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

The demographic transition model (DTM) illustrates changes in the population of a country over time. It is used to predict future scenarios for a population dependent on which stage they are in.

Using the graph, identify ONE country where the birth rate drops rapidly and give a social reason for this decline.

Explain ONE weakness of using the DTM to predict demographic changes in countries.

Compare the trends of TWO countries in the graph. Identify ONE similarity and ONE difference.

Explain ONE economic factor that contributes to the declining birth rates in stage three of the DTM.

Identify a country on the graph that has entered stage 5 of the DTM and explain ONE economic challenge of this.

Describe the population growth trend for Chile and give one reason for this pattern.

 Explain ONE reason why death rates fall before birth rates in the DTM.

An aging population is a social and economic challenge that some developed countries are experiencing. 

 Using the population pyramid, identify ONE characteristic of an aging population

 Define the concept of the dependency ratio.

Explain ONE cause of an aging population.

Explain ONE social consequence of an aging population.

Describe ONE government policy countries use to manage the impacts of an aging population

Explain how immigration can impact the population structure of an aging population with a shrinking workforce.

Explain ONE economic challenge countries face due to an aging population.

Global population density varies across the world as a result of human and physical factors.

Describe the spatial pattern shown in the map above.

Explain how global population distributions are expected to change by 2100.

Identify a country that has a high population density on the map and explain a human factor that has contributed to it.

Describe ONE environmental impact of a high population density.

Identify a country that has a low population density on the map and explain a physical factor that has contributed to it.

Describe ONE economic challenge associated with a low population density.

Explain how population distribution can vary within a country.

The graph above illustrates the theory developed by Thomas Malthus. In 1798, his “Essay on the Principle of Population” outlined the relationship between population and resources, birthing the well-known Malthusian Theory.

Define the concept of exponential growth.

Describe what occurs at the Point of Crisis in Malthusian Theory

Describe ONE negative check outlined by Thomas Malthus

 Explain ONE criticism of Malthusian Theory

 Explain ONE way in which high population rates impact carrying capacity

Explain how anti-natalist policies affect population growth

 Explain the degree to which agricultural innovation contradicts Malthusian Theory