spanish lit vs. spanish language

kyledavid80
Tue, 13 Nov 2007 21:16:19 +0000

Preparation for the language exam includes the four basic modes of language: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. There’s an emphasis on grammar and vocabulary development. Preparation for the lit exam has an emphasis on analytical reading and composition. For the lit exam, there is no speaking or listening; it’s much like AP English lit, except in Spanish – you read passages and answer questions, you write an essay on a poem given to you, you write an essay on theme from the required reading list, and you write short answers on open-ended questions from the reading list *or *another essay on critical commentary from the reading list. Language skills are still important, though, as they account for 30% of the essay score.

It wouldn’t be easy to study for and pass lit by preparing for language. The lit curriculum has over 60 required works for reading, and to get through these (not to mention to develop your skills in composition) requires a mastery of the language. I would recommend doing these only if you have a propensity for language and can get by easily. If it’s something you have to work at a lot, it might not be the best idea to do both at once.