Quite often, I receive messages from parents outside China who would like some guidance and suggestions on how to motivate their children to learn Mandarin Chinese and what goals to set. While standardized tests may only motivate some students, I do find that the AP Chinese Language and Culture Exam is an excellent way to cap off a teenager’s Mandarin language progress and also save money and time on college classes, since it gives students a head-start at university. Whichever score they do receive, there is no doubt that the process of studying for this exam is beneficial to their overall learning.

"AP Chinese", as it’s often called, is short for Advanced Placement Chinese Language and Culture which is a course offered by the College Board as a part of the Advanced Placement Program in the United States. The AP Chinese Language and Culture Exam is approximately three hours in length. The test assesses interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication skills in Mandarin Chinese, along with knowledge of Chinese culture. Although the test originates from the USA, about 90% of Canadian universities and 20 other countries now recognize the scores. It can help reduce the cost of university education, and shorten the duration of university education for students who take the exam. The AP Chinese examination scores is a very important factor for applying for universities.

So, you’ve decided to take the AP Chinese exam. Good decision! How do you begin to study?

First, you can purchase some books to help you prepare and to take mock-up tests. You can buy these, new or used, online with sites such as Amazon. These texts will help you become familiar with the structure of the test, which is:

Listening: 25%, 45 mins
Reading: 25%, 45 mins
Writing: 25%, 45 mins
Speaking: 25%, 45 mins

This AP Chinese exam is...Read More