Anyone else preparing for the AP German exam? I'm a bit anxious and was wondering what to expect in terms of format and the types of questions they normally ask.
The AP German Language and Culture exam is a standardized test that measures your proficiency in the German language and understanding of German-speaking culture. The exam content aligns with the six themes outlined in the AP German course: Global Challenges, Science and Technology, Public and Private Identities, Families and Communities, Personal and Public Spaces, and Beauty and Aesthetics. It's great that you're preparing for it. Let me break down what the exam looks like:
The exam includes two main sections, each of which will account for 50% of your final score:
1. Section I: Multiple Choice (65 minutes)
- Part A: 30 questions on print texts (including journalistic and literary texts)
- Part B: 35 questions that will require you to interpret written and audio texts
2. Section II: Free Response (85 minutes)
- Part A: you will respond in writing to a conversation prompt, express an opinion in an email response, and write a persuasive essay based on three sources that present different viewpoints
- Part B: you will respond orally to a conversation prompt and present information and express your viewpoint in a 2-minute oral presentation.
It's essential to familiarize yourself with the exam format, but the most important part of your preparation will be honing your German reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Practice with German newspapers, films, and podcasts to get a better understanding of the language in its natural context.
To get an understanding of the type of questions asked, you may use the College Board's past exam questions for practice. You can find these online. Keep in mind, you're not only demonstrating your understanding of the German language, but also your knowledge of different cultural perspectives in German-speaking contexts.
Hoffe, das hilft und viel Glück! (Hope that helps and good luck!)
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