<p>Alright, so the AP Spanish Language Exam is one test that I am completely terrified for. Being white, I am a non-native speaker, so I know this exam is going to be a challenge, but I think I am ready to commit. </p>
<p>After taking Spanish I-III, my teacher referred me to the AP Spanish Language class. Being one of the only seniors in the class (since the class is predominantly filled with juniors), it's hard for me to interact with students who aren't my age. This, in turn, definitely limits my opportunity to speak with others in the language. My household speaks in English only, and although my AP Spanish teacher does speak in Spanish, she does not speak nearly as fast as the listening section readers do, and she speaks in familiar words that pertain to the classroom usually (basic words that I can definitely comprehend, not words or dialogs that may pertain to different or random subjects like those on the actual exam). </p>
<p>With such a weak AP Spanish department, I just need some advice in what to do. I have about 4 months for preparation (since the test is in early May), but I am at a loss in where I should start. I just opened my prep book at tried a listening passage and was discouraged! Personally, I believe I am definitely strong with my writing, yet I know that the listening portions are incorporated throughout the test, along with critical reading passages and even speaking portions as well. Can anyone give me tips on what I should do to maximize my score? I'm hoping to get a 4 or 5 on the test! Thank you!!</p>
<p>First of all, your post sounds like a lot of excuses to me. You said it’s hard for you to interact with others in your class because they’re not your age. They’re juniors. You’re a senior. Most of them are probably one year younger than you, or maybe even the same physical age. To me, it seems like you’re making an excuse for not talking in class (and therefore your speaking skills aren’t as developed as they could be). </p>
<p>Secondly, the Spanish exam tests you on your ability to, you got it, interact in Spanish. It’s not like the APUSH exam where you can memorize some facts a month before the test. Developing proficiency in Spanish isn’t going to come from a couple of excerises out of a review book. Listen to Spanish radio, watch Spanish language movies, read online Spanish news, etc. I promise you it will help improve your Spanish. </p>
<p>And third, a “weak AP Spanish department” certainly is not a good excuse for doing poorly on the exam. Your Spanish teacher could be top of the line, but if you don’t put in the extra work outside of class a good Spanish teacher means nothing. A teacher or department can only do so much to develop your skills in Spanish. They can’t carry you to a 5, you have to carry yourself by putting in the extra work. </p>
<p>My family doesn’t speak Spanish either. I’m a junior in AP Spanish in a class with 28 seniors. My Spanish teacher has never lived in a Spanish speaking country, and therefore cannot speak as fast as natives, nor offer students the authentic listening experience (she uses false cognates and often literally translates phrases like “my bad” to “mi mal” or “okay” to “oh-kah.”) Somehow, my Spanish has improved tremendously. I interact with others in my class despite them being a grade ahead, do what I can to speak Spanish with natives, read articles online, watch movies and listen to radio. </p>
<p>I’m worried about the exam too, but I’m certainly not letting sad excuses get me down about it. You live in the digital age… take advantage on the immersion and resources the Internet can offer you.</p>
<p>I am white and non-native as well. I took Spanish for four years and am self-studying for the AP Language exam this year. Do not worry so much about not understanding everything on the test because you are not going to understand everything. I am probably most nervous about the listening section, so I am listening to Spanish radio and conversing in Spanish with my Spanish-speaking friends. I am basically just immersing everyday parts of my life in Spanish; this may be easier for me to do than you, however, because I live in a largely-Hispanic city. Listen very critically and piece together the ideas to make sense of them all. Don’t get caught up in missing a word; by doing this, you are only missing more words!</p>
<p>Just practice listening and any other parts of the language you have difficulty with and regularly practice on the corresponding parts of the exam.</p>
<p>Yeah, i am a sophomore in high school and i skipped a level of spanish and i am now enrolled in spanish 4. My school wont allow me to take ap classes sophomore year. i am NOT a native speaker however i traveled to spain for two weeks this past summer and feel like i have a decent grasp of speaking and understanding the language. I continue studying spanish on my own and really have a passion for spanish. I feel that i write well (up to AP standards) however i dont know because im not enrolled in the ap class. Does anyone know how hard the ap exam is? whats the hardest part? does any one have any suggestions for me to know what my score would be on an ap spanish writing portion? Are there any other non native sopomores that took it? i appreciate any help. thx so much. </p>
<p>oh and one more thing. are the practice tests i take at home (from barrons and princetion review) harder or easier than the actual thing. and i looked online, but does anyone know where i can get free practice tests. THANKS SO MUCH!</p>
Hi Derek1. I know I’m a few years late on this post, but I am currently in an AP Spanish Language class. My reading and writing are excellent and my listening is about worthy of a 4 on the AP Spanish Language exam. My struggle is with the conversational speaking. So, I am going on a 13 day trip to Spain in 2 weeks for spring break. How well do you think the culture and surroundings will help me for this part of the exam? How did Spain affect your apprehension of the language?