How to Prepare for the AP Spanish Language Examination

The AP Spanish Language examination is a test administered by The College Board to advanced placement students to assess their skills in Spanish speaking, reading and comprehension. It consists of two sections: the multiple choice section that assesses a student's listening and reading skills, and a writing section that examines the student's writing and speaking skills.

Things You'll Need

• AP Language class
• Spanish essays and cuentos cortos
• Spanish vocabulary
• AP Spanish Language study prep book

Instructions

1. Make sure to take the AP Spanish Language class. The AP Spanish language class is usually taken by high school students in their third or fourth year to prepare for the AP examination. The class is not limited to preparing for the test; it can also be a way for students to expand their knowledge of Spanish culture, which may help them understand the language even more.

2. Practice writing essays in Spanish. The AP Spanish Language exam has a writing component that allows students to do a free-response to two questions. The first essay is about interpersonal writing, while the second question is a formal essay that will test listening, reading and speaking skills.

3. Read and listen to Spanish texts to determine correct sentence structures. Being familiar and comfortable with the Spanish language is important, and discerning students will be able to determine missing words or grammatically incorrect phrases. Spanish audio is available through Notes in Spanish podcasts or from Spanish department resources.

4. Learn third-year level college Spanish vocabulary. Since the AP Spanish language class is a third-year college level class, it is important to learn the vocabulary to be able to answer the questions properly. A list of Spanish vocabulary is available through StudySpanish.com

5. Get an AP Spanish Language study preparation book. AP Spanish Language examination books are recommended by teachers to help students learn more about test-taking skills. These books help with timing and provide tips on how to eliminate wrong questions to help you answer questions more effectively. One popular study prep book is published by Barron's, and it includes an audio cd that students can use to practice listening comprehension.

References

• Study Spanish Vocabulary
• AP Spanish Language on College Board
• AP Spanish Language Syllabus

Resources

• Spanish Audio at Berkeley
• Barron's AP Language study prep on Amazon