Understanding the AP Chinese Exam: Structure and Example Questions
The AP Chinese Language and Culture exam is a challenging but rewarding opportunity for high school students to demonstrate their proficiency in the Chinese language and their understanding of Chinese culture. It is a three-hour exam that is divided into two sections:
Section I: Multiple Choice (60 minutes)
This section contains 50 multiple-choice questions covering a wide range of topics related to:
- Listening: This portion tests your ability to understand spoken Chinese, including conversations, announcements, and news reports.
- Reading: This portion assesses your comprehension of written Chinese, including passages, articles, and charts.
- Culture: This portion focuses on your understanding of Chinese culture, traditions, and societal values.
Example Question:
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Listening Comprehension: Listen to a conversation between two friends about their weekend plans. Which activity will they not participate in?
- A. Watching a movie
- B. Going to a museum
- C. Playing basketball
- D. Attending a concert
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Reading Comprehension: Read a passage about the history of the Great Wall of China. According to the text, what was the primary function of the Great Wall?
- A. To prevent trade with neighboring countries
- B. To protect against foreign invaders
- C. To promote tourism and cultural exchange
- D. To serve as a symbol of national pride
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Culture: Which of the following is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated in the spring?
- A. Mid-Autumn Festival
- B. Spring Festival
- C. Qingming Festival
- D. Double Ninth Festival
Section II: Free-Response (90 minutes)
This section consists of three free-response questions:
- Question 1: Listening and Speaking (20 minutes): This question requires you to listen to a short audio clip and then respond to a series of prompts in spoken Chinese. You will be graded on your ability to understand the audio and respond accurately, fluently, and grammatically correctly.
- Question 2: Reading and Writing (40 minutes): This question presents a reading passage in Chinese followed by a series of writing prompts. You will be expected to demonstrate your understanding of the passage and express your own thoughts and opinions in well-organized and grammatically correct Chinese.
- Question 3: Culture (30 minutes): This question focuses on a cultural topic and requires you to respond in writing. It could involve analyzing a cultural artifact, comparing and contrasting different cultural practices, or discussing the impact of cultural change.
Example Question:
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Reading and Writing: Read a passage about the importance of family in Chinese culture. Write an essay in Chinese that discusses the role of family in modern Chinese society and how it has evolved over time.
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Culture: Analyze the cultural significance of the Chinese character “龙” (dragon). How is this symbol used in traditional Chinese art, literature, and mythology?
The AP Chinese exam is challenging, but by studying effectively and practicing your skills, you can achieve a high score and earn college credit for your language and cultural knowledge.