Spanish 3A
Examination for Acceleration/Credit by Exam Study Guide
This EA/CBE Study Guide can help you prepare for the exam by giving you an idea of
what you need to study, review, and learn. To succeed, you should be thoroughly familiar
with the subject matter before you attempt to take the exam.
Every item that appears on the EA/CBE is grounded in the knowledge and skills
statements and student expectations within the state-mandated standards, the Texas
Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). It should be noted that the exam will not test
every student expectation. However, it is important that students study and know the
entire scope of the TEKS so that they can develop a complete understanding of the
content. The EA/CBEs are global exams grounded in the TEKS and are not designed to
be a final exam for The University of Texas High School courses. You can view the
TEKS for this exam online at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/teks/. Since items are not taken
from any one source, you can prepare by reviewing any of the state-adopted textbooks.
About the Exam
The EA/CBE consists of the following:
Part 1: Listening Comprehension, 10 selected response items, 10 points
Part 2: Speaking, 5 short answer items, 20 points
Part 3: Grammar & Vocabulary, 40 multiple-choice questions, 40 points
Part 4: Reading, 10 multiple-choice items, 10 points
Part 5: Writing, 10 short-answer items, 20 points
You will be allowed 3 hours to take the exam.
A computer-graded answer sheet is provided, and a #2 pencil is required. For the audio
portions of the exam, you have the following options:
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Online Audio: Testing site provides computer with Internet access and headset
with microphone.
Tape Recorder Method: Testing site provides exam tape and tape player.
Student provides blank tape.
CD Method: Testing site provides exam CD and listening/recording device.
Student provides blank, recordable CD.
The University of Texas at Austin
Division of Continuing & Innovative Education
K-16 Education Center
1
SPN 3A 41955
Study Guide
Concepts and Objectives
This list may not refer to all the material that will be on the exam. This list only provides
additional information for some of the student expectations tested in the Spanish 3, First
Semester. Ultimately, you should use the TEKS to guide your exam preparation.
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Use and understand interrogative words
Know the difference between the relative pronouns que, quien and lo que
Give your opinion about things and events
Make comparisons
Use ser and estar correctly
Narrate events in the past using the preterite and imperfect tenses
Use past participles as adjectives
Describe what archaeologists do
Use pero and sino correctly
Use negative and affirmative words
Use the subjunctive when there is uncertainty
Use the subjunctive in adjective clauses
Use the subjunctive with verbs of emotion
Use the present perfect subjunctive
Talk about the fusion of cultures
Talk about historical events
Use por and para correctly
Use negative and affirmative nosotros commands
Talk about personal relationships and conflicts
Talk about emotions
Talk about good and bad qualities of friends
The University of Texas at Austin
Division of Continuing & Innovative Education
K-16 Education Center
2
SPN 3A 41955
Study Guide
Sample Items
These sample items will give you a better idea of the types of items you can expect on the
EA/CBE. These are provided to illustrate the format of the exam. They are not the actual
exam. In order to be successful on the exam, you must study the TEKS and all of the
concepts previously listed.
Part 1: Listening Comprehension
You will listen to several recorded conversations in Spanish and answer items about each
conversation. After hearing a conversation, you may have items similar to the following
one.
Decide if the conclusion sentence is true or false.
1. Linda está solicitando un puesto.
A. True
B. False
Part 2: Speaking
You will record your answers to several items. Your grade will be based on vocabulary
usage, sentence structure, and noun, adjective, and verb agreement. You may have items
similar to the following one.
1. ¿Qué tienes en común con tu mejor amigo(a)?
Part 3: Grammar & Vocabulary
You will answer a variety of multiple choice items in Spanish. You may have items
similar to the following one.
1. Anoche ellos __________ en la casa en vez de la tienda de acampar porque empezó a
llover.
A. duermen
B. durmieron
C. dormimos
D. dormían
The University of Texas at Austin
Division of Continuing & Innovative Education
K-16 Education Center
3
SPN 3A 41955
Study Guide
Part 4: Reading
You will read several writings in Spanish and answer items about each piece. You may
have items similar to the following one.
Read the following community bulletins and match each with the appropriate suggestion
from Sr. Silvestre.
1. Estamos pensando en producir un video para informar a todos los ciudadanos de
nuestra causa. La mayoría de la gente no entiende lo importante que es ahorrar
energía y proteger el medio ambiente en nuestra comunidad. Hay escasez de recursos
naturales como el petróleo. En muchas partes hay fábricas de pesticidas y otros
productos químicos que arrojan los desperdicios al río. Tenemos las ideas. Lo que
necesitamos ahora son los fondos para realizarlas.
A. Les sugiero que pidan permiso de iniciar una manifestación para expresarse.
Después, llamen las organizaciones que ayudan a los estudiantes a conocer los
derechos que les están garantizando.
B. Les recomiendo que se pongan en contacto con La Sociedad de Buenos
Vecinos y una biblioteca donde varios voluntarios hispanohablantes dan clases
cada semana.
C. Es una lástima que no hayan encontrado quien los ayude. Les recomiendo que
se inscriban en las competencias del centro recreativo de la comunidad.
D. Hay un museo que ofrece programas para niños y que siempre está buscando a
personas que tengan entusiasmo y comprendan a los jóvenes. Llámelo.
E. Les sugiero que hablen con una organización que acaba de juntar dinero para
fomentar tales proyectos. Allí pueden asociarse con otras personas con las
mismas metas y trabajar como voluntarios unas horas cada semana.
Part 5: Writing
You will answer several items in Spanish using complete sentences. Your grade will be
based on spelling, sentence structure, and noun, adjective, and verb agreement. You may
have items similar to the following one.
Answer the following question in Spanish and in a complete sentence.
1. ¿Quién es tu mejor amigo(a)? ¿Qué cualidades tiene que tú admiras de él/ella?
The University of Texas at Austin
Division of Continuing & Innovative Education
K-16 Education Center
4