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

Assessment for Unit 6: Global Challenges

Estimated Time: 60 minutes

Exam Details

Questions: 22 total (20 multiple choice, 2 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 (20 Questions)

Select the one best answer for each question.

1. 1. [Skill: 1.B | Topic: 6.1] [Image Cue]: Line graph, “Porcentaje de electricidad generada por energías renovables (2015–2024)”, x-axis: Year (2015, 2018, 2021, 2024), y-axis: Percent (%). Three lines: España (2015: 35, 2018: 38, 2021: 45, 2024: 52), México (2015: 20, 2018: 22, 2021: 25, 2024: 27), Argentina (2015: 8, 2018: 12, 2021: 18, 2024: 24). Key trend: all increase; España highest throughout; Argentina fastest relative growth. Which statement best describes the data shown in the graph about renewable energy generation as a global challenge?

(A)Spain increased its renewable electricity share steadily and remained the highest among the three countries from 2015 to 2024.(B)Mexico surpassed Spain in renewable electricity generation by 2024 after a sharp increase beginning in 2021.(C)Argentina’s renewable electricity share declined between 2018 and 2024, showing setbacks in its energy transition.(D)All three countries had the same renewable electricity share by 2024, suggesting equal progress toward sustainability.

2. 2. [Skill: 1.B | Topic: 6.1] [Image Cue]: Infographic table, “Acceso a agua potable segura (hogares con acceso, %)”. Rows: Zona urbana 94%, Zona rural 68%, Comunidades indígenas 57%, Asentamientos informales periurbanos 61%. Visual emphasis: a droplet icon next to each percentage; the lowest percentage highlighted. Based on the infographic, which group faces the greatest challenge related to access to safe drinking water?

(A)Zona urbana (94%)(B)Zona rural (68%)(C)Comunidades indígenas (57%)(D)Asentamientos informales periurbanos (61%)

3. 3. [Skill: 2.A | Topic: 6.1] Read the following excerpt from a local newspaper article about community responses to extreme heat (ola de calor): “Ante la ola de calor, la alcaldía abrió centros de enfriamiento en bibliotecas y polideportivos. Sin embargo, en el barrio de San Miguel, los vecinos insistieron en organizar turnos para visitar a los adultos mayores que viven solos y en compartir ventiladores entre familias. ‘No podemos esperar a que todo lo resuelva el gobierno; si no nos cuidamos entre nosotros, nadie lo hará’, dijo una voluntaria.” Which cultural inference is best supported by the excerpt?

(A)The community places high value on mutual support and collective responsibility during a crisis.(B)Residents generally distrust all public institutions and refuse to use any municipal resources.(C)The neighborhood believes that older adults should always handle emergencies without help.(D)Most residents prefer to move away rather than adapt to environmental problems.

4. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 6.2] Read the excerpt from a Spanish-language news article about a city’s environmental policy. “Desde enero, el ayuntamiento de Bahía Verde prohibió los plásticos de un solo uso en mercados y eventos públicos. Según la alcaldesa, la medida busca reducir la basura que llega al mar y proteger la pesca local. Sin embargo, algunos comerciantes afirman que los empaques alternativos cuestan más y que necesitan apoyo económico para adaptarse. Organizaciones juveniles, por su parte, celebran la iniciativa y organizan campañas para educar a la población sobre el consumo responsable.” Which of the following best states the main idea of the excerpt?

(A)The city’s ban on single-use plastics aims to address marine pollution, but it has generated differing reactions because of economic and community concerns.(B)Young people are the only group supporting environmental measures, while merchants universally oppose them for political reasons.(C)The mayor prohibited all plastic products immediately, and fishing has already increased enough to offset all costs for businesses.(D)The policy focuses mainly on improving tourism, and the environment is mentioned only as a secondary benefit.

5. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 6.2] Read the transcript excerpt from a radio interview. “—Cuando instalaron paneles solares en la escuela, al principio algunos padres desconfiaban: pensaban que era peligroso o ‘demasiado moderno’ para el pueblo. Pero después de varios meses, vieron que bajó el gasto de electricidad y que los estudiantes aprendían a cuidar la energía. Ahora, la comunidad quiere ampliar el proyecto al centro de salud, aunque reconocen que todavía falta capacitación técnica para el mantenimiento.” Which option best summarizes the excerpt in narrative form?

(A)A rural community initially doubted solar panels at the school, later recognized savings and educational benefits, and now hopes to expand the project while acknowledging the need for technical training.(B)Solar panels are always accepted immediately in rural areas because they are cheap, easy to maintain, and require no training.(C)Parents rejected renewable energy permanently, so the project failed and the school returned to using more electricity than before.(D)The main point is that students dislike learning about energy use, which has made the community stop supporting the school.

6. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 6.2] A report describes the following chart and includes this sentence: “En 2024 se observa un repunte en el porcentaje de electricidad generada por energía eólica, mientras que el carbón sigue bajando.” Based on the context of the chart description, what is the best meaning of the word “repunte”?

(A)A decrease or decline(B)A sudden or noticeable increase(C)A complete elimination(D)A random fluctuation with no trend

7. **1. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 6.3]** Read the excerpt from an email. **Correo de la Cooperativa Verde** > Estimado/a señor/a: > > Le escribimos para invitarle a colaborar con nuestro proyecto *Energía para Todos*. Con el apoyo del ayuntamiento, instalamos paneles solares en pequeños negocios del barrio. Así, los dueños reducen sus gastos de electricidad y pueden mantener precios más accesibles. Además, ofrecemos talleres pagados para capacitar a jóvenes desempleados en mantenimiento de sistemas solares. > > Si le interesa, ¿podría asistir a una reunión informativa el jueves a las 18:00? Which detail from the email best supports the idea that the project addresses **both** environmental and economic issues?

(A)Installing solar panels reduces electricity costs for small businesses and provides paid training for unemployed youth.(B)The project is supported by the city council and invites people to an informational meeting.(C)The email uses a formal greeting and asks the recipient to attend on Thursday at 18:00.(D)The neighborhood businesses want to change their brand image to look more modern.

8. **2. [Skill: 2A | Topic: 6.3]** Read two sources about a community program. **Source 1: Article excerpt** > En varias ciudades de América Latina, han surgido cooperativas que transforman residuos plásticos en materiales de construcción. Según la municipalidad, el programa disminuye la basura en ríos y crea ingresos estables para familias que antes dependían de trabajos informales. **Source 2: Notes from a short video report** - Una líder comunitaria explica que ahora reciben pago semanal por recolectar y clasificar plástico. - El reportaje menciona que, tras lluvias intensas, el plástico tapaba desagües y aumentaba el riesgo de inundaciones. - El programa incluye charlas en escuelas para cambiar hábitos de consumo. Which option best explains how information from the sources connects to **Global Challenges** as a cultural topic/phenomenon?

(A)The program links environmental protection (less plastic in rivers and blocked drains) with economic improvement (steady income for families).(B)The program focuses mainly on school activities, showing that education is more important than environmental policy.(C)The main issue is that weekly pay encourages people to collect plastic even when it harms the community’s health.(D)The sources show that flooding is caused only by rain, so reducing plastic will not affect environmental outcomes.

9. **3. [Skill: 3B | Topic: 6.3]** Read the excerpt from an email. **Correo de una coordinadora de becas** > Estimado/a estudiante: > > Hemos recibido su solicitud para la beca de *Innovación y Sostenibilidad*. Su proyecto es interesante; sin embargo, para poder evaluarlo a tiempo, sería ideal contar con el presupuesto detallado **antes del viernes**. > > Si no puede enviarlo completo, al menos mande una versión preliminar con los costos principales. > > Quedo atenta. What is the **implied meaning** of “sería ideal contar con el presupuesto detallado antes del viernes” in this context?

(A)Friday is a firm deadline for submitting the detailed budget if the student wants the project evaluated on time.(B)The student should wait until after Friday because the coordinator is not available before then.(C)The student does not need to send any budget information, since the project is already approved.(D)The coordinator is inviting the student to meet on Friday to discuss the budget in person.

10. **1. [Skill: 3D | Topic: 6.4]** You are preparing a written presentation about **population and demographics**. Use the data in the infographic described below. > [Image Cue]: Bar chart, "Spain: Population by Age Group (2010 vs. 2030 projection)". X-axis: Age groups (0–14, 15–64, 65+). Y-axis: Percent of total population. Data: 2010—0–14: 15%, 15–64: 69%, 65+: 16%. 2030—0–14: 13%, 15–64: 62%, 65+: 25%. Key trend: 65+ increases notably; working-age decreases; youth decreases slightly. Which of the following sentences would be **most effective** for a formal written presentation because it accurately describes the trend and uses **cohesive devices/transitions** appropriately?

(A)En 2030, la población de 65 años o más bajará; por lo tanto, habrá más jóvenes que antes.(B)Aunque el grupo de 15 a 64 años sigue siendo mayoritario, se observa un aumento considerable de la población mayor, lo cual plantea retos para los servicios sociales.(C)La población es interesante y, además, la gente vive en ciudades y en el campo, entonces todo cambia sin razón.(D)Primero, la población total es igual; sin embargo, los porcentajes no importan cuando se habla de demografía.

11. **2. [Skill: 1C | Topic: 6.4]** In a guided conversation about **social conscience** and responding to inequality, your classmate says: > “Me da rabia ver tanta desigualdad en mi barrio, pero no sé por dónde empezar.” Which response best **supports and follows up** while using an **idiomatic/culturally authentic expression** appropriately?

(A)No te preocupes; la desigualdad no es tu problema y punto.(B)Te entiendo; a mí también me afecta. Si te parece, podríamos empezar poco a poco—por ejemplo, informarnos sobre organizaciones locales y ver cómo echar una mano.(C)Estoy muy feliz por ti porque la desigualdad es súper divertida y, entonces, no pasa nada.(D)La desigualdad es un tema que existe, y existe, y existe, así que no hay nada que hablar.

12. **3. [Skill: 3A | Topic: 6.4]** You will write a presentational piece on a **global challenge** (water scarcity) using information from a recorded talk and two written sources. While watching the talk, you plan to take notes and later integrate evidence into your writing. Which process best reflects effective **planning and research strategies**, including **chunking information** and then using strategies like **paraphrasing** to maintain an appropriate formal register?

(A)Watch the entire talk without stopping, avoid taking notes so you can “focus,” and then copy sentences directly from the sources to save time.(B)Divide the talk into short segments, pause after each to review and organize notes by subtopic, then select key points from all sources and paraphrase them with citations/attribution before drafting an introduction, development, and conclusion.(C)Choose only one source so your argument is simpler, then write a long paragraph with no transitions to make it sound more advanced.(D)Start writing immediately without planning; if you forget a term, stop writing until you can find the exact word so your Spanish stays perfect.

13. 1. [Skill: 3B | Topic: 6.5] You are drafting an argumentative essay for the prompt: “Should governments ban single-use plastics?” You must integrate information from multiple sources and cite them appropriately. Source 1 (graphic): A bar chart titled “Cambio en residuos plásticos tras una prohibición (Ciudad Mar)” showing that plastic waste decreased from 120 tons/month (Antes) to 72 tons/month (Después). Source 3 (audio excerpt, transcript): “En comunidades costeras, la reducción de bolsas y botellas desechables disminuye la ingestión de plástico por aves marinas, lo cual mejora su supervivencia durante la temporada de cría.” Which of the following sentences BEST synthesizes evidence from Source 1 and Source 3 to support a pro-ban argument while citing sources appropriately?

(A)Según la gráfica, los residuos plásticos bajaron después de la prohibición, y en el audio se dice que las aves marinas están mejor; por eso, hay que prohibir el plástico.(B)La prohibición puede ser efectiva: en Ciudad Mar los residuos plásticos se redujeron de 120 a 72 toneladas al mes (Fuente 1), y además la disminución de desechables reduce la ingestión de plástico por aves marinas y mejora su supervivencia (Fuente 3), lo cual justifica una política de prohibición.(C)Los residuos plásticos se redujeron de 120 a 72 toneladas al mes (Fuente 3), lo cual demuestra que las prohibiciones siempre funcionan en cualquier país.(D)En Ciudad Mar bajaron los residuos (Fuente 1) porque la gente cambió de actitud, y las aves marinas ya no comen plástico; esto prueba que la economía también mejora (Fuente 3).

14. 2. [Skill: 3C | Topic: 6.5] A student is revising the thesis statement below for an argumentative essay about global challenges and science/technology policy. Draft thesis (in Spanish): “Los gobiernos deben prohibir los plásticos de un solo uso porque es malo para el planeta y la gente no piensa. Hay muchos problemas con la contaminación.” Which revised thesis is BEST because it is clear and defensible, uses more precise vocabulary, and demonstrates stronger control of grammar and syntax for an argumentative essay?

(A)Los plásticos son malos, entonces los gobiernos deberían hacer algo pronto para ayudar al medio ambiente.(B)Aunque algunos sectores económicos dependen de productos desechables, los gobiernos deberían prohibir gradualmente los plásticos de un solo uso y promover alternativas reutilizables, ya que esta medida reduce los residuos y mitiga el daño a los ecosistemas.(C)Los gobiernos deben prohibir los plásticos de un solo uso porque la contaminación es un problema que es un problema y la gente no piensa mucho.(D)Prohibir plásticos de un solo uso es una idea, pero no se puede, porque siempre va a haber contaminación en todas partes.

15. [Skill: 3B | Topic: 6.6] A student is preparing a 2-minute Cultural Comparison spoken presentation about attitudes toward reducing negative environmental impact. **Research notes (evidence):** - In Costa Rica, many municipalities promote “bandera azul ecológica” programs that recognize communities/schools for environmental actions (recycling, water conservation). - In the student’s U.S. community, recycling participation is inconsistent; some residents cite inconvenience, while others organize neighborhood clean-ups. - In both communities, young people often lead initiatives through schools and social media. **Task requirement reminder:** Compare practices and perspectives in a Spanish-speaking community and the student’s own community, using evidence, with an appropriate register for an academic audience. Which of the following plans would best meet the task requirements for the spoken presentation?

(A)List the Costa Rica facts first, then list the U.S. facts, and end by saying both places care about the environment.(B)Begin with a brief introduction to the global challenge, then compare one practice in each community (e.g., recognition programs vs. local clean-ups) and connect each practice to a perspective (e.g., collective responsibility vs. convenience), using transitions such as “por un lado/por otro lado,” and end with a concluding statement about the role of individuals.(C)Start with a personal story about forgetting to recycle, use informal humor throughout to keep the audience entertained, and focus mainly on the student’s own community to make it relatable.(D)Explain why Costa Rica is better at protecting the environment, provide several opinions without citing the research notes, and conclude by advising the audience to adopt Costa Rican habits.

16. [Skill: 3B | Topic: 6.6] Read the excerpt from a student’s Cultural Comparison spoken presentation (academic register). > “En mi comunidad, mucha gente dice que quiere ayudar al medio ambiente; sin embargo, a veces **no hacen nada** cuando se trata de reducir el uso de plásticos.” Which option best replaces the underlined phrase with an idiomatic and culturally authentic expression that maintains an appropriate formal-presentational tone?

(A)se quedan de brazos cruzados(B)pasan olímpicamente(C)les vale(D)hacen la vista gorda

17. **1. [Skill: 3B | Topic: 6.7]** Read the excerpt from a student’s oral presentation about plastic pollution. > “Muchas personas piensan que reducir el uso de plástico no cambia nada, porque ‘una sola botella’ parece insignificante. ______, los estudios muestran que, cuando una comunidad reduce el consumo de plásticos de un solo uso, disminuye considerablemente la basura que llega a ríos y playas.” Which connector best completes the blank to create a logical relationship between the two ideas?

(A)Por eso(B)Sin embargo(C)Además(D)En cambio

18. **2. [Skill: 3C | Topic: 6.7]** A student is preparing an oral presentation that compares responses to drought in a target cultural community and the student’s own community. > “________ en mi comunidad muchas personas riegan el césped incluso durante restricciones, en algunas ciudades de Chile se han impuesto multas y campañas intensivas para reducir el consumo doméstico de agua.” Which option best completes the blank by (1) signaling the speaker’s perspective appropriately and (2) clearly establishing the comparison required by the prompt?

(A)A mi juicio, mientras que(B)Sin duda, por eso(C)Es probable que, además(D)De hecho, aunque

19. [Skill: 1.A | Topic: 6.8] Read the excerpt from a student blog post written during a semester abroad in Uruguay. "Antes de llegar a Montevideo, yo pensaba que cuidar el medioambiente era principalmente un asunto de decisiones personales, como reciclar en casa o usar una botella reutilizable. Sin embargo, aquí me sorprendió la actitud de muchas personas: hablan del impacto ambiental como una responsabilidad colectiva. Por ejemplo, mis compañeros no solo evitan las bolsas de plástico; también apoyan que el gobierno limite ciertos productos y que se reduzca el tráfico en el centro, aunque eso les cause algunas incomodidades. Cuando se habla de estas medidas, casi siempre mencionan beneficios para la comunidad entera, no solo para cada individuo." Which statement best reflects a comparison of attitudes toward reducing negative environmental impact in the Uruguayan community described versus the student’s home community?

(A)In Montevideo, people tend to view environmental protection as a shared responsibility and accept restrictions, while the student’s home community is described as emphasizing mostly individual choices.(B)In Montevideo, people reject government involvement in environmental policy, while the student’s home community prefers government regulation.(C)In Montevideo, people are unwilling to change their routines for environmental reasons, while the student’s home community readily accepts inconveniences.(D)In Montevideo, environmental action is portrayed as unnecessary because recycling already solves the problem, while the student’s home community focuses on reducing traffic.

20. [Skill: 1.A | Topic: 6.8] Read the task prompt below. "Tu escuela quiere lanzar una campaña para reducir el impacto ambiental en la comunidad. Escribe un mensaje para el boletín escolar en el que expliques por qué es importante reducir el impacto ambiental y cómo esa reducción puede beneficiar a la comunidad." According to the prompt, which specific focus must the writer address most directly?

(A)The writer’s attitude toward students who disagree with environmental campaigns(B)The role of technology as the only solution to environmental problems(C)The importance and benefits of reducing environmental impact for the community(D)A detailed history of past environmental movements in the region

B. Short Answer Questions (2 Questions)

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

Question 21:

Question 22:

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