AP Japanese Language and Culture Unit 4: Science and Technology Practice Exam

Assessment for Unit 4: Science and Technology

Estimated Time: 60 minutes

Exam Details

Questions: 34 total (30 multiple choice, 4 short answer)
Time: 60 minutes (recommended)
Topics Covered: Unit 4: Science and Technology
Format: Multiple Choice, Short Answer questions matching real exam difficulty
Scoring: Instant results with detailed explanations

A. Multiple-Choice Questions (30 Questions)

Select the one best answer for each question.

1. [Skill: 1.A.1 | Topic: 4.1] Read the excerpt. テレワークが広がり、オンライン会議やチャットでいつでも連絡が取れるようになりました。その一方で、「家にいるのに仕事が終わらない」「休みの日も通知が気になる」と感じる人も増えています。専門家は、通知を切る時間を決めたり、仕事用と私用の端末を分けたりするなど、意識的に区切りを作ることが大切だと指摘しています。 Which of the following best states the main idea of the excerpt?

(A)Because telework tools make people reachable at any time, workers should set clear boundaries to protect personal time.(B)Online meetings are less efficient than in-person meetings, so telework should be reduced.(C)Most people enjoy receiving work notifications on their days off because it helps them stay informed.(D)The biggest problem with telework is that many people do not have separate devices for work and private life.

2. [Skill: 1.A.2 | Topic: 4.1] Read the same excerpt. テレワークが広がり、オンライン会議やチャットでいつでも連絡が取れるようになりました。その一方で、「家にいるのに仕事が終わらない」「休みの日も通知が気になる」と感じる人も増えています。専門家は、通知を切る時間を決めたり、仕事用と私用の端末を分けたりするなど、意識的に区切りを作ることが大切だと指摘しています。 Which detail from the excerpt best supports the idea that technology can blur the boundary between work and private life?

(A)People report feeling that work does not end even though they are at home, and they worry about notifications on days off.(B)Telework has expanded, and online meetings and chat make it possible to contact someone at any time.(C)Experts recommend deciding on a time to turn off notifications.(D)Experts recommend separating work devices from personal devices.

Refer to the figure below.

3. [Skill: 1.A.1 | Topic: 4.1] Use the information in the graph. A school health committee collected two kinds of data: (1) average daily screen time and (2) the percentage of students reporting eye strain, by grade level. Which of the following best describes the main idea conveyed by the graph?

(A)As average daily screen time increases across grade levels, the percentage of students reporting eye strain also tends to increase.(B)Eye strain decreases as students get older because they become more accustomed to screens.(C)Screen time is highest in the youngest grade levels, but eye strain is highest in the oldest grade levels.(D)There is no apparent relationship between screen time and eye strain across grade levels.

4. [Skill: 1.A.2 | Topic: 4.1] Read the announcement. 市役所は、高齢者の見守りのためにセンサーを使った新しいサービスを始めます。室内の温度や人の動きを確認し、いつもと違う状態が続くと家族に通知が届きます。担当者は「プライバシーへの配慮として、カメラではなくセンサーを使う」と説明しました。 Which of the following details best supports the idea that the service is designed with privacy in mind?

(A)The service checks indoor temperature and human movement.(B)If an unusual situation continues, a notification is sent to the family.(C)The service is being started by the city office.(D)The service uses sensors rather than cameras.

Refer to the figure below.

5. [Skill: 1.A.1 | Topic: 4.2] A school newsletter includes the graph and caption below. [Image Cue]: Bar graph, Title: 「スマホ使用時間と睡眠時間（中学生）」; X-axis: 「1日あたりのスマホ使用時間」 with categories 「1時間未満」「1〜3時間」「3時間以上」; Y-axis: 「平均睡眠時間（時間）」. Data: 1時間未満=8.0, 1〜3時間=7.2, 3時間以上=6.4. Caption (Japanese): 「スマホを長く使うほど、睡眠時間が短くなる傾向が見られました。」 Which of the following best states the main idea of the graph and caption?

(A)As daily smartphone use increases, average sleep time tends to decrease among middle school students.(B)Most middle school students use smartphones for less than 1 hour per day.(C)Middle school students should completely stop using smartphones at night.(D)Sleep time stays about the same regardless of smartphone use time.

Refer to the figure below.

6. [Skill: 1.A.2 | Topic: 4.2] A report about Japan’s energy transition includes the line graph below. [Image Cue]: Line graph, Title: 「日本の発電に占める再生可能エネルギーの割合」; X-axis: Year (2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023); Y-axis: 「割合（％）」. Data points: 2015=14%, 2017=16%, 2019=18%, 2021=22%, 2023=24%. Which statement is best supported by the data?

(A)The share of renewable energy in power generation decreased between 2019 and 2021.(B)The share of renewable energy increased overall from 2015 to 2023, with the largest jump occurring between 2019 and 2021.(C)Renewable energy already accounts for more than half of Japan’s power generation in 2023.(D)The share of renewable energy stayed the same from 2015 to 2019.

7. [Skill: 3.A.1 | Topic: 4.2] Read the excerpt from a Japanese municipal website announcement. Japanese excerpt: 「市役所からのお知らせ：スマートフォンやパソコンから、住民票の写しをオンラインで申請できます。申請にはマイナンバーカードが必要です。手数料はクレジットカードで支払えます。操作が不安な方は、窓口で職員がサポートします。」 Based on the excerpt, who is the intended audience?

(A)Engineers developing new security systems for national ID cards(B)Residents of the city who may need official documents and want to use online services(C)Tourists looking for transportation apps in the city(D)Middle school students applying to high school programs

8. [Skill: 4.A.2 | Topic: 4.2] Read the excerpt from a short report about home technology. Japanese excerpt: 「このエアコンは外出先からでもスマホで操作できます。遠隔で電源を入れておけば、帰宅前に部屋を涼しくできます。電気の無駄を減らすため、使わないときは自動で停止します。」 In this context, what does the word 「遠隔」 most likely mean?

(A)in person, face-to-face(B)from a distance / remotely(C)for free / at no cost(D)by voice only

9. [Skill: 2A | Topic: 4.3] You are messaging a senior student (先輩) in your robotics club on a chat app. Yesterday you asked them to share the sensor data file needed for your report, but you have not received a reply. You want to send a polite follow-up that maintains a good relationship. Chat context: 先輩：昨日のデータ、あとで送るね。（翌日になっても届いていない） Which message is the most appropriate follow-up to send?

(A)まだ？早く送って。(B)昨日お願いしていたデータの件ですが、お忙しいところ恐縮ですが、可能でしたら本日中にお送りいただけますでしょうか。(C)データ送るって言ったよね？忘れた？(D)昨日のデータ、いらないことにした。

10. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 4.3] Read the following chat message from your classmate about meeting online to work on a science project. クラスメート：ごめん、今日はちょっと厳しいかも。実験レポートが終わらなくて…。明日の朝なら少し時間あるよ。 What does the classmate’s message most strongly imply?

(A)They can definitely meet today, but only for a short time.(B)They are likely unable to meet today and are suggesting an alternative time.(C)They do not want to work with you anymore and are ending the project.(D)They are asking you to finish the report for them.

11. [Skill: 2A | Topic: 4.3] You need to message your teacher (先生) through the school’s learning platform to request a deadline extension for submitting a technology-related presentation file. You want to be clear, polite, and appropriately formal. Which message is MOST appropriate to send to your teacher?

(A)先生、提出遅れます。期限のばして。(B)すみません！ファイル今日ムリなんで、明日でいいっすか？(C)お世話になっております。提出ファイルについてお願いがございます。機器の不具合で本日中の提出が難しいため、提出期限を明日まで延長していただくことは可能でしょうか。ご確認のほど、よろしくお願いいたします。(D)提出できないので、発表なしでお願いします。

12. [Skill: 2A | Topic: 4.3] You are coordinating with a community volunteer group in Japan during a severe weather event. A group leader sends a message about a disaster-alert app (technology used for safety). You want to respond promptly, provide relevant information, and ask for clarification politely. リーダー：避難情報アプリ、もう入れた？入れたら設定画面のスクショ送って！ Which reply is BEST?

(A)今から入れる。あとで送る。(B)入れたけど、スクショって何？(C)はい、先ほどインストールしました。設定画面のスクリーンショットをお送りすればよろしいでしょうか。どの項目（通知設定など）を確認したいかも教えていただけますか。(D)無理。忙しいから後で。

13. 1. [Skill: 2B | Topic: 4.4] You are speaking with a store clerk about a new smartphone plan. Read the dialogue. 店員：このプランだと、データ通信量が多い方でも、月々の料金を「さくげん」できますよ。あなた：＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ Which option best uses an appropriate clarification strategy and polite register to keep the conversation going?

(A)すみません、「さくげん」ってどういう意味ですか。(B)え？何それ。わかんないんだけど。(C)「さくげん」じゃなくて「さつげん」ですよね？(D)はい、たぶんわかりました。次お願いします。

14. 2. [Skill: 2B | Topic: 4.4] Read the excerpt from a conversation about using an app to track electricity usage. A：アプリで毎日の電気使用量が見えるようになって、節電しやすくなったよ。 B：へえ、便利だね。どんなふうに？ A：たとえば、夜のエアコンの使用が一番多いって分かって…あ、違う。正確には、＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿。 Which option best completes A’s self-correction in a way that is clear, cohesive, and accurate?

(A)夜だけエアコンを使わないようにしろってこと(B)エアコンが一番多いから、アプリが悪いってこと(C)夜が特に多い日もあるって分かって、設定温度を少し上げるようにしたんだ(D)エアコンは使うなって言われた気がする

15. 3. [Skill: 2A | Topic: 4.4] You are writing to a Japanese host family about a school project related to science and technology. Read the email from your host mother. ホストマザーのメール：「理科のプロジェクト、順調？もし何か手伝えることがあったら言ってね。ところで、最近は災害のときにスマホのアラートが役に立つって聞くけど、本当に便利なの？」 Which response best (1) maintains the exchange, (2) answers the question with relevant supporting detail, and (3) uses an appropriate polite register?

(A)うん、便利だよ。じゃ、また。(B)はい、おかげさまで順調です。災害アラートはとても役に立つと思います。たとえば、地震や大雨のときに早めに通知が来るので、避難の準備や家族への連絡がしやすくなります。(C)アラートとかマジで鳴るとうるさいし、正直いらないっす。だからオフにしてる。(D)災害はこわいです。スマホはたかいです。プロジェクトは明日します。

16. 4. [Skill: 2B | Topic: 4.4] A classmate explains a concern about AI translation. 友だち：AI翻訳って便利だけど、文脈とか敬語のニュアンスがうまく出ないことがあるんだよね。あなた：＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ Which response best confirms understanding using a culturally authentic expression and supports maintaining the conversation?

(A)なるほど。つまり、言葉の意味は合っていても、丁寧さや状況に合った言い方までは正確じゃないことがあるってことだよね？(B)それは違うよ。AIはいつも正しいから。(C)敬語って何？説明しないで。(D)まあいいや。次の話しよう。

17. [Skill: 1B | Topic: 4.5] Read the excerpt. Japanese text (news brief): 「気象庁と大学の研究チームは、AIを使って台風の進路をより正確に予測するシステムを開発した。避難のタイミングが早まり、被害を減らせる一方、地方では高齢者がアプリを使いこなせず情報格差が問題になっている。」 Which of the following best explains how the information connects to the target culture or an interdisciplinary phenomenon in a compare-and-contrast discussion?

(A)It shows how Japan uses advanced technology to address climate-related disasters, while also revealing a digital divide that may be sharper in aging rural communities than in many other places.(B)It suggests that Japan has no need for evacuation planning because AI predictions completely eliminate typhoon damage.(C)It focuses mainly on entertainment technology in Japan, which is unrelated to climate or society.(D)It indicates that Japanese people prefer foreign apps, so Japanese culture is becoming less distinct.

18. [Skill: 3B | Topic: 4.5] You are writing a compare-and-contrast essay about technology and society. Source A (Japanese opinion column): 「キャッシュレス化が進むと、現金を持たない安心感がある一方で、購入履歴が残ることへの不安も大きい。」 Source B (English blog post): “Cashless payments are convenient, but I worry companies track everything I buy. Still, most of my friends say convenience matters more than privacy.” Which thesis statement best establishes a clear basis for comparison and sets up a logical structure for the essay?

(A)Cashless payments are popular everywhere, and people should use them more.(B)Japan and my community both value the convenience of cashless payments, but they differ in how strongly people express concerns about data privacy and who is expected to adapt (e.g., older users), which I will compare by discussing benefits first and privacy/social impact second.(C)Japan has better technology than other countries because cashless payments are common there.(D)I will talk about Japan, then I will talk about my community, and then I will conclude.

19. [Skill: 3B | Topic: 4.5] Choose the best set of cohesive devices to complete the paragraph for clear compare-and-contrast structure. Paragraph (Japanese): 「日本では、オンライン診療が広がりつつある。____、通院が難しい人にとっては時間と交通費を節約できる。____、対面のほうが安心だと感じる人もいて、特に高齢者は利用に消極的なことがある。____、両方の長所を生かすために、状況に応じて使い分ける必要がある。」 Which option best fills the blanks (in order) to show (1) example/benefit, (2) contrast, and (3) conclusion/implication?

(A)たとえば／一方で／したがって(B)しかし／そのため／たとえば(C)それに比べて／つまり／ところが(D)まず／そして／けれども

Refer to the figure below.

20. [Skill: 1B | Topic: 4.5] [Image Cue]: Bar graph, "Delivery Drone Use for Packages (Trial Programs)", X-axis: Region type (Urban, Rural), Y-axis: Percent of residents who used drone delivery at least once in the past year. Data: Japan-Urban 12%, Japan-Rural 28%, Other Country-Urban 20%, Other Country-Rural 10%. Key trend: Japan shows higher rural usage than urban; the other country shows the opposite pattern. Based on the graph, which claim would be the strongest and most culturally/interdisciplinarily grounded for a compare-and-contrast discussion about science/technology and society?

(A)Japan’s rural areas may adopt drone delivery more because transportation and access challenges (e.g., distance, aging populations) create stronger demand for new delivery technology than in cities, while another country’s pattern suggests different infrastructure or consumer needs.(B)Urban residents in every country always use new technology more than rural residents.(C)Drone delivery is unpopular in Japan because the Japan-Urban percentage is not the highest bar on the graph.(D)The graph proves that drone delivery is safer in Japan than in other countries.

21. [Skill: 3B | Topic: 4.6] A student is preparing the AP Japanese Cultural Comparison (Presentational Speaking) about how technology affects daily life in Japan and in the student’s own community. The student drafts the timing plan below for a 2-minute response. Planned timing (total 120 seconds): - 0–20 sec: Greeting + topic - 20–95 sec: Japan examples (smartphone payments, train apps) - 95–115 sec: Own community examples - 115–120 sec: Closing Which revision BEST improves organization and timing to meet the task requirements (clear intro, balanced comparison, and conclusion)?

(A)Reduce the introduction to about 10 seconds and use the extra time to add more details about Japan.(B)Shift time so that Japan and the student’s community each receive about the same amount of development time, and reserve about 10 seconds for a clear concluding comparison.(C)Keep the timing plan but speak faster during the Japan section so the student can fit everything in.(D)Remove the conclusion entirely and use the time to add one more example from the student’s community.

22. [Skill: 3B | Topic: 4.6] A student wants a culturally appropriate, formal sentence to use in a Cultural Comparison about the effects of technology on self and society (for example, smartphone use). Which sentence is MOST appropriate in register and uses culturally authentic phrasing for a presentational speaking response?

(A)日本ではスマホがやばいぐらい必要で、みんなそれなしじゃムリだと思います。(B)日本ではスマートフォンに頼りすぎる人も増えている一方で、便利さのおかげで生活が効率的になっている面もあります。(C)日本はスマホを使うから、便利で、私の町も便利で、同じです。(D)日本ではスマートフォンを使ってるんで、便利っすけど、問題もあるっす。

23. [Skill: 3B | Topic: 4.6] During a Cultural Comparison, a student forgets the Japanese term 再生可能エネルギー (renewable energy) but wants to keep speaking smoothly and clearly. Which strategy BEST demonstrates effective circumlocution/paraphrasing to maintain the presentation?

(A)Say: 「えーと、再生…わかりません。次に行きます。」 and immediately change the topic.(B)Say: 「太陽や風などを使って、何回でも作れる電気のことです」 and continue with the comparison.(C)Stop speaking for several seconds to try to remember the exact word before continuing.(D)Switch to English and say: “renewable energy,” then continue in Japanese.

24. [Skill: 4A | Topic: 4.6] Read the stimulus about a technology-related product/practice in Japan. Stimulus (adapted informational excerpt): “In some parts of Japan, local governments encourage residents to use smartphone apps for disaster alerts (earthquakes, typhoons) and evacuation information. These alerts can be faster than TV or radio, but some people worry about how much personal data apps collect.” Which thesis statement would BEST set up a strong Cultural Comparison (Japan vs. the student’s community) with clear points to develop in a 2-minute presentation?

(A)Japan has disaster alert apps, and my community also has apps, so technology is popular in both places.(B)Disaster alert technology is different in every country, and Japan is one example of that.(C)In Japan, disaster alert apps show how technology can protect people quickly, but they also raise privacy concerns; compared with my community, the balance between safety and personal data is handled differently based on local expectations and trust in institutions.(D)Disaster alert apps are good because they are fast, and privacy is not an important issue during emergencies.

Refer to the figure below.

25. [Skill: 8.C.1 | Topic: 4.7] [Image Cue]: Bar graph, "Average commute time after introducing AI traffic signals". X-axis: "Before" and "After". Y-axis: "Average commute time (minutes)". Data: Before = 45, After = 35. Key trend: commute time decreases by 10 minutes after implementation. A student is writing an explanation about how AI-based traffic signals affect society and the environment. Read the excerpt and choose the best phrase to fill in the blank so that the explanation is logically cohesive. Excerpt (Japanese): 市は、AIで交通量のデータを分析し、信号の長さを自動で調整するシステムを導入した。グラフのとおり、平均通勤時間が短くなった。＿＿＿、車のアイドリング時間が減り、排気ガスも少なくなると考えられる。 Which option best completes the blank?

(A)その結果(B)それでも(C)ところで(D)つまり

26. [Skill: 8.C.4 | Topic: 4.7] A student is revising a sentence about renewable energy to follow standard written conventions and appropriate writing systems (hiragana/katakana/kanji). Which sentence is written most appropriately in standard Japanese orthography? Choose the best option.

(A)ソーラーえねるぎーを使うと、二酸化炭素がへる。(B)ソーラーエネルギーを使うと、二酸化炭素が減る。(C)ソーラーエネルギを使うと、二酸化炭素が減る。(D)ソウラーエネルギーを使うと、二酸化炭素が減る。

27. [Skill: 8.D.2 | Topic: 4.7] A student is writing a paragraph that explains a technology trend in Japan and compares it with another culture, using an appropriate connector and a concrete example. Read the paragraph and choose the best sentence to add next. Paragraph (Japanese): 日本では、コンビニでもスマホ決済が広まっている。便利だが、個人情報の管理が課題だ。 Which option best adds a comparison with another culture AND supports the idea with an example?

(A)一方、私の住む国では現金がまだ主流で、例えば小さな店ではカードが使えないことが多い。(B)だから、コンビニはとても便利だ。(C)しかし、スマホを持っていない人もいる。(D)つまり、日本の文化はすばらしい。

28. **1. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 4.8]** Read the following excerpt from a Japanese travel blog. > 最近、外国人旅行者が増えてきたので、移動のストレスを減らす工夫が大事です。私はスマホの乗換案内アプリを使って、電車の時間だけでなく、ホームの番号まで確認します。それから、ICカードに多めにチャージしておくと、切符を買う列に並ばなくてすみます。新幹線は事前にネット予約すると、座席が確保できて安心です。 Which of the following best describes the main purpose of the excerpt?

(A)To recommend practical ways to make travel within Japan smoother by using technology(B)To argue that train travel in Japan has become too difficult because of tourists(C)To explain why paper tickets are safer than IC cards for visitors(D)To advertise a specific smartphone brand that Japanese travelers prefer

Refer to the figure below.

29. **2. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 4.8]** [Image Cue]: Bar chart, "How Japanese High School Students Spend Their Daily Screen Time (Weekdays)", x-axis categories: Streaming video, Mobile games, Social media, Online study; y-axis: minutes per day; two bars per category (2019 vs 2024). Data points (minutes): Streaming 2019=40, 2024=65; Games 2019=35, 2024=30; Social media 2019=50, 2024=75; Online study 2019=15, 2024=35. Key trends: streaming and social media increase; online study increases; gaming slightly decreases. Based on the chart, which conclusion is best supported?

(A)From 2019 to 2024, students increased screen time mainly in streaming video and social media, suggesting a shift in entertainment and communication habits(B)From 2019 to 2024, students reduced total screen time because online study replaced entertainment(C)From 2019 to 2024, students spent the most time on mobile games, showing gaming is the dominant form of pop culture(D)From 2019 to 2024, students stopped using social media and switched primarily to offline leisure activities

30. **3. [Skill: 1B | Topic: 4.8]** Read the following excerpt from a radio interview transcript about new technology at airports. > 司会：最近、空港で顔認証システムが広がっていますね。 > > ゲスト：便利なのは確かですが、私は心配もあります。顔のデータは一度流出したら変更できません。それに、どの国の企業がデータを管理するのか、透明性が足りない場合もあります。安全のためと言われても、利用者が同意する仕組みや、データをいつ削除するのかをはっきりさせるべきです。 Which concern is the guest emphasizing most strongly?

(A)Facial data is highly sensitive, and users need clear consent and transparency about data management and deletion(B)Facial recognition slows down airport procedures compared with manual passport checks(C)Tourists are unlikely to use airports if ticket prices increase(D)Airports should completely ban all digital technology to protect national culture

B. Short Answer Questions (4 Questions)

Answer all parts of each question. Answers must be in essay form. Outlines or lists alone are not acceptable.

Question 31:

Question 32:

Question 33:

Question 34:

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