World Language Comparison
Level 4 vs. AP Language
The Level 4 course is designed to expand students' speaking, writing skills, and cultural awareness beyond practical, day-to-day language functions based on FCPS-Program of Study. The course is rigorous and challenging and helps prepare the student for college-level courses as well as more advanced courses at TJ.
AP Language is an intense and challenging course based on the College Board standards and the AP exam for this course. The class will follow a thematic syllabus which will serve as a medium for in-depth study of culture, literature, history, politics and current events/issues.
|Level 4||AP Language|
|Uses a thematic syllabus to broaden knowledge of current and global issues as a foundation for interactive communication.||Uses a thematic syllabus to broaden knowledge of current and global issues as a foundation for interactive communication.|
|Includes a complete advanced grammar review to enhance communication.||Includes a complete grammar review but focuses on advanced grammatical structures to develop a more sophisticated level of expression.|
|Strict immersion style learning is enforced to maintain interactive communicative skills.||Strict immersion style learning is enforced to maintain interactive communicative skills.|
|Utilizes a variety of authentic materials (audio, video, Internet, print) to support themes and develop communication skills in all areas.||Utilizes a variety of advanced authentic materials (audio, video, Internet, print) to support themes and develop communication skills in all areas.|
|Develops comprehension & interpretive skills of short literary works.||Develops comprehension & interpretive skills of short literary works. Improves oral & written ability to develop a thesis, integrate and synthesize information.|
|Essential active participation is incorporated through discussions, readings, research, oral presentations, and creative activities.||Essential active participation is incorporated through discussions, readings, research, oral presentations, and creative activities.|
|Evaluations include PALS per FCPS requirements, as well as regular thematic and grammatical assessments. Final exam comprises an oral and written PALS and an objective portion.||Regular practice and assessment are tailored to develop the necessary skills for AP exam mastery which include advanced listening & reading comprehension, informal & formal oral & erudite written expression. Completion of the AP Spanish Language exam is mandatory.|
|Assigns challenging homework on a daily basis. Homework averages 1/2 to 1 hour per assignment.||Assigns regular challenging homework. Homework averages one hour per class.|