AP Japanese Scores?

anniemac
Tue, 13 Jul 2010 23:52:34 +0000

Oh and response to jerrry:

I used “Yookoso: Continuing Japanese” in class. We didn’t even finish it because our class was way too slow O-o I also used Essential Kanji by PG O’Neill as a dictionary.

I’d say if you understand all the grammar and 70-80% of the vocab on there. You’re set. Just make sure to practice compare and contrast writing prompts, etc.

I felt really crappy about speaking portion, but I felt awesome about listening, writing and reading. KNOW KANJI IT HELPS EVERYTHING IN LIFE. Learning kanji can also help you figure out 熟語 that you may not know, but you may know a few of the kanji that they are comprised of.

Also… practicing essays is key. Know how to transition your thoughts, and type fluidly (as in, be able to communicate your ideas through writing in Japanese without having to think TOO much about how to construct your sentences,etc.)

I think the essay was only about 500 characters… but you have to make them count. Don’t stray from the topic, and try to use advanced vocabulary that is “above and beyond” basic Japanese for the 5. Also, all of these skills used in the essay portion can be very helpful in the spoken presentation: quick outlining, staying to the topic, advanced vocab, etc.

I mean, really, 70% of my Japanese education was either self-study, or experiential. The best way to learn a language is at your own pace … So be prepared to study outside of class if you want to get the 5…