| This year’s AP Spanish test is going to look a lot different due to Covid-19. Students will only be asked to complete two sections of the speaking exam and nothing else. No reading, writing, grammar, or multiple choice! All you have to do is speak, which, if you think about it, is the most important skill for you to develop anyways! Today I will provide a run-down of the test and some tips for students to be successful. |
Part 1: Simulated Conversation (conversación simulada)
You will see an outline of a conversation on your screen and a scenario. Read the outline carefully. Sometimes you have to answer positively, and sometimes negatively. You will hear the speaker ask you a question and then you have 20 seconds to respond. You will hear a tone that indicates when to start and stop speaking.
Tips for success:
1. Focus on communicating your point. You only have 20 seconds to answer, so make sure you give solid information and forget about the grammar. The person grading your exam would rather hear 2-3 informative sentences rather than a few grammatically perfect words.
2. Be as specific as you can in your answer. If they ask you to weigh the pros and con’ of an issue, give them at least one solid pro and one solid con rather than telling them “there are many pros and cons. It could be good or bad.” You’ve used your full 20 seconds and said nothing.
I have created a playlist with some very useful practice activities. Most of them are created by United Spanish and can be found on their YouTube page.
Part 2: Cultural Comparisons (comparación cultural)
For this section, you will receive a prompt to compare an element of the Spanish-speaking culture and your own. You have 4 minutes to prepare your ideas and 2 minutes to speak.
Tips for success:
1. Use your 4 minutes! Create a table or Venn diagram where you can write out your comparisons and use that when you speak.
2. Your goal here is to show your knowledge of culture. Be specific. What are the specific customs, beliefs or attitudes of Spanish-speakers related to the topic?
3. Compare and contrast as you go. For example, “Both groups do/have/believe X, however people from Mexico ____ and people from my hometown ____.” If you speak about each group separately and only begin comparing at the end, you may run out of time. Here is a playlist with some practice questions and sample answers. I encourage you to pause the video and do you own practice before listening to the sample answers. https://www.youtube.com/embed/2eZSttB_jvA?wmode=opaque
Lastly, I am offering tutoring services over Zoom to any students that want some extra practice for the AP spanish test. You can fill out this form and I will reach out to you to set up a 30 or 60 minute call. ¡Qué tengas buena suerte!
