Chapters
With the Mexican border on the South and an 18.3% Hispanic population, it comes as no surprise that the majority of university students in the States choose to study Spanish.
To get a leg-up, they choose to attempt the AP Spanish exam. If cleared, they earn college credits because of which, students avoid having to take foundation courses.
Not just that, a good grade also bumps up your resume; a five score on an AP Spanish test proves that you know your way around the language.
This helps you land roles that require bilingual speakers, and considering the growing Hispanic influence in the States, knowing Spanish is a major plus.
Also, if you have the basic know-how but lack expertise, this test can help you achieve fluency. The AP Spanish study guide touches upon various aspects of life, such as culture, fashion, and general knowledge.
The aim is to provide you a holistic understanding of the language.
One area that confuses many is AP Spanish practice; most candidates are unsure which learning method yields the best results. There are various approaches, such as communal classes, self-study, hiring a tutor, or studying online.
Superprof comes highly recommended by users as an unmatched tutoring service! We will help you prepare and provide you with AP Spanish tips that can help you excel.
We have compiled all that you need to know regarding what to expect from the AP Spanish Exam; read on to learn more:
How Long Is The AP Spanish Exam
You get a total of three hours to prove your AP Spanish skills. Within the given time, you have to attempt open-ended questions as well as MCQs.
Multiple Choice Questions
One hour and thirty-five minutes of the AP Spanish Test are dedicated to answering 65 multiple-choice questions. These questions are audio-based as well as written.
Printed Multiple Choice Questions
The test requires you to answer 30 questions within 40 minutes. So you get around 1.33 minutes per query.
This part will have you read through a series of texts and answer questions by selecting the most appropriate choice.
Print And Audio Based Questions
This part of your AP Spanish test comprises 35 questions, and you get 55 minutes to attempt them. This means you should spend no longer than a minute and a half on each question.
Firstly there will be two texts accompanied with audio. After reading and listening, you have to answer questions related to them.
Next, you will only have to listen to a few clips and answer related questions. All audio-based questions will be played twice, and after each question, you have to answer various multiple-choice questions.
Among the many AP Spanish tips, most teachers and students recommend taking notes when listening to audio texts, so you have something to refer to when attempting the MCQs.
Free Response
Next, you will get four free-response sections, and you will get one hour and twenty-five minutes to attempt them.
Parts of the responses will be written, whereas you would also have to answer some of the questions verbally.
This section includes:
Interpersonal Writing
As explained by your AP Spanish study guide — within 15 minutes, you have to reply to a sample e-mail.
This task is designed to judge your formal-writing skillset, so remember to:
- Learn to use usted in the correct manner
- Start with a warm greeting
- Provide concrete feedback to the given questions
- Come up with some relevant follow-up questions
- Avoid using similar phrases — showcase your Spanish vocabulary
- Pay close attention to closing the e-mail correctly
Presentational Writing
The next section will require you to show your persuasive writing skills, and you will be given 55 minutes for this.
A particular topic will be assigned, along with supporting print and audio materials. Firstly, you will review the provided sources and make notes while doing so.
This exercise stresses your reading, writing, and comprehension skills! This is why it is important to read and listen carefully and grasp contextual cues.
A useful AP Spanish tip is to touch upon all the material provided in the given resources. Have a perfect introduction, present your ideas in clear, concise paragraphs, and finish with a concrete conclusion.
However, it is essential to ensure that you don’t deviate from the thesis.
Interpersonal Speaking
To test how fluent you are in the language, the AP Spanish exam gives you five topics, and you get 20 seconds to talk about each.
First, you will get a brief outline to understand what subject is being discussed. Next, you will be provided with a small audio clip, to which you will have to respond.
The idea behind all this is to judge how good you are at maintaining a conversation in Spanish. That said, you should focus on the following:
- Have a clear understanding of the intended goals
- You can hold an informal tone by using tú — the casual you
- Go into details to get your point cross
- Use Spanish idioms where appropriate
- If you get confused and say something wrong – or stutter – don’t panic; correct yourself then and there
Presentational Speaking
This section gives you a combined six minutes to prepare and present on a given topic.
Four of those minutes would be dedicated to preparation, where you will skim through the material and make notes. And the remaining two minutes will be used to present!
The given topic will be focused on cultural comparisons, so you can portray how well you understand Hispanic cultural influences while showcasing your speaking and deductive reasoning skills.
Here are some AP Spanish tips to help you with this:
- Think in Spanish and not your native language. This will only be possible if you get enough AP Spanish practice with a seasoned tutor
- Learn about the Spanish culture
- If you make a mistake, don’t hesitate to correct yourself
The Theme Of The AP Spanish Exam
All the topics and material in the AP Spanish exam revolve around a set of six themes. You won’t be directly tested on these specific themes, but having some knowledge regarding them will help you grasp the context.
Furthermore, it would be in your best interest to learn phrases, idioms, and other vocabularies that touch upon these areas.
With that said, the themes in the AP Spanish test are:
Science And Technology
Among other things, this theme focuses on technological influences on society and practical accessibility. The topics covered here are:
- Innovations
- Healthcare/Medicine
- Science and Ethics
- Effects of Technology
- Natural Phenomena
- Access to Technology
Global Challenges
This theme entails teachings on geopolitical and socioeconomic challenges. The topics covered include:
- Environment
- Social Welfare
- Economy
- Philosophy/Religion
- Population
- Social Conscience
Contemporary Life
This theme touches upon careers, education, leisure, travel, and other lifestyle defining aspects. In a nutshell, these are the areas covered within this theme:
- Volunteerism
- Social Customs/Values
- Education/Careers
- Lifestyles
- Entertainment
- Travel/Leisure
- Relationships
Families and Communities
This theme has focused on a variety of factors, which include:
- Family Structure
- Education
- Customs/Values
- Human Geography
- Social Networking
- Global Citizenship
Personal and Public Identities
This theme takes a look at historical figures, heroes, etc. In summary, the covered topics are:
- Personal Interests
- Self-Image
- Personal Beliefs
- Alienation/Assimilation
- Heroes/Historical Figures
- National/Ethnic Identities
Beauty and Aesthetics
Last but not least, this AP Spanish exam theme covers the following areas:
- Language/Literature
- Fashion/Design
- Visual/Performing Arts
- Defining Beauty
- Defining Creativity
- Architecture
What Compels Most To Attempt The AP Spanish Exam
You will be happy to learn that – among other things – by scoring well on your AP Spanish test, you get a headstart on obtaining a degree!
Here are a few other benefits you can reap:
Gain An Advantage In College Applications
Colleges across the States come across thousands of prospects every year seeking enrolment. When hiring an employee, apart from merits, companies also see if a candidate can undergo the pressure of handling the course work.
Additionally, aside from academics and extracurriculars at your high school, giving AP examinations like AP Spanish shows you are up for a challenge and serious about your education.
This leverages your application over others.
Reduced Tuition Fee And Time Towards Graduation
Even with a scholarship, higher education can get expensive when you account for housing, tuition, and living expenses.
However, these costs can be lowered if you went through AP Spanish at high-school or private classes and got a three to five score on your exam. The same goes for all AP courses!
Simply put, having completed an AP course, you get credits for introductory level and foundation courses in the same subject at college.
The more advanced placement tests you take and ace, the more credits you get, and the fewer courses you would need to take. This will help you graduate sooner and save you a considerable amount of money.
You Get Ready For College
Unlike high school, college-level courses are more demanding, and many students crack under pressure. Nothing can prepare you better than taking advanced placement tests because these classes are more difficult than the standard ones.
In short, Taking AP classes will arm you for whatever college can throw at you – in regards to the same course.
Other than that, you can also focus on taking up a minor or opting for a dual major because you don’t have to take as many courses as you would without AP exams.
Plus, you can explore different electives that resonate with the advanced placement coursework you went through.
What’s Next
Hopefully, you now have a clearer understanding of what to expect from the AP Spanish Exam. The professional and academic opportunities that follow compel most Americans to take the test.
And to be honest, with the right AP Spanish study guide and a tutor to help you — you will be ready to attempt in no time!
If you seek seasoned AP Spanish tutors, look no further than Superprof. Within a few clicks, you can find many experts in your proximity.
Go through their profile and reviews, and choose one that resonates with you.
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