developed countries.

Sustainable development is a concept used by many international organisations and non-governmental organisations.

Explain ONE economic challenge that consumers or businesses face supporting Fair Trade.

Sustainable development is a concept used by many international organisations and non-governmental organisations.

Explain the degree to which Fair Trade contributes to sustainable development.  (Response must indicate the degree [low, moderate, high] and provide an explanation.)

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

Define the concept of the Dependency Theory.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Explain ONE social impact of microloans on communities.

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

Describe ONE way microloans can perpetuate the cycle of debt.

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

Explain how microloans contribute to sustainable development.

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

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