#AP Chinese Exam Study Guide: Culture and Society 🇨🇳

Welcome! This guide is designed to help you ace the AP Chinese exam, focusing on key cultural and societal aspects. Let's get started!

#1. Identity and Technology

#1.1. Resident Identity Card (身份证 - shēnfèn zhèng)

- It contains personal information: photo, name, gender, ethnicity, birthdate, address, and ID number. - Newer versions have embedded chips for scanning. 💳

#1.2. Social Credit System (社会信用体系 - shèhuì xìnyòng tǐxì)

• China is developing a Social Credit System (社会信用体系). 💡
• It assigns points to citizens based on their actions, like a real-life "Game of Life".
• Good behavior earns points; bad behavior loses points.
• Low scores can restrict access to services (e.g., travel). ✈️

Practice Question

What is the primary function of the 身份证 (shēnfèn zhèng) in China? A) A credit card B) A travel document C) A national identification card D) A social media account

Which of the following is a potential consequence of having a low score in China's Social Credit System? A) Access to better healthcare B) Restrictions on travel C) Increased job opportunities D) Higher social media ranking

Explain how the Social Credit System in China could impact the daily lives of Chinese citizens. Provide specific examples of how the system might affect individuals differently based on their behavior. (5 points) Scoring Breakdown: 1 point: Correctly identifies the Social Credit System as a point-based system. 1 point: Explains that the system rewards good behavior and punishes bad behavior. 1 point: Provides a specific example of a positive impact (e.g., easier access to services). 1 point: Provides a specific example of a negative impact (e.g., travel restrictions). 1 point: Demonstrates understanding of how the system can differentiate treatment based on behavior.

#2. Internet and Censorship

#2.1. Internet Censorship in China

• China has extensive internet censorship. 🚫
• The government monitors online activity and blocks dissenting content.
• Common offenses include criticizing the government or signing reform petitions.
• Many popular websites (Google, Facebook, Twitter) are blocked.
• Accessing blocked sites often requires a VPN, which can be risky.
• Events like the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests are censored. 📰

#2.2. Methods of Censorship

1. The Great Firewall of China (防火长城 - fáng huǒ chángchéng): Blocks access to specific websites and content. 🧱
2. Keyword filters (关键字过滤器 - guānjiàn zì gùlǜqì): Blocks sensitive words (e.g., "human rights" 人权 - rénquán, "Tiananmen Square" 天安门广场 - tiān'ānmén guǎngchǎng, "Falun Gong" 法轮功 - fǎlún gōng).
3. Content monitoring (内容监控 - nèiróng jiānkòng): Human censors monitor and remove inappropriate content.
4. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) (虚拟专用网络 - xūnǐ zhuānyòng wǎngluò): Use is restricted and monitored.
5. Online platforms (在线平台 - zàixiàn píngtái): Platforms must censor content and monitor users.

#2.3. Related Vocabulary

• 防火长城 (fáng huǒ chángchéng) - Great Firewall of China
• 关键字过滤器 (guānjiàn zì gùlǜqì) - keyword filters
• 内容监控 (nèiróng jiānkòng) - content monitoring
• 虚拟专用网络 (xūnǐ zhuānyòng wǎngluò) - Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
• 在线平台 (zàixiàn píngtái) - online platforms
• 人权 (rénquán) - human rights
• 天安门广场 (tiān'ānmén guǎngchǎng) - Tiananmen Square
• 法轮功 (fǎlún gōng) - Falun Gong

Practice Question

What is the 'Great Firewall of China' primarily used for? A) To protect against cyberattacks B) To control access to online information C) To promote e-commerce D) To enhance internet speed

Which of the following is NOT a common method used by the Chinese government to censor online content? A) Keyword filters B) Content monitoring C) Open access to all VPNs D) The Great Firewall of China

Discuss the impact of internet censorship in China on both the access to information and the freedom of expression of its citizens. Provide specific examples to support your answer. (5 points) Scoring Breakdown: 1 point: Correctly identifies that internet censorship limits access to information. 1 point: Explains how censorship restricts freedom of expression. 1 point: Provides a specific example of a type of information censored (e.g., Tiananmen Square). 1 point: Provides a specific example of how freedom of expression is limited (e.g., social media posts). 1 point: Demonstrates an understanding of the overall impact of censorship on Chinese society.

#3. Social Media and Entertainment

#3.1. Social Media in China

• Social media is very popular in China. 📱
• Apps like 抖音 (dǒu yīn) (TikTok) influence personal and public identities.
• 微博 (wēi bó) (similar to Twitter) and 微信 (wēixìn) (WeChat, similar to WhatsApp) are widely used. 💬
• China creates its own tech companies while blocking foreign competitors.
• 百度 (bǎidù) is a search engine similar to Google.

#3.2. TV Entertainment in China

• There are about 3,000 TV stations in China.
• Average viewing time is about 3 hours per day.
• CCTV (中国中央电视台 - zhōngguó zhōngyāng diànshìtái) is a popular channel.
• Provincial networks like 安徽卫视 (ānhuī wèishì) are also popular.
• Popular TV dramas and variety shows get billions of views.
• Examples: Nirvana in Fire (琅琊榜 - lángyá bǎng), Happy Camp (快乐大本营 - kuài yuè dàběnyíng). 📺

#3.3. Related Vocabulary

• 身份证 (shēnfèn zhèng) - ID card/Resident Identity Card
• 社交媒体 (shèjiāo méitǐ) - Social Media
• 互联网 (hùliánwǎng) - Internet
• 手机 (shǒujī) - Cell phone
• 照片 (zhàopiàn) - Picture
• 社会信用体系 (shèhuì xìnyòng tǐxì) - Social Credit System
• 监控系统 (jiānkòng xìtǒng) - Surveillance System
• 公民 (gōngmín) - Citizen
• 审查 (shěnchá) - Censor
• 媒体 (méitǐ) - Media
• 防火长城 (fánghuǒ chángchéng) - The Great Firewall of China (GFW)
• 政府 (zhèngfǔ) - Government
• 电视剧 (diànshìjù) - TV Drama
• 综艺节目 (zōngyì jiémù) - Variety Show

Practice Question

Which of the following is a popular social media platform in China? A) Facebook B) Twitter C) 微博 (wēi bó) D) Instagram

What is the Chinese equivalent of Google? A) 微信 (wēixìn) B) 百度 (bǎidù) C) 抖音 (dǒu yīn) D) 微博 (wēi bó)

Discuss the role of social media and television in shaping the cultural landscape of modern China. Provide specific examples of popular platforms and programs to support your answer. (5 points) Scoring Breakdown: 1 point: Correctly identifies social media as a major influence on Chinese culture. 1 point: Explains how TV shows contribute to cultural trends and norms. 1 point: Provides a specific example of a popular social media platform in China (e.g., WeChat). 1 point: Provides a specific example of a popular TV show in China (e.g., Happy Camp). 1 point: Demonstrates understanding of the combined impact of social media and TV on Chinese society.

#4. Healthcare in China 🏥

#4.1. Public vs. Private Healthcare

• China has both public (公共 - gōnggòng) and private (私人 - sīrén) healthcare options. ⚕️
• Public hospitals (医院 - yīyuàn) and clinics (诊所 - zhěnsuǒ) are affordable but often overcrowded (拥挤 - yōngjǐ) and underfunded (资金不足 - zījīn bùzú).
• They offer preventive care (预防性医疗 - yùfáng xìng yīliáo), diagnosis (诊断 - zhěnduàn), treatment (治疗 - zhìliáo), and surgeries (手术 - shǒushù).
• Private healthcare (私人医疗 - sīrén yīliáo) is more expensive (昂贵 - ángguì) but generally higher quality.
• Many people use private healthcare for specialized treatment.

#4.2. Healthcare System Challenges

• Shortages of medical professionals, especially in rural areas (农村地区 - nóngcūn dìqū). 🧑‍⚕️
• Ongoing issues with air pollution (空气污染 - kōngqì wūrǎn). 💨
• The healthcare system is constantly evolving (不断发展 - bùduàn fāzhǎn) and improving (改进 - gǎijìn).

#4.3. Related Vocabulary

• 公共 (gōnggòng) - public
• 私人 (sīrén) - private
• 医院 (yīyuàn) - hospital
• 诊所 (zhěnsuǒ) - clinic
• 拥挤 (yōngjǐ) - overcrowded
• 资金不足 (zījīn bùzú) - underfunded
• 预防性医疗 (yùfáng xìng yīliáo) - preventive care
• 诊断 (zhěnduàn) - diagnosis
• 治疗 (zhìliáo) - treatment
• 手术 (shǒushù) - surgery
• 人员配备 (rén yuán pèibèi) - staffed
• 私人医疗 (sīrén yīliáo) - private healthcare
• 昂贵 (ángguì) - expensive
• 公共医疗 (gōnggòng yīliáo) - public healthcare
• 农村地区 (nóngcūn dìqū) - rural areas
• 空气污染 (kōngqì wūrǎn) - air pollution
• 不断发展 (bùduàn fāzhǎn) - constantly evolving
• 改进 (gǎijìn) - improving

Practice Question

What is a common issue faced by public hospitals in China? A) Overstaffing B) High-quality equipment C) Overcrowding D) Low costs

Which of the following is NOT a challenge for the Chinese healthcare system? A) Shortages of medical professionals B) High levels of air pollution C) Constant improvements in healthcare D) Overcrowding of public hospitals

Compare and contrast the public and private healthcare systems in China, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. How do these systems impact the healthcare experience of Chinese citizens? (5 points) Scoring Breakdown: 1 point: Correctly identifies the existence of both public and private healthcare systems. 1 point: Explains a strength of the public healthcare system (e.g., affordability). 1 point: Explains a weakness of the public healthcare system (e.g., overcrowding). 1 point: Explains a strength of the private healthcare system (e.g., higher quality). 1 point: Demonstrates understanding of the overall impact of both systems on the healthcare experience of Chinese citizens.

#Final Exam Focus

#High-Priority Topics

• Social Credit System: Understand its function and impact on daily life. 🧬
• Internet Censorship: Know the methods and effects on freedom of expression. 🚫
• Social Media: Familiarize yourself with popular platforms and their influence. 📱
• Healthcare: Compare public and private systems and their challenges. 🏥

#Common Question Types

• Multiple Choice: Test your knowledge of key facts and vocabulary.
• Short Answer: Require concise explanations of concepts.
• Free Response: Demand in-depth analysis and application of knowledge. ✍️

#Last-Minute Tips

• Time Management: Allocate time for each section and question type.
• Common Pitfalls: Avoid overgeneralizations and focus on specific examples.
• Strategies: Read questions carefully, plan your responses, and use precise vocabulary.

Good luck on your AP Chinese exam! You've got this! 💪