The AP Spanish Language & Culture exam has 6 integrated performance tasks worth 50% of your score. They test listening, reading, writing, and speaking together — not in isolation.
The 6 Free Response Tasks
- Email Reply (Written): Respond to a formal email in Spanish. Must use formal register (usted), address all parts of the prompt, and ask at least one question. 15 minutes.
- Argumentative Essay (Written): Take a position using at least 2 of the 3 provided sources (print + audio + infographic). Must cite sources explicitly: "Según la fuente número 2..." Avoid summarizing — argue. 40 minutes.
- Conversation (Spoken): 5 turns responding to a simulated conversation. 20 seconds per response. Use complete sentences and expand beyond the minimum.
- Cultural Comparison (Spoken): 2-minute spoken comparison between a Spanish-speaking culture and your own. Use specific examples — general statements lose points.
- Interpersonal Writing: Part of email task above.
- Presentational Speaking: Part of cultural comparison above.
Scoring Tips
The argumentative essay is highest-stakes. Cite at least 2 sources by number, state a clear position in your first paragraph, and address counterarguments to earn the highest rubric level. A response that only summarizes sources earns a 2/5 at best.
AP Spanish Language Practice · AP Spanish Study Guide · How to Get a 5 on AP Spanish
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