AP Microeconomics

Advanced Placement Microeconomics analyzing individual economic decision-making.

Scarcity and Opportunity CostSupply and DemandMarginal Analysis and Rational Decision-Making
Elasticity of Demand and SupplyMarket Structures: Perfect Competition to MonopolyConsumer and Producer Surplus
Price Controls and Real-World OutcomesTaxes, Subsidies, and Market EfficiencyExternalities and Public Goods
Mastering Free-Response QuestionsUsing Diagrams Effectively
Scarcity and Opportu...Supply and DemandMarginal Analysis an...Elasticity of Demand...Market Structures: P...Consumer and Produce...Price Controls and R...Taxes, Subsidies, an...Externalities and Pu...Mastering Free-Respo...Using Diagrams Effec...
Study Strategies

Using Diagrams Effectively

Show, Don't Just Tell

Diagrams are a big part of AP Microeconomics. They help you show your understanding visually.

  • Practice drawing supply and demand curves, cost curves, and market structures.
  • Use a ruler or straight edge for neatness.
  • Always label axes, curves, equilibrium points, and shifts clearly.
  • Reference your diagrams in your answers to explain your points.
  • If you make a mistake, cross it out neatly and redraw—don't leave messy work.

A well-drawn diagram can earn you points even if your explanation isn’t perfect.

Examples

  • Label the vertical axis as 'Price' and the horizontal axis as 'Quantity' on a supply and demand diagram.

  • Use arrows to show how a shift in supply or demand affects equilibrium.