Spanish Student FAQs

En �sta p�gina se incluyen las preguntas m�s frecuentes de estudiantes y 
padres.
  1. SPANISH 3 - Where can I go to review Spanish 2 grammar and vocabulary?
  2. Why is SPEAKING so important?
  3. What about absences and make-up work?
  4. What is the homework policy?
  5. How is Spanish AP different from lower level of Spanish?
  6. Where can I find Sra. Egnatz's Class Rules?



SPANISH 3 - Where can I go to review Spanish 2 grammar and vocabulary?

Extra help is available at the textbook's website.  
Spanish II can go to:  www.go.hrw.com   KEYWORD: EXP2 CH___  
(follow "CH" 
with your chapter number).

You can also try www.studyspanish.com or look at the LINKS page.
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Why is SPEAKING so important?

The purpose of Spanish class is to learn to USE Spanish to 
communicate with others.  (It's like using numbers in Math class) 
When you speak  English, you rarely use PERFECT grammar, but you 
DO communicate.  The more you learn in class and take advantage 
of your opportunities to speak, the more you'll be able to 
communicate your ideas, thoughts and feelings in Spanish.  I'm 
here to encourage and help you.  Language includes four skills:  
Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.  You will receive a 
grade in each category plus an "Integrated Grade" that involves 2 
or more of the skills (for example a Chapter Exam).  The 
commitment and initiative of the student to participate in ALL 
classroom activities and discussions.  This is an oral 
demonstration of listening and reading comprehension. The skill a 
future employer will PAY for is Speaking!
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What about absences and make-up work?

Students who are absent from class have 1 day plus the # of days 
absent to do make-up work.  Students who know they will be absent 
(suspension, vacation, Dr appts, field trips) must ask for 
assignments prior to missing class.  The student is responsible 
for requesting and turning in make-up work.  
Announced tests and quizzes must be made up immediately following 
the absence.
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What is the homework policy?

Homework is assigned on a regular basis and as this class is an 
Honors/AP course, homework is expected to be completed BEFORE 
class.  Homework may be discussed and/or corrected in class 
because it is DIRECTLY linked to the TASKS and EXAMS upon which 
the student is graded.  In other words, daily practice homework 
may not be given a separate "Homework" grade but will be 
considered practice and preparation for a similar GRADED EVENT 
(project, oral presentation, essay, quiz or test).
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How is Spanish AP different from lower level of Spanish?

In Spanish 1-3 the focus is on acquiring vocabulary and learning 
the grammar structures (verb conjugations, etc.) to use the 
vocabulary.  Emphasis is placed on developing good language study 
habits and using the language in context.  Students will have 
many opportunities to practice listening, speaking, reading and 
writing.

The AP SPanish Language Exam is not a test of vocabulary or verb 
forms.  It is a test that measure how the student can do academic 
tasks (like an essay or speech) in the target language.  At the 
AP level, students will be reviewing grammar and adding to their 
vocabulary, but the FOCUS is on comprehension of authentic 
written and audio materials and demonstrating that understanding 
in both a written and spoken way.  Similar to a college course, 
homework may not be graded but helps the student to prepare for a 
similar "Performance Task."  These tasks are designed to be 
similar to those activities on the AP Spanish Exam.  

It is expected that the student  will take the INITIATIVE to use 
as much spoken Spanish as possible.  Examples include social 
greetings and conversations, ACTIVE participation in all 
classroom activities and group disussions, both responding to 
questions and asking questions about material not understood, 
clarify or follow-up on the topic.  The AP EXAM includes 2 
speaking samples (informal and formal) and comprises a large 
percentage of their overall AP Exam score.  
To score well, a student needs to prepare by taking every 
advantage of class opportunities to express themselves and 
practice both vocabulary and advanced grammar.  Students 
should put as much effort into their speaking in class as they 
might into a written essay or a chapter exam.  If a student only 
occasionally contributes to the class discussion or must be 
called upon, they can expect a lower score in these areas of the 
AP Language Exam and in the speaking portion of the class grade.  
In class, the student should actively participate in a paired, 
group or class activities - taking notes - using language 
laboratory time to practice - demonstrating in both spoken and 
written activities a desire to improve their langage skills by 
taking risks (i.w., with complex grammar, new vocabulary or 
idiomatic phrases).
For additional practice and to increase their AP score, the 
student is strongly encouraged to use the suggested websites to 
enhance their grammar, vocabulary, listening and reading skills 
and take advantage to listen to, read and speak Spanish outside 
of the classroom.
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Where can I find Sra. Egnatz's Class Rules?

Look under the Resources - Printable Handouts.
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