AP CSP (Computer Science Principles) is a course offered by College Board that introduces students to the fundamental concepts of computer science. The course includes two performance tasks, one of which is the AP CSP written response. This written response is a crucial part of the course and requires students to demonstrate their understanding of different computing concepts and their ability to apply them in real-life situations. In this article, we will provide some examples of AP CSP written responses to help students understand the format and requirements of this task.
What is the AP CSP Written Response?
The AP CSP written response is a performance task that accounts for 24% of a student’s overall score in the course. The task requires students to respond to two prompts related to the course content. The prompts are designed to assess a student’s ability to analyze and evaluate computing concepts, as well as their ability to identify and apply computing solutions to real-world problems.
Example 1: Internet Censorship
One of the prompts for the AP CSP written response is related to internet censorship. In this example, students were asked to analyze the impact of internet censorship on free speech and democracy. They were also asked to propose a solution that balances the need for free speech with the need for social responsibility. Here is an example of a student’s response:
“Internet censorship has become a contentious issue in recent years with many countries implementing strict laws to control online content. While censorship may prevent some harmful content from reaching the public, it also restricts free speech and undermines democracy. To balance the need for free speech with social responsibility, governments should focus on creating policies that promote transparency and accountability. They should also create platforms for public discourse where citizens can express their opinions without fear of censorship.”
Example 2: Data Privacy
Another prompt for the AP CSP written response is related to data privacy. In this example, students were asked to analyze the ethical implications of data collection and propose a solution that protects individual privacy while still allowing for data-driven decision-making. Here is an example of a student’s response:
“Data collection has become a ubiquitous part of modern life, with individuals and organizations collecting data for various purposes. While data-driven decision-making can lead to better outcomes, it also raises concerns about privacy and security. To address these concerns, organizations should adopt a privacy-first approach to data collection. This approach prioritizes individual privacy and ensures that data is collected only for specific purposes. Organizations should also be transparent about their data collection practices and provide individuals with the ability to control how their data is used.”
Example 3: Cybersecurity
The third prompt for the AP CSP written response is related to cybersecurity. In this example, students were asked to analyze the ethical implications of cybersecurity breaches and propose a solution that protects sensitive information while still allowing for innovation. Here is an example of a student’s response:
“Cybersecurity breaches have become a common occurrence in today’s digital world, with companies and individuals losing sensitive information to cybercriminals. While cybersecurity measures can prevent such breaches, they also raise concerns about privacy and innovation. To address these concerns, organizations should adopt a risk-based approach to cybersecurity. This approach prioritizes the protection of sensitive information while still allowing for innovation. Organizations should also invest in cybersecurity education and training to ensure that employees are aware of the risks and take the necessary precautions.”
Conclusion
The AP CSP written response is a challenging task that requires students to demonstrate their understanding of computing concepts and their ability to apply them in real-life situations. In this article, we provided some examples of AP CSP written responses to help students understand the format and requirements of this task. These examples demonstrate the importance of analyzing and evaluating computing concepts, as well as the ability to propose solutions that balance multiple factors. By understanding the requirements of the AP CSP written response, students can prepare effectively and perform well on this crucial component of the course.