2022 AP CSA FRQ - All 4 Free Response Questions + Full Solutions and Scoring
2022 AP CSA Free Response Questions
Complete Java solutions, scoring rubrics, common mistakes, and exam tips for every 2022 AP CSA FRQ. All question text verified from the official College Board PDF.
The 2022 AP CSA FRQs
The 2022 exam followed the standard 4-question format. Each FRQ type appears in the same order every year, so you can prepare specifically for each position. Here are all four questions with direct links to full solutions.
Game
Implement spin() and play() for a board game simulation: compute scores based on position, track number of turns, and determine a winner.
Textbook
Write a complete Textbook class with title, author, edition fields; a canSubstituteFor() method comparing editions; and a toString().
ReviewAnalysis
Process an ArrayList of review scores: compute averages, filter by threshold, and build a new list of high-scoring reviews.
Data
Analyze a 2D array of integers: find column minimums, compare rows, and identify special grid positions based on row/column relationships.
Quick Reference: All Four 2022 FRQs
| FRQ | Problem | Type | Difficulty | Key Skill |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FRQ 1 | Game | Methods | Medium | Modular arithmetic, loop termination condition |
| FRQ 2 | Textbook | Class | Medium | Object comparison, toString formatting |
| FRQ 3 | ReviewAnalysis | ArrayList | Medium | Conditional filtering, average computation |
| FRQ 4 | Data | 2D Array | Hard | Column min traversal, row vs column logic |
How Hard Were the 2022 AP CSA FRQs?
Overall: moderate, trending hard. FRQ 1 (Game) rewarded students who recognized the modular arithmetic pattern in spin-based simulations. FRQ 2 (Textbook) was a clean class-writing exercise — the canSubstituteFor() method and toString() were both straightforward for prepared students.
FRQ 3 (ReviewAnalysis) required careful list building and average calculation, with edge-case handling for empty lists. FRQ 4 (Data) was the time sink: column-minimum traversal and multi-condition position analysis demanded precision that many students couldn't sustain at the end of the FRQ section.
FRQ 1: Game — Medium
Two-part simulation. spin() used modular arithmetic for position wrapping; play() looped until a win condition, tracked turns, and returned a result. Very doable with solid loop fundamentals.
FRQ 2: Textbook — Medium
Standard class with three fields. canSubstituteFor() compared editions using a threshold; toString() formatted output. Students who blanked on class anatomy or missed the edition comparison logic lost easy points.
FRQ 3: ReviewAnalysis — Medium
Filtering and averaging an ArrayList. Common traps: integer division when computing averages, not building a new list correctly, and missing the empty-list edge case. Most well-prepared students got solid partial credit.
FRQ 4: Data — Hard
Column-minimum tracking with nested loops, plus multi-condition analysis of grid positions. Row vs. column index confusion was the primary error. This question required the most time and was frequently incomplete.
FRQ Type Pattern (Same Every Year Since 2019)
Since 2019, every AP CSA exam uses the same four question types in the same order. Knowing this pattern is a strategic advantage — you can rehearse your approach for each slot before exam day.
FRQ 1 — Methods & Control Structures
Write 1–2 methods using loops, conditionals, and expressions. Usually two parts: (a) implements helper logic, (b) calls (a) or extends it.
FRQ 2 — Class Writing
Write a complete class: instance variables, constructor, accessor/mutator methods, and at least one behavior method. Tests OOP design and encapsulation.
FRQ 3 — ArrayList Manipulation
Traverse, filter, modify, or build an ArrayList. Common traps: mutating while iterating, index drift after removals, and wrong method names.
FRQ 4 — 2D Array Operations
Navigate a 2D grid using nested loops. Tests row/column indexing, boundary awareness, and accumulation patterns. Often the most time-consuming question.
How to Use This Page
For best results: attempt each FRQ yourself first (set a 22-minute timer), then open the solution page and compare your code to the sample answer line by line. Pay special attention to the scoring rubric — you will often find you earned more points than you thought.
- Click any FRQ card above to open the full solution page.
- Each solution page includes the original question text, a complete Java solution, scoring rubric breakdown, and common mistakes to avoid.
- Use the FRQs by Topic page to find more practice on any specific concept.
- See all years at the FRQ Archive.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2022 AP CSA FRQs
What are the 2022 AP CSA FRQs?
FRQ 1 Game (Methods), FRQ 2 Textbook (Class Writing), FRQ 3 ReviewAnalysis (ArrayList), FRQ 4 Data (2D Array). Each worth 9 points, 36 total, comprising 45% of the exam score.
Which 2022 FRQ was the hardest?
FRQ 4 Data was the most challenging, requiring column-minimum traversal and multi-condition analysis of 2D array positions. Students who confused row and column indices or who failed to track the minimum correctly lost significant points.
What is the most common mistake on 2022 FRQ 3 ReviewAnalysis?
Off-by-one errors when computing averages and using add() incorrectly when building a filtered list. Students also lost points for not handling the edge case of an empty input list.
How does 2022 compare in difficulty to neighboring years?
The 2022 exam was slightly harder than 2021 but comparable to 2023. FRQ 1 and FRQ 2 were accessible. FRQ 3 required careful ArrayList handling, and FRQ 4 had multi-condition 2D array logic that cost time under pressure.
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