ap spanish persuasive essay 2019

AP® Spanish Language

How to approach ap® spanish language free-response questions.

• The Albert Team
• Last Updated On: March 1, 2022

The AP® Spanish Language Course targets interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication through writing, reading, speaking, and understanding. Strategies that emphasize vocabulary, language structure, communication, and culture in both contemporary and historical contexts are taught almost exclusively in Spanish. Instruction is often interactive, using Spanish books, music, and patterns of social interactions within a culture to familiarize students with the language.

This AP® Spanish study guide will briefly outline the format of the AP® Spanish Language Exam, putting particular emphasis on the AP® Spanish Language Free-Response section. It will provide insights into why the free-response section is important to the overall test results, mention content covered in the free-response section, and discuss how to prepare for AP® Spanish Language Free-Response section. Finally, this guide will provide you with AP® Spanish Language Exam tips to help you answer the free-response questions on the day of the test, and provide AP® Spanish Language practice questions.

What is the Format of the AP® Spanish Language Exam?

The AP® Spanish Language Exam is approximately three hours long and consists of two sections divided into several components.

The first section asks test takers to complete a number of listening and reading comprehension questions. Here students are asked to listen to prerecorded interviews, radio programs, podcasts, or to read articles from newspapers, web pages, special reports, or literature, and answer multiple choice questions about each of them.

The second section, also referred to as the “AP® Spanish Free-Response” section, lasts about one hour and 30 minutes. It deals with writing and speaking both informal and formal Spanish. The Interpersonal Writing component, for example, asks that students look over a document – an email, perhaps – and respond with a written answer. The Presentational Writing component asks students to draw together an argument from a number of sources like articles, tables, graphs, or an audio artifact to express their views on a particular topic.

Students also interact with documents in the informal and formal speaking component as well. In the Interpersonal Speaking component, test takers are given five listening passages meant to provoke conversation. Students then respond to the clip for about 20 seconds per question. The Presentational Speaking component asks that test takers speak for a bit longer – for two minutes, to be exact. Here they are given a prompt on a cultural topic, where they are asked to compare how such an issue may be similar or different in their own community and that of a Spanish-speaking country.

Why is the AP® Spanish Language Free-Response Important?

The AP® Spanish Language Exam is scored by a team of college faculty and seasoned AP® teachers trained in fair-mindedness and uniformity. This Free-Response section, like the multiple choice section, is 50% of your final exam grade – so it’s pretty important. The weighted scores from the Free-Response section are combined with those from a machine-graded multiple choice. These are summed and given an AP® composite score of a 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 (5 being the highest and 1 being the lowest).

What Content is Covered in the Free-Response Section of the AP® Spanish Language Exam?

The exam tests the social, cultural, academic, and workplace skills you have been developing throughout your AP® Spanish course. In particular, test-takers are presented with questions on global challenges, science & technology, contemporary life, personal and public identities, families and communities, and beauty and aesthetics. Within these themes, students are asked to interact with an assortment of media, voice their opinions, and make connections and comparisons between English and Spanish speaking communities.

How can Test Takers Prepare for the AP® Spanish Language Free-Response Section?

In this section, you’ll find a few suggestions on how you can conduct your own AP® Spanish review during your free time. The CollegeBoard also offers some additional insights to get test-takers ready for test day. You can find out more by clicking here .

One way to prepare for the writing section of the exam is to look through various review books — in addition to your textbook, AP® Spanish: Preparing for the Language and Culture Examination by José M. Díaz, Prentice Hall’s Una Vez Más (Once More), or Triángulo (Triangle) by Barbara Gatski all come highly recommended. When looking through these books, check out a few practice questions that are modeled after writing prompts from the test. Doing a few practice drills will better acquaint you with the sorts of essay questions asked on the test. If your AP® Spanish teacher has the time, ask them to go over any mistakes you may have made while working out your answers.

You’ll improve your Spanish skills by speaking the language on a daily basis. As mentioned, the exam asks you to discuss various topics in Spanish, for times ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes. Practicing this skill will be invaluable. Without limiting yourself, speak in simple, frank sentences that use vocabulary and grammar you are most conversant in. Investing in a digital recorder so that you can practice speaking into it is one way to improve your oral communication skills while developing muscle memory for particular tough-to-pronounce Spanish sounds.

How can Test Takers Answer the AP® Spanish Language Free-Response Questions?

Albert offers test takers some useful tips to prepare them for the writing section of the AP® Spanish Language exam (see Albert’s The Ultimate List of AP® Spanish Language Tips for further details). Here are a few more insights regarding how you may want to tackle answering these during the exam.

AP® Spanish Language Essay Tips & Advice

• Begin your paragraphs with clear topic sentences and follow them with well-organized supporting sentences. Link paragraphs with transitional phrases like De esta manera, como resultado, además de eso.
• Write neatly in pen.
• If using difficult sentence structures, be sure you use them correctly. Practice these prior to the example so that you’ll have them down to a science!
• Incorporate each of the sources you’re being asked to discuss.
• Be sure to follow the directions so that you answer what is being asked of you. If, for example, an email prompt asks that you “include a greeting and a closing,” so be sure to include this in your reply.
• Show off your language skills by using the subjunctive.
• The Presentational Writing component asks that you write a persuasive essay. Be sure that you include a strong argument backed up with the sources provided to support your position. You may want to reference and disclaim the opposing arguments first, to strengthen your point.

Interpersonal and Presentational Speaking Examples and Tips

• Use the time you have to talk! If you get stuck, return to the main idea to help jog your memory.
• Rather than using filler words in English (ahh, but, so, and…), try Spanish fillers instead (pues, bueno, y, o sea, entonces… )
• Don’t be afraid to correct any mistakes you’ve made.
• Keep your Interpersonal Speaking answers casual.
• Be sure to address the task or answer the question presented to you.
• Consider who you are talking to and decide if you should use informal ( tú ) or formal ( Usted ) pronouns.
• Jot down an outline, grammar notes, or a vocabulary bank to glance upon in case you get stuck.
• The Presentational Speaking component is formal, so remember who your audience is and adjust accordingly.
• Stay organized by building your comparisons off of a thesis or main idea, then go into differences and similarities with supporting evidence. Remember to conclude with a summary of your arguments.
• Outline key ideas, but do not script what you want to say.
• Remember that in this section you are being asked to compare aspects of your culture with those of a Spanish-speaking culture. Jot down a Venn diagram or other visual tools to help you organize your claims.
• Research a few specifics on Spanish speaking countries so that you’ll have cultural references to draw from.
• Use transition words like además, por ejemplo, por otro lado, aunque, por el contrario…
• Remember it is okay to talk about your personal experiences. Use this to support your opinion.

What are the AP® Spanish Language Free-Response Questions Like?

Below you’ll find some examples of real Free-Response Questions from the CollegeBoard’s AP® Central (you can check out specific details and more sample questions here ). Try a few of these questions in the months before the test to ensure you are getting your fill of AP® Spanish practice!

Example 1 : You will write a reply to an e-mail message. You have 15 minutes to read the message and write your reply. Your reply should include a greeting and a closing and should respond to all the questions and requests in the message. In your reply, you should also ask for more details about something mentioned in the message. Also, you should use a formal method of address.

Example 2 : You will write a persuasive essay to submit to a Spanish writing contest. The essay topic is based on three accompanying sources, which present different viewpoints on the topic and include both print and audio material. First, you will have 6 minutes to read the essay topic and the printed material. Afterward, you will hear the audio material twice; you should take notes while you listen. Then, you will have 40 minutes to prepare and write your essay. In your persuasive essay, you should present the sources’ different viewpoints on the topic and also clearly indicate your own viewpoint and defend it thoroughly. Use information from all of the sources to support your essay. As you refer to the sources, identify them appropriately. Also, organize your essay into clear paragraphs.

Example 1 : You will participate in a conversation. First, you will have one minute to read a preview of the conversation, including an outline of each turn in the conversation. Afterward, the conversation will begin, following the outline. Each time it is your turn to speak, you will have 20 seconds to record your response. You should participate in the conversation as fully and appropriately as possible.

Example 2 : You will make an oral presentation on a specific topic to your class. You will have four minutes to read the presentation topic and prepare your presentation. Then you will have two minutes to record your presentation. In your presentation, compare your own community to an area of the Spanish-speaking world with which you are familiar. You should demonstrate your understanding of cultural features of the Spanish-speaking world. You should also organize your presentation clearly.

How can Test Takers Practice for the AP® Spanish Language Free-Response Section?

In summary, there are a lot of resources that test takers can draw from to help them with the AP® Spanish Language Free-Response section. Wrap your mind around as many interviews, radio programs, podcasts, newspapers, web pages, special reports, or literature in Spanish as you can handle. Meet with your fellow students or Spanish speakers in your community to attend Spanish cultural events and films, Discuss current global events; the latest tech gadgets; or your love, family, or work life. In other words, if you engage with the language on a daily basis, you’ll not only be developing skills that will help you practice for the test, but you’ll be opening yourself up to unique social worlds in new and dynamic ways.

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Ap Spanish Essay Examples

Are you struggling to find examples of AP Spanish essays? Look no further!

In this article, we’ll explore various essay samples that will help you ace your AP Spanish exam.

From cultural comparison essays to persuasive and literary analysis essays, we’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration or guidance, our expertly crafted examples will provide you with a solid foundation.

So, sit back, relax, and let us take you on a journey through the world of AP Spanish essay writing.

Key Takeaways

• Analysis of causes and effects of immigration
• Examination of cultural assimilation and its positive and negative effects
• Importance of understanding immigration’s impact on individuals and communities
• Significance of comparing cultures to gain a deeper understanding

Sample AP Spanish Essay on Immigration

You should start your essay on immigration with an analysis of the causes and effects of this complex issue.

Immigration challenges and cultural assimilation are two key aspects of this topic that need to be explored. Immigration challenges refer to the difficulties faced by individuals and families as they navigate the process of moving to a new country. These challenges can include language barriers, discrimination, and the struggle to find employment and housing.

On the other hand, cultural assimilation refers to the process by which immigrants adopt the customs, language, and values of their new country. It’s important to examine both the positive and negative effects of cultural assimilation, as it can lead to a loss of cultural identity but also foster greater integration and acceptance within society.

Understanding these causes and effects is crucial in developing a comprehensive understanding of immigration and its impact on individuals and communities.

Analyzing a Cultural Comparison Essay for AP Spanish

Analyzing a Cultural Comparison Essay for AP Spanish requires examining the similarities and differences between two cultures in order to gain a deeper understanding. Cultural influences play a significant role in shaping societies and individuals, and by comparing different cultures, we can uncover the various factors that contribute to their uniqueness. One key aspect to consider is language barriers, as language plays a crucial role in communication and expression. To illustrate this, let’s take a look at a table comparing the cultural influences and language barriers between two Spanish-speaking countries, Spain and Mexico:

Exploring a Persuasive Essay Example for AP Spanish

Take a moment to explore an engaging persuasive essay example for AP Spanish and see how the author effectively uses rhetorical strategies to convince the reader.

In this essay, the author discusses the importance of cultural diversity and language proficiency. The author begins by providing a clear thesis statement that highlights the significance of these two factors in today’s globalized world.

Throughout the essay, the author incorporates persuasive language and evidence to support their argument. They use emotional appeals to evoke empathy and understanding from the reader, and logical appeals to provide logical reasoning and evidence.

Additionally, the author uses rhetorical questions to engage the reader and make them reflect on the topic at hand.

Overall, this persuasive essay serves as an excellent example for AP Spanish students to learn how to effectively persuade their audience and convey their message.

Examining a Literary Analysis Essay in AP Spanish

In order to understand the intricacies of a literary analysis essay in AP Spanish, start by examining the author’s use of literary devices and the overall structure of the essay. This will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural influences and literary techniques employed by the writer.

Literary devices such as symbolism, imagery, and foreshadowing can reveal underlying themes and messages in the text. By analyzing the author’s use of these devices, you can uncover the deeper meanings and intentions behind their words.

Additionally, the overall structure of the essay, including the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion, plays a crucial role in conveying the writer’s argument and supporting evidence. By examining these elements, you can develop a comprehensive understanding of the literary analysis essay in AP Spanish.

Understanding a Synthesis Essay Sample for AP Spanish

You should read at least two synthesis essay samples for AP Spanish in order to gain a better understanding of the writing style and structure. This will help you familiarize yourself with the expectations and requirements of this type of essay. By analyzing these samples, you can learn how to effectively organize your ideas and arguments, as well as how to incorporate evidence from multiple sources.

Additionally, examining synthesis essay samples will allow you to see examples of effective language use, such as using transitions to connect ideas and incorporating appropriate vocabulary. Overall, reading synthesis essay samples is a valuable exercise in understanding the synthesis essay structure and developing your own writing skills.

• Analysis of writing style and structure
• Effective organization of ideas
• Incorporation of evidence from multiple sources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key elements to consider when writing an ap spanish essay on immigration.

When writing an AP Spanish essay on immigration, consider key elements such as organization, vocabulary choice, and grammar. Use clear and concise sentences, incorporate relevant examples, and support your arguments with evidence.

How Can I Effectively Analyze a Cultural Comparison Essay for AP Spanish?

To effectively analyze a cultural comparison essay for AP Spanish, start by carefully examining the similarities and differences between the cultures being compared. Look for patterns, themes, and cultural nuances to provide a comprehensive and insightful analysis.

What Are the Persuasive Techniques Used in the Persuasive Essay Example for AP Spanish?

To effectively analyze a persuasive essay example for AP Spanish, identify persuasive techniques such as ethos, pathos, and logos. Consider how the author appeals to emotions, credibility, and logic to persuade the reader.

How Do I APproach Examining a Literary Analysis Essay in AP Spanish?

Approaching analysis in a literary analysis essay, consider the author’s use of literary techniques. By examining the text closely, you can identify how the author employs symbolism, imagery, and characterization to convey their message effectively.

What Are the Steps to Understanding and Analyzing a Synthesis Essay Sample for AP Spanish?

To understand and analyze a synthesis essay sample for AP Spanish, start by breaking down the text and identifying key themes and arguments. Then, analyze the author’s use of evidence and rhetorical strategies to support their claims.

In conclusion, despite the challenges and objections that may arise, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of studying and mastering the Spanish language, specifically in the context of the AP Spanish exam.

By immersing ourselves in the language, we gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich Hispanic culture, literature, and history.

Let’s embrace this opportunity to broaden our horizons, connect with others, and become global citizens who can truly appreciate the beauty of the Spanish language.

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The Argumentative Essay on the AP Spanish Exam: Part 1

The Argumentative Essay on the AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam is “arguably” one of the most difficult tasks. It is the open-ended section that takes the most time. It really challenges students to demonstrate excellent reading and listening comprehension skills. Their vocabulary and grammar skills are also put to the test. In addition, the argumentative essay also requires some specific knowledge of good writing skills and how to include the requirements that AP Scorers are looking for.

How To Teach the Argumentative Essay

There are many ways to approach teaching AP Spanish students how to tackle this task. This is my way, and I have had great success! I’m sure there are many other ways too!

First, I start by doing some direct instruction with THIS Google Slides presentation . It contains information like: the rules and requirements of the task, what skills it tests, what the instructions are, Do’s and Don’ts, helpful hints and a short vocabulary list and Quizlet with words and expressions that will raise the level of sophistication of their writing.

I post this presentation in their Google Classroom so that they can refer to it all year long.

The last general strategy I use is to introduce this task early in the year. I find that it takes students several attempts to put it all together, so I don’t want to have just one or 2 practices before the exam in May.

The Sources

After showing students what the Argumentative Essay entails, I give them the 3 sources from the AP Training book (Does everyone take that course for New AP Spanish Teachers? If not, any practice essay will do! Leave me a comment below if you need names of resources!)

I give time for everyone to read the sources individually. We highlight reading what the question is. That’s really important! I encourage them to underline and note what they think may be helpful in the written sources.

Then I play the listening. I remind them to take notes on what they understand, and not to panic if they don’t understand the first time. (The listening is always played twice.)

Look at Some Examples

In my opinion, starting with a really strong intro paragraph sets students up for success. We look at several intro paragraphs and analyze them for what they did well and what could be improved. HERE are some free samples!

Would you agree that the combination of telling students about requirements and SHOWING them what we mean leads to better understanding? I have found that to be the case, especially with this argumentative essay!

Start With a Group Practice

Now I break students up into groups of 2-3. I do this for 2 reasons. Working together, students have a little more support and confidence. And, when they turn in their work, I give feedback 1/3 the amount of student work. I remind students that they should choose to defend the side that is easiest to write about, not necessarily the side that they personally agree with! This can be really hard for kids!

In their small groups, students are asked to write the entire introductory paragraph. They bring it (or submit it) to me for feedback. I check to be sure that they have a) introduced the topic in a general manner b) have brought up at least 3 points they plan to make in the body of the essay and c) have ended their paragraph with a CLEAR thesis statement (taking a side on the issue).

Next I ask them to write the topic sentence for body paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Argumentative Essay, and to choose one quote that will go with that paragraph. I remind them in the instructions of their work that they must use a quote from each of the 3 sources. I check these as they go or all 3 at once. It depends on my class size that year! I encourage them to have a topic sentence to help them to stay on message. Some students can go off on tangents within their body paragraphs. They won’t have time to finish if they do that, and they won’t be as persuasive either.

Last, I ask them to write the entire conclusion paragraph. It is simpler to write since it goes in opposite order of the intro paragraph. The challenge is to vary vocabulary! And again- feedback on how students did!

The 3rd Body Paragraph of the Argumentative Essay

To be honest, this has been a point of confusion for during my tenure as an AP Spanish Teacher. Some say that the 3rd body paragraph should present an opposing viewpoint, but then negate it. Recently, I have read in the AP Spanish Teacher Forum that students do NOT need to do this.

I feel that it adds a level of sophistication if students are able to do this, so I teach my students how. One of the biggest confusions I see here is that students will use a quote from one of the sources that supports the opposing viewpoint. I encourage them to remove that quote and find one that actually supports THEIR thesis. It requires practice for sure, but students CAN learn how to do this! However, teachers can decide for themselves how to teach this task, or even differentiate for individual students, asking some to negate a point and others to stick with 3 solid reasons why their stance is the right one.

In their practice groups, I have them write the entire paragraph to practice the skill of presenting an opposing argument and proving it wrong.

Next Steps For the Argumentative Essay

In my next blog post, I will write about how we tackle the Argumentative Essay when it’s time to grade them and give feedback.

In the meantime, here are the links to some of the resources I have already created to help students with the Argumentative Essay. If you find them helpful, please use them! However, you can also make up your own resources too using the ideas I presented above.

Test Prep Growing Mega Bundle

AP Spanish Argumentative Essay: How To

AP Spanish Argumentative Essay: Sample Intro Paragraphs

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