AP Chinese Chinese: Interpersonal Communication 5

Question 1

A Chinese friend invites you to a dinner party and says '你随便来就好，不用带东西。' What should you do according to Chinese social customs?

Accepted Answer

Bring a small gift such as fruit, dessert, or a bottle of juice as a gesture of appreciation.

Answer

In Chinese culture, '不用带东西' is often said out of politeness; bringing a small gift is still customary and appreciated.

Question 2

In a simulated conversation about environmental issues, the prompt says the speaker believes individuals cannot make a difference. The best interpersonal response would:

Accepted Answer

Respectfully disagree, provide a counterexample, and explain your reasoning.

Answer

Politely disagreeing and supporting your position with specific evidence demonstrates advanced interpersonal communication and critical thinking in Chinese.

Question 3

Which Chinese phrase is most appropriate for introducing yourself at the start of a formal interpersonal exchange with someone you have never met?

Accepted Answer

您好，很荣幸认识您，我叫…

Answer

Using '您好,' '很荣幸认识您,' and a formal self-introduction is most appropriate for a formal first meeting in Chinese.

Question 4

During a role-play, you need to reschedule a doctor's appointment. Which exchange is most complete and natural?

Accepted Answer

您好，我原来预约了下周三下午三点，我想改到下周五，方便吗？

Answer

A complete reschedule request gives the original appointment details, proposes a new time, and uses a polite form ('方便吗？').

Question 5

Your Chinese pen pal asks what Americans think about the concept of 面子 (face/mianzi). What is the most accurate explanation you can provide?

Accepted Answer

面子 refers to one's social reputation and dignity; while Americans have related concepts, 面子 plays a particularly central role in Chinese social relationships and communication.

Answer

面子 (face/mianzi) refers to social reputation and dignity and is central to Chinese interpersonal relationships, though it has partial parallels in other cultures.

AP Practice Test

AP Practice Test

AP Chinese Chinese: Interpersonal Communication 5