AP Japanese Language and Culture Unit 6: Global Challenges Practice Exam

Assessment for Unit 6: Global Challenges

Estimated Time: 60 minutes

Exam Details

Questions: 34 total (30 multiple choice, 4 short answer)
Time: 60 minutes (recommended)
Topics Covered: Unit 6: Global Challenges
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: Interpretive Communication (Reading) | Topic: 6.1] Read the excerpt (Japanese) about an environmental policy. > 政府は2030年までに再生可能エネルギーの割合を大幅に増やすため、太陽光発電の設置費用に対する補助金を拡充する方針を発表した。背景には、温室効果ガス削減目標の達成が難しいという課題がある。専門家は「電力の安定供給とコストの両立が鍵になる」と指摘している。 Which of the following best states the main idea of the excerpt?

(A)The government plans to expand subsidies to increase renewable energy, while balancing cost and stable power supply to meet emissions goals.(B)Experts believe solar power is too expensive and should be replaced by nuclear power to ensure stable electricity.(C)Japan has already achieved its greenhouse gas reduction goals, so it can now focus on lowering electricity prices.(D)The government will reduce renewable energy because stable power supply cannot be achieved with solar installations.

2. [Skill: Interpretive Communication (Reading) | Topic: 6.1] Read the excerpt (Japanese) about disaster preparedness. > 市は、大雨による洪水に備えて避難情報の発信方法を見直した。高齢者のいる世帯には、スマートフォンの通知だけでなく、自動音声電話でも連絡が届く仕組みを導入する。また、避難所では感染症対策として、受付での体温確認と換気を徹底する。 Which detail from the excerpt best supports the idea that the city is trying to reach people who may not reliably receive smartphone alerts?

(A)The city will introduce automated voice calls in addition to smartphone notifications for households with elderly people.(B)The city will check temperatures at reception desks in evacuation shelters.(C)The city will improve ventilation in evacuation shelters.(D)The city is preparing for floods caused by heavy rain.

Refer to the figure below.

3. [Skill: Interpretive Communication (Visual/Infographic) | Topic: 6.1] A city office published the infographic described below about population change. [Image Cue]: Line graph, "Population by Age Group in City X (2010–2025)"; x-axis: year (2010, 2015, 2020, 2025). y-axis: population (thousands). Three lines: Ages 0–14 decreases steadily (e.g., 40 → 33 → 27 → 22). Ages 15–64 decreases gradually (e.g., 220 → 210 → 195 → 180). Ages 65+ increases steadily (e.g., 60 → 75 → 95 → 115). Which of the following best describes the main idea conveyed by the infographic?

(A)The city is aging overall: the 65+ population increases while the 0–14 and 15–64 populations decline.(B)The city’s total population is rising quickly because the 15–64 population is increasing the most.(C)The city has solved demographic challenges because the child population is growing steadily each year.(D)The city’s population changes are temporary and show no clear trend across age groups.

4. [Skill: Interpretive Communication (Reading) | Topic: 6.1] Read the excerpt (Japanese) about economic trends. > 物価の上昇が続く一方で、実質賃金は伸び悩んでいる。調査では、食料品や光熱費の負担が増えたため、外食や娯楽への支出を減らした家庭が多いことが分かった。政府は家計支援策を検討しているが、効果には慎重な見方もある。 Which piece of information from the excerpt best supports the idea that households are changing spending habits due to increased living costs?

(A)Many households reduced spending on dining out and entertainment because food and utility costs increased.(B)The government is considering household support measures, but some people are cautious about their effectiveness.(C)Prices have been rising, while real wages have not increased much.(D)A survey was conducted to understand how experts view long-term fiscal policy.

5. [Skill: 3A | Topic: 6.2] Read the two excerpts. Source 1 (newspaper editorial): > 電気代の高騰で、家計も企業も苦しい。安全対策を徹底した上で原発を一部再稼働し、安定した電力供給を確保すべきだ。 Source 2 (NGO flyer): > 原発に頼るのではなく、地域の太陽光・風力を活用してエネルギーを地産地消しよう。住民が参加できる仕組みで、持続可能な社会をつくる。 Which option best compares the perspectives in the two sources?

(A)Source 1 emphasizes short-term economic stability through carefully managed nuclear restarts, while Source 2 emphasizes long-term sustainability and local control through renewables.(B)Both sources argue that nuclear power is the only realistic solution, but they disagree on how soon it should restart.(C)Source 1 focuses on citizen participation in local energy projects, while Source 2 focuses on reducing household electricity bills immediately.(D)Both sources have the same purpose: to persuade readers to stop using electricity in daily life.

6. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 6.2] Listen/Read the transcript excerpt from a radio interview about overtourism in Kyoto. Audio Transcript: > 最近、京都のバスは観光客でいっぱいで、通勤・通学の時間帯でも乗れないことがあります。さらに、ゴミの分別ルールを知らない人もいて、地域の負担が増えています。でも観光が地域経済を支えているのも事実なので、上手なルール作りが必要ですね。 Which supporting detail from the excerpt best illustrates the speaker’s concern about the impact on local residents?

(A)Tourism supports the local economy.(B)Local residents sometimes cannot board buses even during commuting and school hours.(C)The speaker believes it is impossible to make effective rules.(D)Most tourists already understand Kyoto’s garbage-sorting rules.

Refer to the figure below.

7. [Skill: 3A | Topic: 6.2] Use the information from the visual and the excerpt. [Image Cue]: Bar graph, "家庭の太陽光パネル設置率（市内）", x-axis: Year (2015, 2018, 2021, 2024), y-axis: Percent of households (%). Data: 2015=8%, 2018=12%, 2021=18%, 2024=26%. Key trend: steady increase over time. City brochure excerpt: > 市では、戸建て住宅に太陽光パネルを設置する方に補助金を出しています。申請には、本人確認書類と工事見積書が必要です。締め切り前でも予算に達し次第終了します。 Based on the excerpt, who is the most likely intended audience for this brochure section?

(A)Middle school students learning about climate change in class(B)People who own (or plan to install systems on) single-family homes in the city and are considering applying for a subsidy(C)International tourists looking for eco-friendly sightseeing options(D)Factory managers seeking advice on exporting solar panels overseas

8. [Skill: 4A | Topic: 6.2] Read the excerpt. > 大地震に備えて、水や食料を最低3日分は備蓄しておくことが大切だ。停電に備えて、懐中電灯や電池も用意しておこう。 In this context, what does the word 「備蓄」 most nearly mean?

(A)to donate to people in need(B)to throw away old supplies(C)to stockpile and store for future use(D)to repair broken equipment

9. 1. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 6.3] Read the LINE chat excerpt. りな：ねえ、今週末ひま？海のごみ拾いボランティアあるんだけど、一緒に行かない？最近マイクロプラスチックとかヤバいらしいし。ゆうき：いいね！行く行く。てか、集合って朝早い？りな：9時に駅前。雨でもやるって。ゆうき：了解！ドタキャンはナシで！笑 What does ゆうき mean by 「ドタキャンはナシで！」 in this context?

(A)Don’t cancel at the last minute.(B)Don’t forget to bring trash bags.(C)Don’t be late to the meeting spot.(D)Don’t go if it’s raining.

10. 2. [Skill: 2A | Topic: 6.3] You are ゆうき. Reply to keep the conversation going, confirm the plan, and ask for one practical detail you still need. Context (previous messages): りな：9時に駅前。雨でもやるって。 Which reply is most appropriate for an informal text chat with a friend?

(A)了解！9時ね。軍手いる？こっちで用意したほうがいい？(B)承知いたしました。駅前に九時に参ります。何卒よろしくお願い申し上げます。(C)え、やっぱ無理。てか雨なら中止じゃないの？(D)海の環境問題は複雑であり、政府の政策決定が重要です。

11. 3. [Skill: 2A | Topic: 6.3] Read the text chat excerpt. まこと：うちの町、若い人減っててさ。商店街もしんどそう。あなた：え、そうなんだ…。 To sustain the exchange and obtain relevant information (while showing you understood), which reply is best?

(A)そっか…。いつ頃から減ってるの？仕事とか学校の関係で出て行く人が多い感じ？(B)人口の減少は仕方ないよ。まあ、どうにかなるって。(C)いいね！じゃあ今度カラオケ行かない？(D)承知しました。貴町の人口動態について詳細データをご提示ください。

Refer to the figure below.

12. 4. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 6.3] [Image Cue]: Infographic (pie chart), "Japan's Electricity Generation Mix (2024)". Slices labeled: Fossil fuels 68%, Renewables 22%, Nuclear 10%. A short caption in Japanese: 「電源構成（2024年）」. You and a friend are looking at this infographic during a text chat. とも：え、再エネまだ22％しかないんだ…。節電も大事だね。 Which detail from the infographic best supports とも’s statement?

(A)Renewables account for 22% of electricity generation.(B)Fossil fuels account for 22% of electricity generation.(C)Nuclear energy accounts for 68% of electricity generation.(D)Renewables account for 68% of electricity generation.

13. [Skill: 2B | Topic: 6.4] You are continuing a guided conversation about environmental issues and community action. Speaker A: 最近、異常気象が多いですね。週末に海岸のごみ拾いボランティアに参加しようと思うんです。 Which response by Speaker B best demonstrates active listening (相槌) and an appropriate follow-up to maintain the conversation?

(A)そうなんですね。何時に集まるんですか。私も参加してもいいですか。(B)はい。ごみ拾いは、ごみを拾います。(C)それは難しい問題ですが、では失礼します。(D)いいえ、私は行きません。

14. [Skill: 2A | Topic: 6.4] You are drafting an email to a city office about a technology-based solution to reduce waste. Email excerpt (Japanese): 市役所環境課ご担当者様はじめまして。高校生の___（名前）と申します。家庭ごみを減らすために、分別を助けるスマホアプリについて質問があります。もし可能でしたら、市のホームページにある最新の分別ルール（プラスチックなど）を教えていただけますでしょうか。＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ ___（名前） Which option best completes the email in an appropriate register and closes the exchange politely?

(A)お忙しいところ恐れ入りますが、よろしくお願いいたします。(B)じゃあね。返信待ってる！(C)分かった。あとで送って。(D)とにかく早く教えてください。

Refer to the figure below.

15. [Skill: 2A | Topic: 6.4] A class discussion post includes a graph about Japan’s demographics. Based on the graph, which Japanese sentence most accurately describes the trend using appropriate time frames and a complex sentence (e.g., a clause such as 〜につれて/〜ため)?

(A)2000年から2020年にかけて65歳以上の割合は下がったので、2040年もさらに下がるでしょう。(B)65歳以上の割合は2000年より2020年のほうが高く、さらに2040年にかけて増えると予測されています。(C)65歳以上の割合はいつも同じで、2000年も2020年も2040年も変わりません。(D)2020年は2000年の前なので、2040年より65歳以上の割合が高いです。

16. [Skill: 2B | Topic: 6.4] In a guided conversation about travel disruptions caused by climate-related events, a student notices they used the wrong time frame and wants to self-correct while keeping the conversation going. Speaker’s original sentence: 去年、日本に行くつもりです。でも台風で行けませんでした。 Which option is the best self-correction/repair that fixes the time frame and maintains the exchange with cohesive phrasing?

(A)あ、すみません。去年は日本に行くつもりでしたが、台風で行けませんでした。(B)去年、日本に行くつもりです。明日も台風でした。(C)日本に行くつもりです。去年、台風に行けませんでした。(D)去年、日本に行きます。行けません。

17. [Skill: Interpretive Communication (Reading) | Topic: 6.5] Read the two Japanese texts about reducing plastic use. Text A (市の広報): 「買い物のときはマイバッグを持ちましょう。レジ袋1枚は約11gのプラスチックです。海に流れると生き物に影響します。市は4月からレジ袋を有料化します。」 Text B (高校生のブログ): 「コンビニ袋って便利だけど、つい溜まる。私は『もったいない』と思って、袋はゴミ袋として再利用してる。だから一律の有料化にはちょっと反対。」 Which option best explains how the evidence and intended audience differ between Text A and Text B?

(A)Text A uses a statistic and public-policy language to persuade a broad community audience; Text B relies on personal experience and values to address peers.(B)Text A and Text B both mainly use scientific research results and cite experts, showing the same approach to evidence.(C)Text A is mainly entertainment-focused and avoids facts; Text B is formal and written for government officials.(D)Text A argues against charging for bags, while Text B argues for the policy using numerical data.

Refer to the figure below.

18. [Skill: Interpretive Communication (Reading) | Topic: 6.5] A Japanese report includes the following graph and note. Note (日本語): 「高齢化が進み、医療・介護の需要が増える一方で、働く世代の割合が減少している。」 [Image Cue]: Line graph, 「日本の年齢構成の変化」. X-axis: Year (2010, 2020, 2030). Y-axis: Percent of population (%). Two lines: 65歳以上 rises from 23% (2010) to 28% (2020) to 31% (2030). 15〜64歳 falls from 63% (2010) to 59% (2020) to 56% (2030). Which claim is best supported by the graph and note?

(A)Japan’s working-age population share is increasing, so funding social services will become easier.(B)Japan’s population is getting older, which can increase demand for healthcare and caregiving as the working-age share shrinks.(C)Japan’s aging trend has ended because the 65+ line stays below 50% in all years shown.(D)Japan’s 15–64 share decreases because more people are choosing to retire earlier in their 40s.

19. [Skill: Interpersonal Communication (Written) | Topic: 6.5] You are writing to a city office (市役所) to ask about local disaster-preparedness support for residents (e.g., emergency supplies, evacuation information). Which Japanese message is most appropriate for the audience and purpose, using standard written conventions and an appropriate level of politeness?

(A)市役所のみなさんへ。防災のこと、いろいろ教えて！避難所どこ？返信待ってまーす。(B)すみません、市役所。防災の資料ほしい。あと避難所も知りたい。よろしく。(C)市役所防災担当者様突然のご連絡失礼いたします。地域の防災対策（避難所の場所、備蓄品の配布の有無、情報の入手方法）について確認したく、ご連絡いたしました。ご案内いただけますと幸いです。どうぞよろしくお願いいたします。(D)市役所へ防災について質問します。避難所はどこですか、備蓄はありますか。以上。

20. [Skill: Interpretive Communication (Reading) | Topic: 6.5] Read the two sources about renewable energy in Japan. Source 1 (ニュース記事): 「経産省は2030年度の電源構成で再生可能エネルギー比率を36〜38％に引き上げる方針を示した。根拠として、国内の太陽光発電の導入量とコスト低下のデータを提示した。また、火力依存のリスクとして燃料価格高騰を挙げた。」 Source 2 (SNS投稿): 「再エネなんて結局『税金のムダ』。近所の風車はうるさいし、停電も増えるって聞いた。データより現場の声を聞いて！」 Which evaluation best compares the evidence and potential bias across the two sources?

(A)Both sources primarily rely on national-level statistical data, so neither shows bias.(B)Source 1 uses quantitative evidence and policy framing; Source 2 relies on anecdote and emotional language, which may signal bias based on personal experience.(C)Source 2 is more credible because it mentions local experience, while Source 1 is biased because it includes numbers.(D)Source 1 provides only opinions without evidence, while Source 2 cites specific scientific studies about power outages.

21. [Skill: 8B | Topic: 6.6] A student is drafting the conclusion of a cultural comparison about recycling practices (ごみの分別) in Japan and the United States. Read the draft conclusion below. Draft conclusion (Japanese): > 日本では、自治体が細かくルールを決め、住民もそれに協力することが多いです。一方、アメリカでは地域によって制度が違い、個人の判断に任される場合もあります。＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿。 Which of the following sentences best completes the conclusion in a clear, formal way that summarizes the comparison WITHOUT introducing new information?

(A)以上のことから、両国とも環境を守る目的は同じでも、制度の作り方や人々の関わり方に違いがあると言えます。(B)ところで、来年から新しいリサイクル法が始まるので、さらに詳しく調べたいと思います。(C)つまり、日本のやり方のほうが正しくて、アメリカのやり方はだめだと思います。(D)また別の話ですが、最近はマイボトルを持つ人も増えてきました。

22. [Skill: 7B | Topic: 6.6] During a spoken cultural comparison about population change, a student says: > 日本では高齢化が進んでいて、介護の必要が増えています。アメリカでも高齢者は増えていますが、日本ほど速くはありません。えっと…（言葉が出てこない）…だから、政府の…その… Which communication strategy would be MOST effective for the student to maintain the presentation at that moment?

(A)Pause for a long time until the exact word comes to mind, even if it creates silence.(B)Switch to English for the missing term and then continue in Japanese.(C)Use circumlocution/paraphrasing to express the idea (e.g., explain the government action in another way) and keep speaking.(D)Stop the presentation and restart the entire comparison from the introduction.

23. [Skill: 4B | Topic: 6.6] A student is choosing a final closing line for a formal presentational cultural comparison (spoken or written). Which option is the MOST culturally appropriate, formal closing that clearly signals the end?

(A)以上です。ご清聴ありがとうございました。(B)じゃあね。バイバイ！(C)あのさ、まあ、そんな感じ。(D)それで、えっと、次は…（沈黙）

Refer to the figure below.

24. [Skill: 7D | Topic: 6.6] A student is concluding a cultural comparison about the effects of social networking on friendships in Japan and the United States. Use the graph information below to choose the best concluding insight. [Image Cue]: Bar graph, "Daily Social Media Use and Reported Loneliness". X-axis: Country (Japan, United States). For each country, two bars: (1) % reporting 3+ hours/day on social media (Japan: 35%, US: 45%), (2) % reporting feeling lonely often (Japan: 30%, US: 25%). Key visual trend: US higher heavy-use rate; Japan slightly higher loneliness rate. Which concluding sentence best offers a broader reflection that is supported by the data and avoids overgeneralization?

(A)このデータから、アメリカ人はソーシャルメディアを使うから必ず友だちが多く、日本人は使わないので友だちが少ないと言えます。(B)アメリカでは利用時間が長いので、ソーシャルメディアは必ず孤独を増やすと結論づけられます。(C)利用時間の割合と孤独感の割合には国ごとの違いが見られるため、テクノロジーの影響は一様ではなく、社会のつながり方（対面かオンラインかなど）の価値観とも関係している可能性があります。(D)この結果は、日本の若者がアメリカよりも怠けていることを示しています。

25. **1. [Skill: 3A | Topic: 6.7]** You are drafting a paragraph for a written presentation about environmental issues and energy policy in Japan. Read the excerpt. **Stimulus (Japanese text):** 日本では再生可能エネルギーの導入が進んでいる。特に太陽光発電は家庭でも増えてきた。____、初期費用が高いという課題もある。 Which connector best completes the blank to create the most logical flow?

(A)そのため(B)しかし(C)さらに(D)したがって

26. **2. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 6.7]** In a written presentation about population and demographics, a student includes the following sentences. **Stimulus (Japanese text):** 地方の人口は今後も減り続ける**かもしれない**。したがって、公共交通の維持はますます難しくなるだろう。 Based on the stance marker in bold, which best describes the writer’s attitude toward the statement about the population trend?

(A)The writer is stating the trend as a certain fact with no doubt.(B)The writer is presenting the trend as a possibility and is not fully certain.(C)The writer is denying the trend and arguing it will not happen.(D)The writer is giving a direct command to the reader to stop the trend.

27. **3. [Skill: 3B | Topic: 6.7]** You are revising a presentational paragraph that compares disaster-preparedness practices in Japan and another community. Which option best demonstrates (1) correct writing conventions (appropriate punctuation and writing systems) and (2) effective use of a connector to make a clear cultural comparison?

(A)日本では地震が多いので、学校で防災訓練をよくします。一方、私の国では洪水が多いため、避難場所の情報をSNSで共有することが多いです。(B)日本では地震が多いです、それで学校でボウサイクンレンをよくします。いっぽう私の国は洪水が多いです。(C)日本では地震が多いから。学校で防災訓練をよくします。反対に、私の国では洪水が多い、だからSNSを使います(D)日本では地震が多いのに、学校で防災訓練をよくします。だから、私の国でも地震が多いです。

28. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 6.8] Read the announcement. 市役所からのお知らせ：近年、夏の気温上昇により、家庭での冷房使用が増え、電力消費も増加しています。市では、CO2排出を減らすために、①住宅の断熱改修に対する補助金、②公共施設で涼しく過ごす「クールシェア」キャンペーン、③省エネ家電への買い替え相談会を実施します。 What is the main purpose of the city’s announcement?

(A)To encourage residents to reduce energy use and carbon emissions by offering multiple support programs(B)To warn residents that the city will limit electricity usage during the summer(C)To explain that air conditioners should not be used because they are harmful to health(D)To announce that the city will close public facilities to save money during hot months

Refer to the figure below.

29. [Skill: 1B | Topic: 6.8] A school health committee summarizes a survey about smartphone and social networking use. [Image Cue]: Bar graph, "Daily SNS Use and Average Sleep Time (High School Students)", x-axis categories: "Less than 1 hour", "1–3 hours", "3–5 hours", "More than 5 hours"; y-axis: "Average sleep (hours/night)". Data: Less than 1 hour = 7.4; 1–3 hours = 6.9; 3–5 hours = 6.3; More than 5 hours = 5.8. A note under the graph: "Survey N=400; self-reported." Which conclusion is best supported by the data?

(A)Students who spend more time on SNS tend to report less sleep on average(B)Using SNS causes students to sleep less, so reducing SNS time will guarantee more sleep(C)Most students use SNS more than 5 hours per day(D)Students who use SNS less than 1 hour have worse sleep quality than all other groups

30. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 6.8] Read the excerpt from a blog post. 大学進学で東京に来てから、地元（地方）の友だちと会う機会が減りました。でも、毎週オンラインで近況を話したり、地元のお祭りの準備を手伝うためにグループチャットで連絡したりしています。離れていても、地域のつながりは大事にしたいです。 Which idea is most clearly expressed in the excerpt?

(A)Even after moving to an urban area, the writer wants to maintain community connections in the rural hometown using online communication(B)The writer believes festivals are unnecessary and should be replaced by online events(C)The writer moved to Tokyo because there are no universities in rural areas(D)The writer has stopped communicating with friends from the hometown

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...