#AP Chinese Exam Study Guide: Unit 1 - Families in Different Societies

Hey there! Let's get you feeling super confident for your AP Chinese exam. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially for that last-minute review. We'll break down everything you need to know about families in different societies, with a focus on Chinese culture, and make it stick! Let's dive in!

#Unit 1 Overview: Families in Different Societies

This unit explores the concept of family and its role in various societies, with a special focus on Chinese communities. We'll look at how families shape values, beliefs, and traditions, as well as the challenges they face. Think of this unit as a deep dive into the heart of Chinese culture and its global connections. 🌏

#Unit 1 Essential Questions

1. How do families influence values, beliefs, and traditions in Chinese communities? (在华人社区，家庭是怎么影响到价值观，信仰和传统?)
2. What does a typical Chinese family look like? (一个普通的中国家庭是什么样子?)
3. What are some challenges that families face? (家庭要面对哪些挑战?)

#Past Free-Response Questions from Unit 1

Note: Many FRQs blend content from multiple units, so you might see these again. Don't be surprised if a question about family also touches on cultural values or daily life! Remember, AP questions often combine multiple concepts. 💡

#Presentational Writing: Story Narration

• 2021 Story Narration - A boy with a messy room gets in trouble with his father for doing a poor job cleaning it
• 2019 Story Narration - It suddenly rains when three friends are out biking
• 2018 Story Narration - A girl saves up to buy a soccer ball
• 2017 Story Narration - A man forgets to get his grandmother a birthday gift
• 2015 Story Narration - A couple’s balloon flies away
• 2013 Story Narration - Two kids break a window while playing catch
• 2012 Story Narration - Child gets lost while shopping for clothes
• 2011 Story Narration - Girl loses her suitcase on a flight

#Interpersonal Writing: Email Response

• 2016 Email Response - Preparing for a job interview
• 2015 Email Response - U.S. exchange student in China
• 2009 Email Response - Studying abroad

#Interpersonal Speaking: Conversation

• 2018 Conversation - Attending a birthday party for an elderly neighbor
• 2017 Conversation - Applying for a study abroad program in Beijing, China
• 2016 Conversation - Speaking with taxi driver in Beijing on the way to the Forbidden City
• 2010 Conversation - Trip to China
• 2007 Conversation - Talking to your host family in Beijing as an exchange student

#Presentational Speaking: Cultural Presentation

• 2014 Cultural Presentation - Chinese-language movie (一个都不能少 (Yīgè dōu bùnéng shǎo, Not one less), 洗澡 (Xǐ zǎo Shower), 活着 (Huózhe, To Live/Lifetimes), 饮食男女 (Yǐn shí nán nǚ, Eat Drink Man Woman), etc.)
• 2012 Cultural Presentation - Traditional Chinese concept/value (respect elders and teachers, guanxi, saving face, modesty, social harmony, etc.)
• 2007 Cultural Presentation - Chinese social custom (giving/receiving gifts, meeting someone for the first time, being a guest in someone’s home, etc.)

#1.1 Families and Communities in China

• Family Structure:
  • Typically a nuclear family: husband, wife, and children living together.
  • Extended family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins) also plays a significant role.
• Family Terms:
  • Immediate family: 妈妈 (māma, mother), 爸爸 (bàba, father), 兄弟姐妹 (xiōngdì jiěmèi, siblings).
  • Extended family: 外公外婆 (wàigōng wàipó, maternal grandparents), 爷爷奶奶 (yéye nǎinai, paternal grandparents).
• Gender Roles:
  • Traditionally, the husband is the breadwinner, and the wife manages the household. These roles are evolving in modern times.
• Filial Piety (孝道 - xiàodào):
  • Respect and duty towards parents and ancestors. This is huge! It's shown through obedience, care, and support for elders.
• Respect for Authority:
  • Emphasis on respecting parents, elders, and authority figures.
• Family Planning:
  • Policies like the one-child policy have significantly impacted family structures.
• Adoption:
  • Less common in China compared to other countries.
• The Concept of "Face" (面子 - miànzi):
  • Important in Chinese culture and affects family relationships. Think of it as reputation and social standing.

#1.2 Personal and Public Identities in China

• National and Ethnic Identity:
  • Han Chinese are the largest group, but many other ethnic groups exist (Tibetan, Uighur, Mongolian, etc.).
  • Ethnic identity is often tied to specific regions and cultural traditions.
  • Many people identify with both their national and ethnic identities.
• Assimilation:
  • The government has historically encouraged the use of Mandarin and the assimilation of minorities into Han culture. This has caused tensions.
• Chinese Heroes and National Figures:
  • Individuals like Confucius, Sun Yat-sen, and Mao Zedong are widely respected for their contributions.
  • Their achievements are a key part of Chinese national and cultural identity.
• Festivals and Holidays:
  • Important for culture and traditions (Spring Festival/Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, Qingming Festival).
• The Chinese Language:
  • Mandarin is the official language and most widely spoken dialect. Many other dialects exist.
  • Chinese names: family name first, followed by given name. Characters have specific meanings.
• Literary Tradition:
  • Rich history of classic works like the Four Great Classical Novels and the works of famous poets like Li Bai and Du Fu.

#1.3 Contemporary Life in China: Transportation and Tourism

• Transportation Options:
  • Trains (high-speed and conventional), buses, metro systems, taxis, bicycles, private cars, and airplanes.
  • Metro systems are common in many cities.
  • Bicycles, taxis, and ride-hailing services are popular.
  • Air travel is convenient for long distances.
• Tourism:
  • Popular destinations: Great Wall, Forbidden City, Yuyuan Garden.
  • Various accommodations: hotels, hostels, guesthouses.
  • Entrance fees and advance bookings may be required.
• Travel Tips:
  • Carry cash, bring your passport, be prepared for crowds, and be aware of scams.
• Recommended Travel Apps:
  • Pleco, WeChat, Trip.com, Alipay, China Highlights, TravelChinaGuide.
• Additional Travel Resources:
  • China National Tourist Office, China Travel Service, China International Travel Service.

#1.4 Global Challenges Facing China

• Economic Challenges:
  • Maintaining growth, addressing income inequality, and dealing with environmental degradation caused by economic growth.
• Environmental Challenges:
  • Air and water pollution, deforestation, and climate change.
• Political Challenges:
  • Maintaining stability and ensuring the continuation of the Chinese Communist Party's rule.
• Demographic Challenges:
  • Providing healthcare and social services to an aging population.
• International Challenges:
  • Relations with other countries (especially the US), territorial disputes, and human rights issues.
• Government Initiatives:
  • Developing renewable energy, implementing stricter environmental regulations, and promoting conservation and reforestation efforts.

#Final Exam Focus

• Highest Priority Topics:
  • Family structures and values (filial piety, face).
  • Cultural traditions and holidays.
  • Transportation and tourism in China.
  • Global challenges facing China.
• Common Question Types:
  • Story narration (presentational writing).
  • Email response (interpersonal writing).
  • Conversations (interpersonal speaking).
  • Cultural presentations (presentational speaking).
• Common Pitfalls:
  • Misunderstanding cultural nuances.
  • Not using specific vocabulary related to family, culture, travel, and global issues.
  • Failing to manage time effectively.
• Strategies for Success:
  • Use specific vocabulary and grammar structures.
  • Provide clear and detailed responses.
  • Practice time management.
  • Be aware of cultural differences.

#Practice Questions

Practice Question

#Multiple Choice Questions

1. In traditional Chinese culture, which of the following is considered the most important value within a family? a) Individual achievement b) Filial piety c) Financial success d) Social status

2. Which of the following is NOT a common mode of transportation in major Chinese cities? a) High-speed trains b) Subways c) Personal helicopters d) Buses

3. Which of the following is a major global challenge currently facing China? a) Overpopulation b) Deforestation c) Lack of technological innovation d) Political stability

#Free Response Question

Scenario: You are writing an email to a Chinese friend who is planning to visit your city. Describe your city's transportation system and suggest some tourist attractions they should visit. Provide details about the best ways to travel around the city and what makes these attractions special. (15 points)

Point-by-Point Scoring Breakdown:

• Greeting and Introduction (1 point):
  • Appropriate greeting and introduction to the email.
• Description of Transportation (4 points):
  • Mention at least 3 modes of transportation available in your city (e.g., subway, buses, taxis).
  • Provide details about how to use each mode of transportation (e.g., buying tickets, hailing a taxi).
  • Use appropriate vocabulary (e.g., 地铁 dìtiě, 公共汽车 gōnggòng qìchē, 出租车 chūzūchē).
  • Use correct grammar and sentence structure.
• Suggestion of Tourist Attractions (4 points):
  • Suggest at least 2 tourist attractions in your city.
  • Provide details about what makes each attraction special or interesting.
  • Use appropriate vocabulary (e.g., 博物馆 bówùguǎn, 公园 gōngyuán, 历史遗迹 lìshǐ yíjì).
  • Use correct grammar and sentence structure.
• Clarity and Organization (3 points):
  • The email is well-organized and easy to follow.
  • Ideas are presented logically and clearly.
  • The email uses transitions to connect ideas.
• Language Accuracy (3 points):
  • The email uses correct grammar and sentence structure.
  • The email uses appropriate vocabulary.
  • There are minimal errors that do not impede understanding.

Good luck, you've got this! 💪