AP Spanish Language
Señor Abrams
B108
Ph: 610-579-7413
E-mail abramsg@garnetvalleyschools.com
Texts: Triángulo
Abriendo Puertas: Lenguage
Major Areas of Study:
The AP Spanish Language Course is structured to greatly enhance students’ skills in reading, speaking,
listening, and writing in the target language. Additionally, through reading, listening activities, and class
discussion, students will further learn to appreciate the cultural nuances of the various Spanish speaking
countries and regions in the world. It is the most challenging and advanced Spanish language course
offered at Garnet Valley and equivalent to that of a third semester college course. The class is taught
almost entirely in the target language. All students who put forth their best effort in the course will
greatly increase their fluency. Additionally, those who choose to sit for the AP language exam will feel
comfortable with the exam format and test taking skills designed to increase success.
Materials Used:
-Abriendo Puertas
Although grammar will not be formally taught, students will be assigned chapters from Abriendo Puertas
on a regular basis in order to review concepts covered in Spanish Levels I through V.
-Triángulo
Triangulo is divided into ten thematic units. Each unit contains activities which mimic the AP Language
Exam in order to practice listening skills, speaking, reading comprehension, and writing. Students will
listen to a variety of native Spanish speakers and read from authentic sources. Students will also be
required to write both short essays and formal essays based on readings and listening materials.
Students will also practice their speaking skills by responding to prompts and discussing topics based on
both reading and listening materials.
Internet
On a weekly basis, students are required to listen to a variety of news broadcasts and podcasts from
different Spanish speaking countries, and read authentic articles from newspapers in the target
language. Not only will this increase their listening and reading comprehension, it will also expose
students to accents of native speakers from different Spanish speaking countries. Students will be
required to write a summary in the target language of what they hear and read.
Grading:
Students will receive a grade for quizzes, podcast and article summaries, and formal essays. Each
assignment will be worth 100 points. All students who choose to come in to review their summaries
during enhancement will have the opportunity to bring their grade up to 100% for each summary.
Those who choose not to review their summaries will receive a minimum grade of 75% for each
summary as long as it is completed.
Formal essays will be graded using the AP format (1 through 5). Students will be given the opportunity
to improve their essay grades by reviewing suggestions made by me and handing in a new copy of the
essay within a reasonable time frame.
Semester End Activities:
The Spanish language exam takes place in early May. After the AP Spanish Language Exam, students will
be given the opportunity to view films from various Spanish speaking countries in order to further
explore culture and enhance listening comprehension. Furthermore, students will engage in class
discussions in the target language based on the films viewed.
Suggestions for AP Exam Preparation:
The AP language course begins mid-January and the exam takes place in early
May. In order to best prepare for the exam, students MUST find ways to enhance their speaking,
reading, writing and listening skills outside of the classroom. Whenever possible, students should
expose themselves to the target language. This may include conversing with native speakers, watching
Spanish language television, and reading Spanish language press. Additionally, students are also
encouraged to purchase an AP Spanish language preparation book and complete the activities on their
free time.
¡Buena Suerte!