AP® SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:
OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE AND CHANGES
with
MILYBETT LLANOS-GREMILLION
and
BRIAN MCDONOUGH
New Approach
Exam changes 2014
Section
Number of
Questions
Percent
of
Final
Score
Approx. 95 minutes
Section I: Multiple Choice
Part A
Interpretive Communication: Print Texts
Part B
Interpretive Communication: Print and Audio
Texts (combined)
Time
Approx. 40 minutes
30 questions
50%
Approx. 55 minutes
35 questions
Interpretive Communication: Audio Texts
Approx. 85 minutes
Section II: Free Response
Interpersonal Writing: E-mail Reply
1 prompt
Presentational Writing: Persuasive Essay
1 prompt
Interpersonal Speaking: Conversation
5 prompts
Presentational Speaking: Cultural Comparison
1 prompt
15 minutes
Approx. 55 minutes
50%
20 seconds for each
response
2 minutes to respond
Old Exam (through 2012)
New Exam (2013-2014)
Reading Comprehension
A set of questions for
reading comprehension
were based on one reading
alone
Interpretive
Communication: Print texts
(reading comprehension)
A set of questions for
reading comprehension
may be based on one or
more readings that are
thematically-linked
Listening Comprehension
Short dialogs and short
narratives
Listening Comprehension was
based on short dialogs or short
narratives with the questions
stated at the end of the audio
and the answer choices in the
test booklet
Long dialogs and long
narratives
Listening Comprehension was
based on long dialogs or long
narratives with the questions
and answer choices in the test
booklet. Student were given
time to read the questions
ahead of time.
Interpretive Communication:
Audio Texts
Each section is based on one
authentic (not made for the
exam) source. Questions and
answer choices are provided in
the test booklet.
Combined listening and reading
comprehension
Does not exist on current exam (last
exam May 2012)
Interpretive Communication: Print
and Audio Texts (combined
listening and reading
comprehension)
A set of questions for listening
comprehension may be based on
one or more audio selections
which may be accompanied by
reading(s) that are thematicallylinked;
There will be time to preview the
questions.
Audio selections will be played
twice with a one minute pause
between each playing in order to
start answering questions.
After 2nd playing, students have 15
seconds per question to respond.
Interpersonal Writing
(10 minutes)
Students write a
response to a short
prompt, usually
informal in nature.
Interpersonal Writing:
E-mail reply (15
minutes)
Students have 15
minutes to read an email and write a reply
to it. This could be a
formal or informal
topic.
Presentational Writing
Students listening to one
source and read two other
sources and then responded to
a prompt based on the three
sources, synthesizing them
into one cohesive essay.
- 5 minutes to read the
printed material
- Then, listening
- 5 minutes to ‘plan’
- 40 minutes to write
Presentational Writing:
Persuasive Essay
Based on three sources (audio
and print) with different
viewpoints on the topic.
- Six minutes to read topic
and printed material
- Audio then played twice
- 40 minutes to prepare and
write essay
Must present the viewpoints
presented in all sources
Must clearly indicate your own
viewpoint and defend it
thoroughly
Interpersonal
Speaking:
Simulated
Conversation
- 30 seconds to
read
- Prompt given
- 1 minute to plan
- Five 20 second
responses
Interpersonal
Speaking:
Simulated
Conversation
One change: Based
on the sample
provided, it appears
they have upped
the initial
preparation time
from 30 seconds to
1 minute.
Tema curricular: La belleza y la estética
Tienes 1 minuto para leer la introducción.
Introducción
Esta es una conversación con Mariana, una companera de clase. Vas a
participar en esta conversación porque ella esta organizando un desfile
de moda como proyecto final en la clase de arte y diseño.
Mariana • Te saluda y te pide tu opinión.
Tu • Salúdala y dale una respuesta.
Mariana • Te da más detalles.
Tu • Responde afirmativamente y explícale cómo.
Mariana • Continúa la conversación y te hace otra propuesta.
Tu • Responde negativamente y explica por qué.
Mariana • Reacciona a tu respuesta y continúa la conversación.
Tu • Contéstale con detalles.
Mariana • Continúa la conversación y te hace una pregunta.
Tu • Propón alguna opción y despídete.
Presentational Speaking
Students read a source,
listen to a source and
compare and contrast
them.
After listening source is
played, students have 2
minutes to plan their
response and then 2
minutes to speak.
Presentational Speaking:
Cultural Comparison
4 minutes to read a topic
and prepare presentation
2 minutes to record
presentation
Must compare your own
community with an area of
the Spanish-speaking world
there are familiar with.
No sources to read or listen
to!!!
Using Authentic Materials
Not an exhaustive list:










Newspaper/magazine articles, features, editorials, ads
Maps
Charts and graphics
Letters
Radio segments
Podcasts
Films
Music
Visual art
Opinion polls
Example of how to integrate
authentic materials
 La herramienta