AP Chinese is equivalent to a Chinese intermediate-level course in college, so unless you're a native speaker, you'll probably find it a pretty difficult class to take.
In fact, learning a whole new language is challenging in itself. But the good news is, it's not impossible.
The most effective way to prepare for an AP exam is to participate in class and learn the concepts by heart. It helps to plan and keep tabs on your assignments.
With the right review materials, you'll find it easier to get through the school year. Let us help you with that through our list of the best AP Chinese textbooks we've compiled for high school students like you.
3 Best AP Chinese Books in 2022
1 - Barron's AP Chinese Book – 2nd Edition with MP3 CD (Editor's Choice)
Barron's is a big name in the industry for its premium content and easy-to-understand structure for AP exam preparation. This AP Chinese prep book from the company boasts the same quality, the reason why it's a top choice among the best AP Chinese books.
In this AP Chinese Language and Culture book, you'll find two full-length practice tests complete with answer explanations. It also includes an MP3 CD that covers the listening and speaking sections of the AP Chinese exam.
We are impressed by how the book covers all AP examination sections, including speaking, reading, writing, grammar, and culture.
The book reflects the modern AP exam standards and provides the questions in both simplified and traditional Chinese characters for a more straightforward learning approach.
- Plenty of practice tests
- Simplified characters
- Updated book follows new AP exam format
- Includes an MP3 CD for the speaking and listening sections
- Lacks cultural note sections
2 - Chinese Language and Culture – AP Chinese Book Reviews
This Chinese Language and Cultural Book for AP Chinese Preparation was compiled by two teachers, who are both experts in various curricula formats and have in-depth knowledge about the AP Chinese exam's form, content, and principles.
As per our review, the trial version of the AP Chinese Language and Chinese Culture Simulated Tests prep book gathered many constructive suggestions and feedback.
It contains 8 full sets of simulated exams and one mock test in the form of the actual exam content.
You'll also find an MP3 of the written script to make it easier to review your listening and speaking skills.
Most of the students we've talked to like how the characters are traditional yet simplified based on your understanding level.
- Good amount of practice tests
- CD included
- Affordable price
- Includes a good online version
- Simplified Chinese characters
- Not for last-minute studying
3 - 5 Steps to a 5 – Best AP Chinese Languages and Culture
The 5 steps to a 5 AP Chinese Language book offers you 5 levels to set up an ideal and effective study plan for the AP Chinese exam.
Here are the five steps offered by the book.
- Step 1 - Setting up of study plans for the three model schedules.
- Step 2 - Taking the AP-style diagnostic exam to determine your test readiness.
- Step 3 - Developing test-taking strategies that will give you an edge on test day.
- Step 4 - Reviewing the terms and concepts because you need to score high.
- Step 5 - Taking the full-length practice test to build your confidence.
In addition to the steps, the book also provides an MP3 CD-ROM so you can practice your listening comprehension and speaking skills.
Among the top AP Chinese books, we also like how the book covers both traditional and simplified Chinese characters, making it a tad easier to learn Chinese for a self-study approach.
As a good book for review, it also presents spoken material covering the exam along with the exam's listening, reading, writing, and culture topics.
- Easy to understand
- Includes an MP3 CD-ROM
- Good amount of practice tests
- Not well organized
AP Chinese Exam Information Dates and Time
The College Board AP exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes long and has two sections - multiple-choice and free-response sections. The exam is computer-based, so you have to listen through headsets, speak through a microphone, type using a keyboard, and read the text on a screen.
Section 1:This includes 70 multiple choice type questions that you need to answer within 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- Part A - Listening section answerable in 20 minutes.
- Part B - Reading section with 35 to 40 questions answerable in 60 minutes.
Section 2: This consists of the free-response section, with 4 given tasks that you need to solve within 50 minutes.
- Part A - Writing section answerable in 30 minutes.
- Part B - Verbal section answerable in 20 minutes.
When it comes to studying for AP Chinese Language, we recommend setting a daily study schedule and making sure that you stick to it.
You also need to spare at least 3 months if you want to cover all the core concepts of Chinese culture.
Use practice tests and problems to gauge your progress as you prepare for the exam. We also recommend that you do your research as to what you should bring to the exam venue and what to leave at home to avoid any hassle during the exam day.
More AP Books:
Final Words: AP Chinese Book
After days of reading different AP Chinese prep books and interviewing previous test-takers, our team thinks that Barron's AP Chinese Book – 2nd Edition is the best AP Chinese book if you're after a more comprehensive yet easy to follow prep book.
It contains a good amount of practice tests to gauge your progress during your preparation for the exam. We also like how the book provides test-taking strategies and tips to give future test-takers the edge during exam day.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a more affordable option, you may also check out the AP Chinese Language and Culture – AP Chinese Book Reviews preparatory book.
Our #1 Recommendation
Barron's AP Chinese Book – 2nd Edition with MP3 CD
- Plenty of practice tests
- Simplified characters
- Updated book follows new AP exam format
- Includes an MP3 CD for the speaking and listening sections
About the author
Add Comment