Standard Conventions of Written Language
Help Questions
AP Spanish Language and Culture › Standard Conventions of Written Language
In the text, which sentence uses punctuation correctly?
(Diálogo) —Hola, Andrés ¿ya pensaste en el plan del sábado?
—Sí, quería proponerte ir al museo por la mañana y, después almorzar cerca.
—Me parece bien; sin embargo podríamos comprar las entradas hoy.
—De acuerdo. ¿Te llamo a las seis para confirmarlo?
—Perfecto, hasta mañana.
Hola, Andrés, ya pensaste en el plan del sábado?
Hola, Andrés, ¿ya pensaste en el plan del sábado?
Hola Andrés ¿ya pensaste en el plan del sábado?
Hola, Andrés ¿ya pensaste en el plan del sábado.
Explanation
This question tests AP Spanish Language and Culture skills, specifically the use of standard conventions of written language. Understanding and applying standard conventions involve correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling, ensuring communication is clear and appropriate to the context. In this dialogue between friends, proper punctuation is essential for clarity and readability. Choice A is correct because 'Hola, Andrés, ¿ya pensaste en el plan del sábado?' uses all punctuation correctly: comma after greeting, comma before addressing someone by name, and proper question marks. Choice B is incorrect because it's missing the comma after 'Andrés', Choice C incorrectly uses a period instead of a question mark, and Choice D is missing the opening question mark required in Spanish. To help students: Practice Spanish punctuation rules, especially the use of inverted question marks and exclamation points, and emphasize the importance of commas when addressing someone directly. Watch for: forgetting the inverted question mark at the beginning of questions and omitting commas in direct address.
In the text, choose the sentence that maintains the correct tone for the context.
(Email formal) Estimado señor Ramírez:
Le escribo para pedirle detalles sobre el proyecto de ciencias. En primer lugar, quisiera saber si el informe debe incluir gráficos y conclusiones. Asimismo, necesito confirmar la extensión mínima y el formato de citas. Por último, agradecería que me indicara la fecha exacta de entrega.
Muchas gracias por su tiempo.
Atentamente,
Diego Morales
Oiga, ¿me dice rápido la fecha de entrega?
Dime si el informe va con gráficos, por favor.
Le agradecería que me indicara la fecha exacta de entrega.
Te escribo para saber el formato de citas.
Explanation
This question tests AP Spanish Language and Culture skills, specifically the use of standard conventions of written language. Understanding and applying standard conventions involve correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling, ensuring communication is clear and appropriate to the context. In this formal email to Mr. Ramírez, the student must maintain a consistent formal register throughout the communication. Choice B is correct because 'Le agradecería que me indicara la fecha exacta de entrega' uses the conditional tense and formal pronouns appropriately, maintaining the formal tone established in the email. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they use informal language ('Oiga', 'Dime', 'Te escribo') that breaks the formal register required when addressing a teacher or superior. To help students: Practice identifying formal vs. informal registers in Spanish, emphasize the use of 'usted' forms and conditional tense for polite requests, and create exercises comparing formal and informal versions of the same message. Watch for: mixing formal and informal registers within the same text, which is a common error among Spanish learners.