#AP Chinese Unit 4: Science, Technology, and Society 🚀

Welcome to Unit 4! This unit dives into how science and technology have reshaped our world, especially in China. Let's explore the key concepts and prepare you for exam success! Remember, you've got this! 💪

#Unit 4 Essential Questions 🤔

These questions are your roadmap for this unit. Use them to guide your review and summarize the key concepts. They're not practice essay questions, but they'll help you think like an AP student!

1. How has science and technology impacted our daily lives? (科学技术是如何影响我们的日常生活？)
2. In what ways have advances in science and technology contributed to social and cultural changes? (在哪些方面，科学技术的发展对社会和文化的改变有贡献？)
3. How have cultural and societal values influenced the direction of scientific and technological developments? (科学技术的发展在哪些方面对社会和文化的改变有贡献？)

#Past Free-Response Questions (FRQs) 📝

Here's a quick look at past FRQs related to this unit. Notice how many of them combine themes from different units – that's typical of the AP exam!

#Presentational Writing: Story Narration

• 2022: A woman losing her cell phone at an airport restaurant
• 2016: Finding a lost dog

#Interpersonal Writing: Email Response

• 2015: U.S. exchange student in China
• 2014: Participating in community service
• 2010: Summer activities
• 2009: Studying abroad

#Interpersonal Speaking: Conversation

• 2010: Trip to China

#Presentational Speaking: Cultural Presentation

• 2018: Modern change to a traditional Chinese cultural practice
• 2010: Chinese celebrities
• 2008: City in mainland China/Taiwan

#4.1 China’s Advancements in Science and Technology 🚄

• High-Speed Rail: Over 35,000 km of track! 🚄
• Tiangong Space Lab: Launched in 2011 for microgravity experiments. 🚀
• Advanced Materials: Focus on energy storage, transportation, and healthcare. 🔋
• AI Leaders:
  • Baidu (百度 bǎidù): Search engine and AI research. 🤖
  • Tencent (腾讯 téngxùn): Internet services and AI investments. 📱
• Quantum Computing (量子计算 liàngzǐ jìsuàn):
  • Uses quantum mechanics for faster calculations. ⚛️
  • Quantum Satellite (量子卫星 liàngzǐ wèixīng): Launched in 2016. 🛰️
  • Quantum Supremacy (量子优势 liàngzǐ yōushì): Achieved in 2020. 🏆
• Key Materials:
  • Graphene (石墨烯 shímò xī): Two-dimensional material with unique properties. 💎
  • Lithium-ion batteries (锂离子电池 lǐ lízǐ diànchí): High-performance batteries for electronics. 🔋

#4.2 Health-Related Challenges in China 🏥

Health is a major concern. Be ready to discuss the challenges and solutions.

• Healthcare System: Public and private providers. 🏥
  • Public system provides basic services at low cost.
  • Concerns about cost, quality, access, and insurance. 💸
• Mental Health: High prevalence of issues, stigma surrounding treatment. 🧠
• COVID-19:
  • "Zero-COVID" policy: Quarantines, travel restrictions, vaccines. 😷
  • Increased demand, strained resources. 🚑
• Healthy China 2030 Plan: Aims to improve healthcare access and affordability. 🎯
• Technology in Healthcare: Electronic records, telemedicine, wearable devices. 💻
• Non-Communicable Diseases: Cancer and heart disease are major issues. ❤️
• Aging Population: Challenges in caring for the elderly and maintaining a workforce. 👵👴
• Environmental Factors: Pollution and food safety impact health. ⚠️

#4.3 Technology in Contemporary Chinese Life 📱

• Museums: Interactive exhibits, audio guides, online resources, VR/AR. 🏛️
• Workplace: Virtual meetings, remote work. 💻
• Education: Online learning, MOOCs, AI tutoring. 📚
• Everyday Life:
  • Online Banking: Mobile apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay. 💰
  • Ride-Sharing: Didi and Uber. 🚗
  • Delivery Services: Alibaba's Cainiao and JD.com. 📦
  • Online Shopping: Taobao and JD.com. 🛍️
• Communication: Messaging apps like WeChat and QQ. 💬
• Internet and Social Media: Access to information and connection. 🌐

#4.4 The Impact of Social Media in China 🤳

• Major Platforms: WeChat, Douyin, Weibo, QQ, Kuaishou, Zhihu. 📱
• WeChat:
  • Over 1 billion monthly active users. 🤯
  • Messaging, social networking, WeChat Pay. 💸
  • Facilitated mobile commerce. 🛒
  • Replaced traditional communication. 📞
• Douyin: Short video app with over 600 million daily active users. 🎬
• QQ: Messaging app with over 900 million active users. 💬
• Kuaishou: Short video app popular among rural users. 🧑‍🌾
• Zhihu: Question-and-answer platform with over 300 million users. 🤔
• Controversies: Censorship, data privacy, misinformation, addictive technology. ⚠️
  • Government regulation: Content censorship, real-name registration. 👮

#Final Exam Focus 🎯

• Highest Priority Topics:
  • China's tech advancements (high-speed rail, AI, quantum computing).
  • Impact of technology on daily life (online banking, shopping, delivery).
  • Social media platforms and their influence.
  • Healthcare challenges and solutions.
• Common Question Types:
  • Presentational writing (story narration).
  • Interpersonal writing (email response).
  • Presentational speaking (cultural presentation).
• Last-Minute Tips:
  • Time Management: Don't get stuck on one question. Move on if needed.
  • Common Pitfalls: Avoid overly simplistic answers. Use specific examples.
  • Strategies: Plan your responses. Use transition words for coherence.
  • Stay Calm: You've prepared well. Trust your knowledge! 🧘

#Practice Questions

Practice Question

#Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following is NOT a major social media platform in China? (A) WeChat (微信) (B) Douyin (抖音) (C) Facebook (脸书) (D) Weibo (微博)

2. What is one of the key challenges facing China's healthcare system? (A) Overabundance of medical professionals (B) Low cost of healthcare services (C) Limited access to healthcare in rural areas (D) Lack of modern medical technology

3. Which technology is NOT mentioned as a significant advancement in China? (A) High-speed rail (B) Quantum computing (C) Autonomous vehicles (D) Blockchain technology

#Free Response Question (FRQ)

Scenario: You are giving a presentation to your class about the impact of technology on daily life in China. Discuss at least three specific examples of how technology has changed the way people live, work, or communicate in China. Be sure to use specific vocabulary and examples from the unit.

Point-by-Point Scoring Breakdown:

• Introduction (1 point): Briefly introduce the topic of technology's impact on daily life in China.
• Example 1 (3 points):
  • Clearly identify a specific technology (e.g., mobile payment systems).
  • Explain how it has changed daily life (e.g., convenience of online transactions).
  • Provide a specific example (e.g., using Alipay or WeChat Pay).
• Example 2 (3 points):
  • Clearly identify a different technology (e.g., ride-sharing apps).
  • Explain how it has changed daily life (e.g., ease of transportation).
  • Provide a specific example (e.g., using Didi).
• Example 3 (3 points):
  • Clearly identify a third technology (e.g., social media platforms).
  • Explain how it has changed daily life (e.g., communication and social interaction).
  • Provide a specific example (e.g., using WeChat or Douyin).
• Conclusion (1 point): Briefly summarize the overall impact of technology on daily life in China.
• Language Proficiency (up to 4 points):
  • Accurate use of vocabulary related to technology and daily life.
  • Correct grammar and sentence structure.
  • Appropriate use of transitions and linking words.
  • Overall clarity and coherence of the presentation.

#Combining Multiple Units

Question: Imagine you are writing an email to a friend in China (Interpersonal Writing). Your friend is interested in learning about both Chinese culture and the impact of technology. Describe a recent cultural event you attended (e.g., a festival, a traditional performance) and explain how technology played a role in either the event itself or your experience of it. Be sure to use specific vocabulary and examples from both Unit 3 (Culture) and Unit 4 (Technology).

You've got this! Go ace that exam! 🌟