A Full Timed FRQ Walkthrough

full walkthrough

Part of: Exam Workshop: FRQ Strategies

Putting It All Together Now you will work one FRQ the way you should on exam day, start to finish, with the clock running. The habit is always the same: read the prompt twice, name the return type and parameters, write the loop skeleton, fill in the logic, then trace one example to check. The Prompt A class GradeBook stores an array of int scores. Write a method passingCount that returns how many scores are 60 or higher. Step 1: Set Up the Skeleton The return type is int, and there are no parameters, so start with a counter and a loop over the field. Right away you have earned the header, the counter, the traversal, and the return. Those are points even before the logic. Step 2: Fill In the Logic The passing rule is a score of 60 or more, so the boundary matters. Use = 60, not 60, because 60 itself passes. Step 3: Trace One Example With scores {55, 60, 90}: 55 fails, 60 passes so count is 1, 90 passes so count is 2. The method returns 2, which matches by hand. That trace is your proof the boundary is right. Key points: - Skeleton first, logic second, trace last. - Watch the boundary word: 'or higher' means =. - A quick trace of one example confirms your answer before you move on.

Challenge: Count Passing Scores