Minami ’ s Perfect Score : AP Japanese Language and Culture exam
By : Sayo Tanaka
Recently , Minami Watanabe , a 12th grader from slas has recently gotten a perfect score on the AP Japanese Language and Culture exam . Minami says that it covered ” various aspects of the language , including reading , listening , writing , and speaking ” and that it wasn ’ t very difficult . Receiving a perfect score has had a positive impact on her life . Although she “ didn ’ t study much ” her scores show otherwise .
6 | SLAS TIMES
I asked Minami some questions about her , and here is the Q & A :
Q : What are some of your hobbies ? ( e . g .: sports , games , friends ) A : In my free time , I enjoy playing video games , participating in sports , and watching YouTube
Q : How did you study for the test ? A : I didn ' t study much because I ' m Japanese and already familiar with the language . I simply reviewed the test format .
The format is divided into 4 sections , and total , you get 2 hours to complete the whole exam . But each section is timed differently . Each is 25 % of the total exam score .
Q : Was the test hard ? ( in your opinion ) A : I found the reading and listening sections quite easy . However , I did get a bit confused during the speaking and writing sections . For foreign students , I think listening might be the hardest since it only allows a few seconds to answer questions .
Reading and listening section has around 80 questions total , and about 80 minutes to complete . You must identify the main ideas in an audio , determine vocabulary , and infer the implied meaning using context . Speaking and writing section has 4 tasks with 40 minutes to complete . You must read and answer text-chat messages and write a 300-400 word compare and contrast essay . You will have a simulated interpersonal conversation and present your opinion about a Japanese cultural practice or product .