AP Japanese Language and Culture Unit 5: Contemporary Life Practice Exam

Assessment for Unit 5: Contemporary Life

Estimated Time: 60 minutes

Exam Details

Questions: 34 total (30 multiple choice, 4 short answer)
Time: 60 minutes (recommended)
Topics Covered: Unit 5: Contemporary Life
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: 5.1] Stimulus (excerpt from a student blog post about education and careers): "I used to think getting a job offer before graduation was the only ‘safe’ path. But after taking online classes and joining a remote internship, I realized I can explore different fields without moving to Tokyo. Some of my friends are anxious because companies still value in-person networking, but more workplaces are starting to judge applicants by portfolios and skills. For me, the biggest change is that I’m planning my future by building experience step by step, not by chasing one perfect company right away." Which of the following best states the main idea of the excerpt?

(A)The writer argues that remote learning and internships are allowing students to plan careers more flexibly by focusing on skill-building rather than only traditional hiring paths.(B)The writer claims that companies in Tokyo no longer care about in-person networking and will hire anyone with online classes.(C)The writer explains that moving to Tokyo is necessary because remote internships do not provide real experience.(D)The writer suggests that students should avoid internships until after they receive a job offer.

2. [Skill: 1.A.2 | Topic: 5.1] Stimulus (community flyer about volunteerism): "Weekend River Cleanup—Volunteers Needed! Goal: Reduce plastic waste and make the riverside safer for children and pets. Schedule: Saturday 9:00–11:30. What we provide: gloves, trash bags, and a short safety briefing. What to bring: reusable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Bonus: Participants will receive a free reusable shopping bag with the project logo. Note: Families are welcome; children must stay with an adult." Which detail from the flyer most directly supports the stated goal of making the riverside safer for children and pets?

(A)The event is scheduled for Saturday from 9:00–11:30.(B)Volunteers will receive a free reusable shopping bag with the project logo.(C)The organizers will provide gloves, trash bags, and a short safety briefing.(D)Participants are asked to bring a reusable water bottle and comfortable shoes.

Refer to the figure below.

3. [Skill: 1.A.1 | Topic: 5.1] [Image Cue]: Bar chart, "Average Weekly Hours by Living Situation (University Students)", two groups (Live with family, Live alone). Categories on x-axis: Commuting, Part-time job, Studying, Housework. Y-axis: Hours per week (0–20). Data: Live with family—Commuting 10, Part-time job 8, Studying 12, Housework 3. Live alone—Commuting 6, Part-time job 8, Studying 11, Housework 9. Key trend: living alone shows much higher housework hours and slightly lower commuting; studying and part-time job are similar. Which of the following best summarizes the main idea conveyed by the chart?

(A)Students who live alone spend far more time on housework and somewhat less time commuting, while study time and part-time job hours are similar across both groups.(B)Students who live with family spend more time on housework because family responsibilities increase at home.(C)Students who live alone study significantly more because they have no family distractions.(D)Commuting is the largest time commitment for both groups, making it impossible for students to work part-time.

4. [Skill: 1.A.2 | Topic: 5.1] Stimulus (text-message exchange about relationships and contemporary work life): Aki: "I finally got promoted, but I’m getting home after 10 p.m. most days." Ken: "Congrats! Are you still coming to the group dinner on Friday?" Aki: "Honestly, I’ve been canceling plans a lot. My partner says we hardly talk anymore." Ken: "That sounds rough. Are you thinking about changing teams?" Aki: "Maybe. I like the work, but I don’t want to lose the people close to me." Which detail best supports the idea that Aki’s work schedule is negatively affecting personal relationships?

(A)Aki says they finally got promoted.(B)Ken congratulates Aki and asks about a group dinner on Friday.(C)Aki says they have been canceling plans a lot and that their partner says they hardly talk anymore.(D)Aki says they like the work.

5. [Skill: 1.A.1 | Topic: 5.2] Read the passage. 大学のキャリアセンターのウェブサイトより：「最近、『卒業してからすぐに就職する』以外の選択をする学生が増えています。たとえば、1年間の休学をしてインターンシップに参加したり、国内外でボランティアをしたりして、自分の価値観や将来の方向性を見つけようとする人がいます。就活の前に社会経験を積むことで、志望動機が明確になり、面接でも具体的に話せるようになるという声もあります。一方で、計画がないまま時間だけが過ぎると、不安が大きくなる場合もあります。」 Which of the following best states the main idea of the passage?

(A)More students are exploring alternatives to immediate employment after graduation, which can be beneficial if planned well.(B)Volunteering overseas is the best way to succeed in job interviews.(C)Taking time off from school usually causes students to fail at job hunting.(D)Career centers discourage students from doing internships before job hunting.

6. [Skill: 1.A.2 | Topic: 5.2] Read the message. 地域センターの案内メール：「今週末、台風の影響で増えたごみを片づけるボランティアを行います。集合は土曜日の午前9時、駅前の広場です。軍手と飲み物は各自で用意してください。作業は2時間程度を予定しています。雨の場合は安全のため中止し、その場合は当日の朝8時までにメールで連絡します。参加できる方は金曜日の18時までに返信してください。」 According to the message, what should participants bring?

(A)A raincoat and a map of the neighborhood(B)Work gloves and something to drink(C)A trash bag provided by the center(D)A signed permission form to submit at the station

7. [Skill: 3.A.1 | Topic: 5.2] Read the poster text. 社内ポスター：「在宅勤務が増え、運動不足や睡眠の乱れを感じていませんか。来月から、昼休みにオンラインで参加できる『10分ストレッチ』を始めます。カメラOFFでもOK。参加費無料。水曜と金曜の12:20から。続けやすい習慣で、心と体を整えましょう。申し込みは社内ポータルへ。」 Who is the intended audience of this poster?

(A)Students who want to improve their performance in school sports teams(B)Company employees who have been working from home and want an easy wellness routine(C)Professional athletes preparing for a national competition(D)Tourists looking for short fitness events while traveling in Japan

8. [Skill: 4.A.2 | Topic: 5.2] Read the excerpt. ニュース記事より：「都市部では家賃が高く、広い部屋を借りるのが難しいため、最近は『シェアハウス』を選ぶ社会人も増えている。キッチンやリビングは共同で使うが、個室がある物件も多い。住人同士で家事のルールを決めたり、仕事の相談をしたりして、ひとり暮らしにはない安心感が得られるという。一方で、生活リズムの違いからストレスを感じる人もいる。」 Based on context, what does 「共同で」 most likely mean?

(A)Individually, without sharing(B)Together, shared among people(C)Temporarily, for a short time(D)Secretly, without telling others

9. [Skill: 5.A | Topic: 5.3] A student receives the following text chat message from a professor. Professor: 明日のゼミは10時からです。資料は事前に読んでおいてください。 Student: 了解です！じゃ、また明日〜 Which of the following rewrites best fits Japanese text chat etiquette for communicating with a professor (appropriate register, politeness, and closing)?

(A)承知いたしました。資料を拝読いたします。明日よろしくお願いいたします。(B)りょ！資料読んどくね。明日よろしく！(C)了解っす。資料読んでおきます。じゃあ。(D)分かった。資料読んでおく。明日ね。

10. [Skill: 4.A | Topic: 5.3] Read the text chat excerpt. Friend: 今日の打ち上げ、7時に駅前ね。遅れそうなら連絡して！ You: りょ！もし遅れたらLINEする〜🙏 Based on context, what does「りょ」most likely mean?

(A)了解（わかった）(B)旅行（トリップ）(C)料金（お金）(D)両親（父と母）

11. [Skill: 5.A | Topic: 5.3] You are in a part-time job group chat. Your manager sends: 店長: 急で申し訳ないですが、明日9時から出られる方いますか？ You are available and want to respond appropriately in text chat. Which reply is best (polite, clear, and culturally appropriate for a manager)?

(A)明日9時から入れます。必要でしたら出勤いたします。よろしくお願いいたします。(B)いける！9時から出るね👍(C)明日9時は無理っす。誰か出て〜(D)行けますけど、なんで急なんですか？

12. [Skill: 5.A | Topic: 5.3] A coworker sends a long message at 23:45 in a workplace chat: 同僚: 明日の会議の資料、確認しておいてください。あと、質問が2点あります。1つ目…（長文） The next morning, you see this response from another coworker: 別の同僚: 昨夜は遅い時間に失礼しました。確認しました。 Which choice best explains why the next-morning response is considered appropriate Japanese text chat etiquette in many professional contexts?

(A)It acknowledges the late hour with an apology and replies during normal hours while maintaining a polite tone.(B)It is appropriate because long messages should generally be sent late at night to avoid interrupting work time.(C)It is appropriate because casual language is preferred in workplace chats to reduce hierarchy.(D)It is appropriate because the best professional reply is to send only a stamp (スタンプ) and avoid written confirmation.

13. [Skill: 2B | Topic: 5.4] In a guided conversation, your Japanese friend says: 「最近、就活がうまくいかなくて、正直すごく不安なんだ。」 Which response best shows perspective-taking and empathy while keeping an appropriate, supportive tone?

(A)大変だったね。よかったら、どんなところが一番不安なのか教えてくれる？一緒に考えよう。(B)気にしすぎだよ。すぐ決まるって。(C)それよりさ、今度の映画行かない？(D)就活なんて簡単だよ。ちゃんと準備してないからじゃない？

14. [Skill: 2A | Topic: 5.4] You are writing an email to your professor in Japan. You missed class because you were sick and want to request a one-day extension for a report. Which sentence is the most appropriate in register and phrasing for this context?

(A)レポート、明日出してもいいですか？お願いします。(B)体調不良のため、提出期限を一日延ばしていただくことは可能でしょうか。ご迷惑をおかけして申し訳ございません。(C)病気だから無理です。期限延長して。(D)提出できないので、あなたが代わりに書いてください。

15. [Skill: 2B | Topic: 5.4] You are speaking about lifestyle changes and work-life balance: 「テレワークは通勤時間が減って便利です。____、家だと仕事と休みの切り替えが難しいです。」 Which transitional expression best completes the sentence to create a cohesive contrast?

(A)だから(B)しかし(C)それで(D)たとえば

16. [Skill: 6.A.3 | Topic: 5.4] Read the following dialogue snippet between two students regarding a career and lifestyle choice: Student A: "I really want to study traditional Japanese pottery in a small village after graduation, but my parents think I should go to a business school in Tokyo so I can get a stable job." Student B: "It’s understandable that your parents are worried about your financial stability in the future. However, mastering a traditional craft is a rare and valuable pursuit that could lead to a very fulfilling life. Have you tried explaining to them how this path connects to your long-term goals?" Which of the following best describes Student B’s use of 'perspective and empathy' in this conversation?

(A)Student B prioritizes the parents' perspective to help Student A maintain social harmony.(B)Student B acknowledges the parents' concerns while encouraging Student A to consider the intrinsic value of their own choice.(C)Student B suggests that Student A should ignore their parents' advice because it is outdated.(D)Student B uses circumlocution to avoid taking a side in the conflict between Student A and their parents.

17. [Skill: 2A | Topic: 5.5] **Stimulus (Source A: blog post excerpt, Japan)** > 最近、週3回テレワークになって、通勤時間が減りました。その分、朝は家で朝ごはんを作れるし、夕方は子どもの送り迎えもできます。ただ、同僚と雑談する機会が減って、仕事の相談がしにくい時もあります。 **Stimulus (Source B: company survey results, Japan)** > 社員アンケート（n=800） > ・「今後もテレワークを続けたい」：62% > ・「出社中心がよい」：21% > ・「どちらでもよい」：17% > > 主な理由（複数回答） > ・通勤の負担が減る：70% > ・家庭の時間が増える：55% > ・相談・連携が難しい：38% **Question:** Which option best explains how the information from Source A connects to the broader trend shown in Source B in the context of contemporary life in Japan?

(A)Source A illustrates personal lifestyle benefits and communication drawbacks that match the survey’s top reasons for wanting telework (less commuting, more family time) and a common concern (harder collaboration).(B)Source A contradicts Source B because the blogger prefers telework, while the survey shows that most employees prefer to work primarily in the office.(C)Source A focuses only on childcare, so it cannot be connected to Source B, which is about commuting and productivity rather than family life.(D)Source A proves that telework always weakens workplace relationships in Japan, which explains why most employees in Source B do not want telework to continue.

18. [Skill: 2B | Topic: 5.5] **Stimulus (Source A: short article excerpt, Japan)** > 少子高齢化が進む中、地域の祭りや清掃活動の担い手が足りないという声が増えている。一方で、定年後に「社会とつながりたい」と考え、ボランティアを始める人も多い。 **Stimulus (Source B: data table, Japan)** > 年代別ボランティア参加率（過去1年） > ・18〜29歳：11% > ・30〜49歳：16% > ・50〜64歳：23% > ・65歳以上：29% **Question:** Which conclusion is best supported by integrating Source A and Source B about population demographics and social participation in Japan?

(A)As Japan ages, older adults participate in volunteer activities at higher rates, but communities may still face shortages because overall demand for local support is growing and younger participation is relatively low.(B)Because older adults volunteer more than young adults, Japan’s local festivals and cleanup activities no longer face any labor shortages.(C)The data show that younger people volunteer the most, which supports the article’s claim that retirees are not interested in social connection.(D)The article argues that population change has no effect on volunteerism, and the table confirms that volunteer rates are identical across all age groups.

19. [Skill: 2A | Topic: 5.5] **Stimulus (Source A: infographic text, Japan)** > スマホの健康アプリ利用（週1回以上） > ・中学生：34% > ・高校生：48% > ・大学生：52% > > 利用目的（上位） > ・歩数・運動量の記録 > ・睡眠の記録 > ・食事の管理 **Stimulus (Source B: radio segment transcript excerpt, Japan)** > 看護師： > 「ウェアラブル端末で心拍数や睡眠を見える化すると、生活習慣を見直すきっかけになります。でも、データの扱い方を理解しないまま共有してしまうと、プライバシーの問題も出てきます。」 **Question:** Which statement best explains how Source B adds an important perspective to the trend shown in Source A regarding science and technology and health in Japan?

(A)Source B complements Source A by explaining that increased use of health apps can support healthier habits, while also raising concerns about privacy and responsible data sharing.(B)Source B contradicts Source A by stating that teenagers in Japan do not use technology for health purposes, so the infographic’s percentages must be unreliable.(C)Source B shows that health apps are only used by older adults, which explains why usage is highest among middle school students in the infographic.(D)Source B proves that wearable devices always improve health outcomes, so the infographic does not need to show different purposes of app usage.

20. [Skill: 2B | Topic: 5.5] **Stimulus (Source A: magazine commentary excerpt, Japan)** > 近年、ジェンダーレスファッションが広がり、性別にとらわれないデザインが増えている。着る人の「らしさ」を大切にし、学校や職場でも少しずつ受け入れられ始めた。 **Stimulus (Source B: store sales data, Japan)** > あるアパレル店の売上構成比（%） > ・2021年：メンズ 46 / レディース 54 / ジェンダーレス 0 > ・2023年：メンズ 40 / レディース 50 / ジェンダーレス 10 > ・2025年：メンズ 37 / レディース 48 / ジェンダーレス 15 **Question:** Which comparison is most accurate when integrating Source A and Source B about beauty and aesthetics in contemporary Japan?

(A)Both sources suggest growing acceptance of genderless fashion: Source A describes a cultural shift in attitudes, and Source B shows a rising sales share for genderless items over time.(B)Source A argues that genderless fashion is declining, and Source B confirms this because the genderless category drops from 2023 to 2025.(C)Source A focuses on strict gender roles in clothing, while Source B shows that only women buy genderless items, so the trend is limited to one group.(D)Source A and Source B indicate that genderless fashion has replaced all other categories in Japan, since the 2025 data show genderless items at 50% of sales.

21. [Skill: 2A | Topic: 5.6] Read the Japanese blog excerpt. 「最近、残業が多い会社から転職して、週3回リモートワークになった。通勤のストレスは減ったけど、上司から夜にメッセージが来ることもあって、仕事とプライベートの境目がまだあいまいだと思う。アメリカに住んでいる友だちは『5時に終わって家族と夕食』が普通だと言っていた。」 Which statement best reflects a cultural comparison suggested by the excerpt?

(A)In Japan, remote work is impossible because companies do not use technology, while in the United States most people always work remotely.(B)The excerpt suggests that work-life boundaries may still be less clearly separated in Japan than in the United States, even when remote work becomes more common.(C)The excerpt suggests that Americans work longer hours than Japanese workers, but they complain less about it.(D)The excerpt suggests that Japanese people do not value family dinners, while Americans always eat together every day.

22. [Skill: 2B | Topic: 5.6] Read the excerpt from a career guidance handout. 「就活では、早めに準備を始めることが大切です。内定をもらっても油断せず、卒業まで学び続けましょう。」 In this context, what does 「内定」 most closely mean?

(A)A final resignation notice submitted to a company(B)A guaranteed promotion after one year of work(C)An informal job offer decision made before graduation (a pre-employment offer)(D)A certificate showing completion of job training provided by the government

Refer to the figure below.

23. [Skill: 2C | Topic: 5.6] A teacher is preparing a cultural comparison about volunteerism among high school students in Japan and the United States. [Image Cue]: Bar charts, "High School Volunteerism: Japan vs. U.S."; Chart 1 (Participation Rate): Japan 25%, U.S. 60%. Chart 2 (Main Motivation among those who volunteer): Japan—School requirement 55%, Personal interest 25%, Community values 20%; U.S.—School requirement 30%, Personal interest 25%, Community values 45%. Which inference is best supported by the data for a cultural comparison?

(A)Volunteerism is equally common in both countries, but Japanese students volunteer more hours each time.(B)Volunteer participation is higher in the United States, and Japanese student volunteerism is more strongly linked to school requirements.(C)Japanese students are more motivated by community values than U.S. students, even though fewer Japanese students volunteer.(D)U.S. students volunteer mainly because they are forced by schools, while Japanese students volunteer mainly for personal interest.

24. [Skill: 3A | Topic: 5.6] A student is planning a presentational cultural comparison on "school dress and self-expression" in Japan and the United States. Which thesis statement is the most effective for an AP Japanese cultural comparison (clear scope, includes similarity and difference, and avoids stereotypes)?

(A)Japanese students all wear uniforms, so they cannot express themselves, but American students always express themselves through fashion.(B)School clothing rules exist in both Japan and the United States, but Japan’s uniform practices and the perspectives behind them (group harmony and school identity) often differ from U.S. practices such as varied dress codes that emphasize individual choice.(C)Uniforms are bad because they limit creativity, and schools should remove them everywhere to improve student happiness.(D)Japanese fashion is more advanced than American fashion, so Japanese schools naturally have stricter clothing rules.

25. **1.** [Skill: 8.C.1 | Topic: 5.7] Read the email excerpt below. > 〇〇ボランティアセンター御中 > > 初めまして。私は△△高校の二年生の田中です。私は学校で福祉について学んでいます。＿＿＿、地域の子ども食堂でボランティアをさせていただきたいと考えております。 > > ご検討のほど、よろしくお願いいたします。 Which option best completes the blank to create a logical, cohesive connection between the sentences?

(A)そのため(B)ところで(C)しかし(D)それに

26. **2.** [Skill: 8.E.1 | Topic: 5.7] A school health poster includes the sentence below. > ストレスをためこまないために、十分な＿＿＿をとりましょう。 Which option best completes the blank using an appropriate Japanese writing system and standard written conventions for a school poster?

(A)休み(B)やすみ(C)ヤスミ(D)休

27. **3.** [Skill: 8.D.2 | Topic: 5.7] Read the draft of a student’s presentational writing assignment. > 日本では就職活動の時期に、多くの学生が黒いスーツを着ます。服装は礼儀やまじめさを表す大切な要素だと言われています。 > > （　　） Which sentence best completes the paragraph by making a clear cultural comparison (Japan vs. the student’s culture) while maintaining an appropriate, explanatory tone?

(A)一方、私の国では面接でも色やデザインが自由なことが多いので、服装で個性を表しやすいです。(B)私の国でも黒いスーツを着ます。黒いスーツはかっこいいです。(C)だから、日本の学生は黒いスーツを着るべきではありません。古いと思います。(D)ところで、週末は友だちと映画を見に行きます。スーツはあまり着ません。

28. [Skill: 2A | Topic: 5.8] Read the excerpt from a Japanese blog about science and technology. 「最近、スマートウォッチを使う人が増えています。歩数や心拍数だけでなく、睡眠の質も記録できるので、健康管理に役立つと言われています。しかし、数字ばかり気にしてしまい、かえってストレスになる人もいます。大切なのは、データを『参考』にして、自分の体の感覚も大事にすることです。」 Which of the following best expresses the author’s main message?

(A)Smartwatches are accurate medical devices, so people should depend on them for health decisions.(B)Tracking health data can be helpful, but people should avoid becoming overly fixated on numbers.(C)Sleep data is unreliable, so recording it does not contribute to health management.(D)Because smartwatches cause stress, people should stop using them completely.

Refer to the figure below.

29. [Skill: 2A | Topic: 5.8] A Japanese magazine presents the following infographic about fashion choices. [Image Cue]: Bar graph, "服を買うときに重視すること（年代別）"; x-axis: Age groups (10代, 20代, 30代, 40代); y-axis: Percentage (%). Three bars per age group labeled 価格 (Price), デザイン (Design), 環境への配慮 (Environmental consideration). Data: 10代—価格 35%, デザイン 55%, 環境 10%; 20代—価格 40%, デザイン 40%, 環境 20%; 30代—価格 45%, デザイン 30%, 環境 25%; 40代—価格 50%, デザイン 25%, 環境 25%. Key trend: Price importance increases with age; design decreases; environmental consideration increases from teens to 30s then stays stable. Which statement is best supported by the infographic?

(A)Teenagers prioritize environmental considerations more than any other age group.(B)Design is the top priority for people in their 30s and 40s.(C)The importance placed on price increases as the age group gets older.(D)Environmental consideration decreases steadily from teens through the 40s.

30. [Skill: 2A | Topic: 5.8] Read the social media post below. 「地震のとき、スマホの緊急速報が鳴いたけど、すぐ机の下に入れてよかった。普段から『家の中で安全な場所』を家族で決めておくの、大事だね。防災アプリも入れたし、充電も忘れないようにしよう。」 What is the main purpose of this post?

(A)To complain that emergency alerts on smartphones are unnecessary and confusing(B)To encourage practical disaster-preparedness habits that combine technology and planning(C)To explain how earthquakes are predicted accurately by smartphone apps(D)To advertise a specific disaster-preparedness app by naming features and prices

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:

加载中...