ACSA Exam Prep
Section II practice

Free-response questions

Each question matches one of the four FRQ types on the exam. Write your answer in the editor (or on paper, as you will on exam day), then open the rubric and score yourself. Drafts and scores are saved with your progress.

Q1. Methods and Control Structures

7 points

Write two methods (or a constructor and a method). Part A (4 pts) uses loops and/or conditionals and calls methods of the class. Part B (3 pts) calls String methods.

Question 1

Rain Gauge

Part a: public int longestDryStreak(int numDays)Part b: public static String initials(String name)Not scored yetQuestion 1

Parking Garage

Part a: public int totalFee(int startHour, int endHour)Part b: public static String formatPlate(String plate)Not scored yetQuestion 1

Step Challenge

Part a: public int dayGoalReached(int goal, int numDays)Part b: public static int countWord(String text, String target)Not scored yetQuestion 1

Quiz Game

Part a: public int playGame(int maxRounds)Part b: public static String shorten(String code)Not scored yet

Q2. Class Design

7 points

Write a complete class from a description and a table of example calls: header, private instance variables, constructor, and the required method(s).

Question 2

Library Card

public class LibraryCardNot scored yetQuestion 2

Rally Scoreboard

public class ScoreboardNot scored yetQuestion 2

Parking Meter

public class ParkingMeterNot scored yetQuestion 2

Habit Tracker

public class HabitTrackerNot scored yet

Q3. Data Analysis with ArrayList

5 points

Write one method that uses, analyzes, and changes data stored in an ArrayList of objects.

Question 3

Playlist Cleanup

public int trimArtist(String artist, int maxSeconds)Not scored yetQuestion 3

Temperature Log

public ArrayList<Integer> bigRises(double minRise)Not scored yetQuestion 3

Food Truck Orders

public int cancelSmall(String item, int minQty)Not scored yetQuestion 3

Inventory Merge

public int mergeDuplicates()Not scored yet

Q4. 2D Array

6 points

Write one method that uses, analyzes, and changes data stored in a 2D array.

Question 4

Theater Seats

public int findRow(int groupSize)Not scored yetQuestion 4

Elevation Map

public int floodAndCountPeaks(int seaLevel)Not scored yetQuestion 4

Heat Map

public int countHotSpots()Not scored yetQuestion 4

Classroom Seating

public int moveForward()Not scored yet

Errors that don't cost points

  • Extra code with no side effect, such as a valid precondition check
  • Spelling or case mistakes when the meaning is clear
  • Local variable not declared (unless the rubric requires it)
  • private or public on a local variable
  • Missing public on a class or constructor header
  • Method header rewritten with different parameter names
  • Common math symbols for operators (× ÷ ≤ ≥ ≠)
  • [] vs. () vs. <> confusion
  • = instead of == and vice versa
  • length / size confusion for arrays, Strings, and ArrayLists
  • [i,j] instead of [i][j]
  • Missing ; or { } when the structure or indentation makes the intent clear
  • Missing ( ) on a method call with no parameters, or around if / for / while conditions

When an algorithm point is lost

  • Required pieces are left out
  • Steps are put together in the wrong order
  • Extra code makes the solution wrong (for example, printing output)
  • Mixing up array [] and ArrayList .get access when it isn't otherwise assessed
  • Changing persistent data, such as a parameter's value
  • Returning a value from a void method or constructor
  • Rewriting a provided method header with a different number or type of parameters