AP Spanish Language & Culture Exam Format

Exam – May 6, 2014 A.M. Make-up exam – Weds., May 21, P.M.** Duration – about 3 ½ hours with a silent 10 minute break after the multiple choice section.

Format: 2 sections  Multiple Choice (3 parts)  Free Response (4 parts)

Section 1 - Multiple-Choice 65 questions, some “más allá” ReadingReading – 4 selections, 30 questions Reading & ListeningReading & Listening – 2 selections, 17 questions Listening Listening – 3 selections, 18 questions

READING  promotional material (5)  literary text (7)  article with chart (11*)  correspondence asking for info(7) Identify main points Identify significant details Make inferences and predictions

READING & LISTENING  Article & audio report (10, 4-4-2)  Chart & conversation (7, 3-3-1) preview time to review Q no time after reading to answer hear audio selections 2x then answer time

LISTENING  Interview (5)  Instructions – how to do something (5)  Presentation (sales pitch) (8)

Section II: Free-Response  Interpersonal Writing  Presentational Writing  Interpersonal Speaking  Presentational Speaking

 Interpersonal writing – message read prompt identify and # questions and answers for response organize and write response use formal register (usted or ustedes) 15 minutes to complete task  Presentational writing – persuasive essay thesis, arguments, and examples 5 paragraphs read topic & document (6 minutes) listen to a related audio source (2x) plan and write your response (40 minutes) integrate and cite all of the sources in your essay proof your work memorize useful words and phrases

Interpersonal Speaking  informal speaking exercise - role-play situation with 5 or 6 situations for you to answer, each response is 20 seconds in length  formal speaking exercise - give an oral presentation in a formal or academic setting. one document and one recording 2 minutes to prepare presentation 2 minutes to give your presentation (Make reference to and cite both sources.)

Scoring the Exam The multiple-choice section is 50%* Reading 23% Reading & Listening 14% Listening 13% The free-response section is 50% Interpersonal Writing 12.5% Presentational Writing 12.5% Interpersonal Speaking 12.5% Presentational Speaking 12.5%

*Total scores on the multiple- choice section are based on the number of questions answered correctly. Points are not deducted for incorrect answers and no points are awarded for unanswered questions.

Reality check: Assess your strengths and weaknesses now, not on May 1st.

Spend time each night reviewing grammar, vocabulary & verb forms

Practice reading internet articles and listening to topical podcasts.

Practice speaking about various thematic topics: social activism, arts, environment, government, literature, etc.

Form study groups.

Taking the test Be familiar with directions. Don’t read both sets, skim one. Remember that the Spanish set may have useful vocab.

Audio selections Don’t try to take notes, but listen attentively. Don’t worry about words you don’t understand, try to comprehend major issues.

Avoid interjecting your own opinions or ideas that may not have been voiced in the narrative.

Learn to breathe: A few deep, slow breaths will help you relax and focus on the test…

Ahhhh…

¡Éxito!