Are you gearing up for the AP test in Chinese? Worried about the test after a year in AP Chinese classes? Our guides are here to help you study and prepare on your own for the exam. First, we will take a general look at the topics covered in AP Chinese classes; then, we will consider the formatting and structure of the AP Chinese exam. Finally, we will introduce a whole host of resources that you can use to strengthen your AP Chinese skills by both figuring out your strengths and attacking your weaknesses. This will leave you feeling prepared to tackle the AP Chinese exam!

Similar to every AP class, AP language classes offer college-level introductory course work and credit within a high school setting. All AP language classes involve a solid amount of vocabulary and memorization, but are geared for first-time language learners and not native speakers. The exam tests a student’s ability to read, type, listen and speak Chinese on an entirely computer-based exam. The test is divided into four sections. One of these sections is a listening and multiple-choice one in which a student fills in the continuation of a conversation; another is the reading section with multiple-choice answers. A third section includes a combination of free-writing narration for a series of pictures, along with reading and responding to an email. Lastly, a speaking component asks test takers to respond to a simulated conversation about a given aspect of Chinese culture, regarding the planning of an event. Each writing section is scored out of six possible points, and multiple choice section is scored out of thirty-six possible points.

Keep in mind that all Chinese text on screen will be available in traditional or simplified characters, and students have two options for typing in Chinese: Microsoft Pinyin, or Microsoft New Phonetic.

The exam is graded by communicative modes, so interpersonal, interpretive and presentational each comprise about thirty percent of the overall score. It is also interpreted by language modality, divided equally between listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

If you are looking for a comprehensive, free AP Chinese resource, whether for the upcoming test or to help you focus your learning throughout the class, look no further! Varsity Tutors’ free AP Chinese Practice Tests are all available for you to take online at any time. Each AP Chinese Practice Test is made up of about a dozen questions and includes an answer key with thorough explanations. Your score is also compared to the scores other test takers have received when answering the same questions. These resources are specifically curated to help you gain both knowledge and confidence when studying for the AP Chinese exam!