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Study: I used a high school Spanish textbook and a Spanish AP test prep book. Just review what is taught at several high school levels.
Test: It was about what I expected. Take your time, use process of elimination, and skip a question if you are unsure and then go back to it.
Study: I purchased the XAM ExCET book for this test. It worked well for a basic overview and to expose my weaknesses so that I knew what to study further. I did independent reading, researched history, art, and literature, and studied the geography of the Spanish-speaking countries. Also, I watched a lot of Spanish television to practice my comprehension.
Test: It was easier than I expected, but that is always a nice surprise. For a language test like this, the most important thing is listening, reading comprehension and grammar. Read in Spanish, watch Spanish TV and for grammar study "501 Spanish Verbs".
Study: I used the free guide from ETS. It was okay but short. I also used a book from Xamonline. It was good because it helped me study more in detail but there were a lot of typos and even some incorrect information. Also, the format of the questions on the sample exam are different (and more difficult) than the actual exam. Tip: Review literature.
Test: Some of the "cultural" questions were difficult because they were very specific - names, dates, geography, titles of works, etc. Review literature, literary movements and geography.
Study: Preparation manuals online.
Test: Take your time and get a native speaker friend to practice with you so you get used to the accent.
Study: The state preparation guide served well for a general outline, however, I could not find detailed study guides anywhere. In order to study for this test I looked through the state list of objectives and sample questions and identified which areas I felt comfortable with and which I did not. Although I did use school materials to cover all areas on the test, I made sure to give special attention to those areas with which I had the most trouble.
Test: Harder in some areas than others for me. I had trouble with the history and literature sections. During my study sessions, I found my textbooks and wikipedia very useful.
Study: Studied the state prep manual online.
Test: Keep studying! This test had blogging and the newest technology gimmicks that are not even mentioned in the test prep material.
Study: I would study Hispanic and Spanish authors and their works more. There were about 20 questions on authors and other cultural items like geography and history.
Test: It was easier than I expected, except for the author part.
Study: The only part I found difficult was the section on authors and the works of literature. It been a few years and I had trouble recalling them. I would say there about 10 questions or less on this. Other than that, in the oral sections, I wrote myself a note or wrote the whole statement down on the first reading. The oral questions are read twice. That way I could go back when I was reviewing and make sure I had them right. If you are not fluent and a fast writer I suggest you only listen but read the question first so you’ll know what you are looking for. Other than that expect what you would see in a Spanish I or II class, verbs, tenses, and noun agreements. There are also interpretation passage questions, so reading comprehension is important. Overall the test was easy if you are fluent if you have Spanish as a second language I see it as much difficult and a reviewing is definitely necessary. This test is a you know it or you don't test. Hope this helps :)
Test: Good Luck!
Study: Study literature writers like; Isabel Allende, Sandra Cisneros, Pablo Dario, Garcia Marquez - know exactly which book they wrote and what it's about. Know basic history of each Latin country, especially Spain. Buy the book ExCET for Spanish 6 - 12. It was very helpful.
Test: Buy the study guide. The study guide is harder than the actual test.
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Click here to post for: Test # 47: ExCET Spanish 6-12
Strategy #1
Study: Used the state review materials. Also got a book from a bookstore about grammar just to review.
Test: It was hard because it didn't have that much information in the history and cultural part.