Speaking in Spanish can be challenging, especially on the speaking portions of the AP® Spanish Language exam. However, speaking is, in fact, the best way to communicate in Spanish, and with a little practice you can master the art of Spanish conversation. Knowing many vocabulary words isn’t enough – we know you know your stuff! The key to speaking on the AP® exam is to keep calm and apply your skills; if you address the prompts, you will perform with flying colors.
So what is the speaking like on the AP® exam? Of the two speaking portions – presentational and interpersonal – interpersonal is often the most stressful for students. It is nerve-wracking to be tested on a conversation that isn’t in your native language. However, there’s good news: we’re here with all the strategies you need to sail smoothly through the informal speaking.
Here’s the setup: you will be read a set of instructions, which will also be printed in your booklet. You will then be given some time to look over the prompt and an outline of the conversation. The prompt will contain some basic information about who you are talking to and in what setting – for example, you are speaking with a train station employee at a ticket booth. Do not skip this information! After all, the most important part of any conversation is the people in it.
Next, look over the prompt tasks. You will have five or six opportunities to speak, depending on the prompt. Each opportunity will be labeled, and will contain a list of one or two tasks to be completed within your answer. You will have twenty seconds for each answer.
We know this sounds like a lot, so we’ll break it down for you. Here is our list of expert tips on how to rock at informal speaking:
1. COMPLETE THE TASK
This is your number one priority during informal speaking! Each of your sections in the prompt will contain specific tasks, such as “ask for clarification, “answer questions,” or “respond with details.” Some sections will contain two tasks. This is the most important thing to address during the exercise. Complete tasks immediately, and then fill the rest of the time with details. It is often helpful to check off the tasks as you complete them. If you do not complete all the indicated tasks, you will not receive credit for that answer.
2. Know your instructions
The instructions for this section will always be the same, so you don’t need to listen to them! Use the time while they are being read to start glancing over the prompt and thinking about your possible responses.
3. Know your audience
When you look at the prompt, identify whether you should use tú or Usted immediately. This may seem like a simple distinction, but it can really hurt you if you address a future employer or a teacher as tú. As soon as you read the person’s title or role, jot down which form of address you will use at the top of the page.
4. Take notes – briefly
Obviously, until the conversation begins you won’t be able to answer questions or come up with responses. However, there are a couple of tricks you can keep up your sleeve. Write down key words or phrases that might go along with each task, what verb tenses you think you might be using, or whether you should be using the subjunctive. For example, if one of the tasks asks for your opinion, you should write down “subjunctive” and maybe phrases like, “Me parece que” or “No creo que.” If the task is to make plans, you could write “Es posible que” or “Quiero que.” Don’t try to write full sentences; instead think of key words that might be helpful. The prompts will be somewhat open-ended, so be creative and go with what feels natural!
5. Fill up your time
The worst thing to have in your AP Spanish language informal speaking answers is silence. You only have twenty seconds to speak – that’s not a long time. Even if you repeat yourself a little, keep talking! Add some more details if you can, or ask more questions. It’s okay if you get cut off, as long as you have completed the tasks.
6. Use context clues
You’re not going to understand every word of every prompt. Instead, pay close attention to questions and focus on the words you do understand. These will give you context clues and key words. When in doubt, make an educated guess based on the task for that section, and the main idea of the prompt.
7. Self-correct
There’s no way to proofread a conversation, except as you go. Making mistakes or misspeaking is inevitable – and it’s completely normal in conversation. AP® graders aren’t looking for perfection, they’re looking for communication. If you catch yourself making a mistake, just correct yourself! It’s simple. For example, if you say, “Hoy está viernes, lo siento, hoy es viernes…” and then continue, you will be fine.
8. Know your filler words
If you need to fill silence while you’re thinking, do so in Spanish. You shouldn’t be saying “um” or “let’s see” during this conversation. Know some filler words, or muletillas, that will keep the flow of the conversation going. Some examples to get you started:
Pues
Es que
O sea
Es decir
Bueno
Mira
Entonces
Así que
9. Circumlocution is your friend
What is circumlocution? Just a fancy word for talking around a word. If you can’t think of a certain word, just find a way to describe it that communicates the idea. With a short amount of time, you won’t be able to sit there and think of a specific word that’s on the tip of your tongue. So if you forget how to say “bus stop,” you can say “el lugar donde para el autobús.” This will be much faster than waiting for “parada del autobús” to come to mind.
10. Don’t be afraid to show off
If there is a chance to use a complex structure, do it! Use direct and indirect object pronouns, or add some commands. There will almost always be at least one opportunity to use the subjunctive – you should take it. AP® graders love to see students use the subjunctive correctly, even with a simple impersonal expression like “es importante que.” If the task calls for your opinion, you shouldn’t dance around the subjunctive just to avoid a little more effort.
11. Throw in cultural knowledge
If you can name-drop, you will score major points with the AP® graders. For instance, if you are prompted to talk about your favorite movies, mention El laberinto del fauno or Los diarios motocicleta. If you’re making plans with a friend, mention that you’ve always wanted to visit el parque retiro. You won’t lose points if you say your favorite actor is Johnny Depp or your favorite movie is Fast and Furious, but it will be that much better if you mention things from Spanish-speaking cultures.
12. Practice, practice, practice – both listening and speaking
This portion of the exam will be a breeze if you’re prepared. Speak in Spanish with other classmates as often as you can, and try your hardest not to speak English in class. Even practice timed conversations with your classmates. Listening skills are also important – watch telenovelas or listen to radio broadcasts in Spanish to get used to different accents and speeds of speech. Plus, to get a better idea of the task itself, check out AP® Central for past examples of informal speaking prompts.
13. Stay calm
Five to six answers means you have several chances to recover if you mess up. Not every answer has to be perfect; as long as you are completing the tasks, you can always improve on the next answer. Even the AP® exam graders don’t expect you to flawlessly execute a conversation – they’re looking for communication skills. Everyday conversations contain mistakes, after all. It’s okay if you make a couple! If you’re still nervous, try picturing a real person on the other end of the conversation, instead of just a recording – it will feel more natural.
There you have it: 13 expert tips to tackling the AP® Spanish informal speaking. There’s a lot to keep in mind, but the important things are confidence and preparation. Start practicing a few weeks or even months in advance – speaking in Spanish will start to feel natural, and the real thing in May will be a breeze. As long as you complete the tasks and focus on communication instead of perfection, you’ll be well on your way to a 5 on the AP® Spanish Language exam. ¡Buena suerte!
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