Special Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 AP CSA exam was administered online in a modified format. College Board released sample questions instead of the traditional four FRQs. These sample questions are still excellent practice material.
2020 Sample Questions Overview
| Question | Title | Topics Tested | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sample Q1 | Gizmo / OnlinePurchaseManager | ArrayList of objects, traversal, adjacent pairs | 25 minutes |
| Sample Q2 | CheckDigit | Methods, integer manipulation, validation | 15 minutes |
Quick Links to Each Question
Sample Question 1: Gizmo / OnlinePurchaseManager (ArrayList)
This question involves managing a list of purchased Gizmo objects and performing operations like counting and detecting duplicates.
-
Part (a): Write
countElectronicsByMaker- count electronic gizmos by manufacturer -
Part (b): Write
hasAdjacentEqualPair- detect duplicate adjacent purchases -
Part (c): Design discussion - adding
getCheapestGizmoByMakermethod
Key skills: ArrayList traversal, calling object methods, comparing adjacent elements
View Sample Q1: Gizmo Solution →Sample Question 2: CheckDigit (Methods & Control Structures)
This question involves validating numbers with check digits, a common technique for detecting data entry errors.
-
Part (a): Write
isValid- validate a number with its check digit - Part (b): Design discussion - tracking invalid check digit attempts
Key skills: Integer division, modulo operator, using helper methods
View Sample Q2: CheckDigit Solution →About the 2020 Exam Format
The 2020 AP Computer Science A exam was significantly modified due to COVID-19:
- Online administration: Students took the exam at home
- Shorter duration: Reduced from 3 hours to 45 minutes
- Fewer questions: 2 FRQ-style questions instead of 4
- Open book/notes: Students could use resources
- New question type: Part (c) questions asked students to describe code changes in words
While the format was different, the content still tested core AP CSA concepts and remains valuable practice.
Official College Board Resources
How to Use These Questions for Practice
- Practice the coding parts (a) and (b): These are similar to traditional FRQ questions
- Practice the design parts (c): Good preparation for thinking about code design without writing code
- Time yourself: Use the suggested times (25 min for Q1, 15 min for Q2)
- Then try traditional FRQs: Use 2019 or 2021 FRQs for more comprehensive practice