AP CSA FRQ Guide
2015 FRQ 2: HiddenWord
Write a hint method for a word-guessing game that compares each guessed character with the hidden word.
String Comparison Game22 minute targetStringcharAtcontainsloops
Skills Tested
What this FRQ is really practicing
StringcharAtcontainsloops
Treat these skills as the study checklist. If any tag feels shaky, review that topic before attempting the full written response.
Starter Approach
How to begin without copying a solution
- 1Compare each character position in the guess with the hidden word.
- 2Use the prompt symbols for exact match, present elsewhere, and not present.
Write a first attempt before revealing any solution outline. Most AP CSA FRQ progress comes from tracing your own code and finding the missing case.
Common Mistakes
Mistakes to watch for while writing
Checking contains before checking exact-position matches.
Comparing strings with == instead of character/string content.
Returning early after only one character.
Self Check
Review questions before you submit
Loops across every character position.
The guess and hidden word have matching lengths in the prompt.
Checks same-position character matches first.
Exact matches take priority over contains checks.
Checks whether a character appears elsewhere in the hidden word.
Use indexOf or contains after the exact-position check fails.
Builds a result string one symbol at a time.
Append the correct symbol for each character position.
Practice Links