Sample Questions: Spanish with Writing

The following Spanish with Writing sample questions aren't used in actual CLEP exams and aren't presented here as they will be on the test. Use them to get a sense of question format and difficulty level.

Directions

This part of the test measures your ability to understand spoken Spanish. There are two sections in this part of the test, with special directions for each section. The two listening sections of the test total approximately 30 minutes in length. The amount of time you have to answer a question varies according to the section and doesn’t include the time you spend listening to the test material. Timing begins after the Section Directions are dismissed. You can change the volume by using the Volume testing tool.

Listen to Audio — Download (.mp3/1 MB)

Section I: Listening

Section I Directions: You will hear a series of selections, such as dialogues, announcements, and narratives. Each audio selection is accompanied by a graphic or a picture. Each selection is followed by one or more questions.

The questions have various formats. Some questions offer four possible responses, each with an oval to click to indicate your answer. Other questions ask you to select part of a graphic, fill out a table, or put a list in the correct order. For some of these questions, you will have to click in more than one place to complete your response. For these questions, follow the specific directions given.

In this section, you may adjust the volume only when a question is on your screen. It will affect the volume of the next audio prompt you hear. You cannot change the volume while the audio prompt is playing.

Questions

1. (MA) ¿Por qué van ustedes a Chile?
   (WA)
   1. Para estudiar allí
   2. Dentro de quince días
   3. Con una familia chilena
   4. Por avión

Section II: Listening

Directions: You will hear a series of selections, such as dialogues, announcements, and narratives. Each audio selection is accompanied by a graphic or a picture. Each selection is followed by one or more questions. The questions have various formats. Some questions offer four possible responses, each with an oval to click to indicate your answer. Other questions ask you to select part of a graphic, fill out a table, or put a list in the correct order. For some of these questions, you will have to click in more than one place to complete your response. For these questions, follow the specific directions given. In this section, you may adjust the volume only when a question is on your screen. It will affect the volume of the next audio prompt you hear. You cannot change the volume while the audio prompt is playing.

Questions 2–4: Narrative

(NARR) El cumpleaños de un escritor famoso.

(WA) Con el tradicional pastel de chocolate, el escritor Ernesto Sábato celebró su 94 cumpleaños rodeado de sus amigos de toda la vida.

Como todos los años, el famoso autor recibió los saludos de escritores internacionales y locales, así como de personalidades de la cultura y la política.

Con motivo de esa ocasión, la artista plástica Silvina Benguria, su amiga desde 1964, lo visitó en su casa. Según dijo la artista, el escritor ha sido la persona con quien más se ha podido reír en el mundo. Ha sido capaz de inventar las historias más increíbles y hasta creérselas.

Used by permission of La Nación

2. ¿Cuál es el tema de esta selección?
   1. Un análisis literario
   2. Una ocasión de festejo
   3. Un relato histórico
   4. Una tradición del país
3. Según la selección, ¿cuál es la relación entre Silvina Benguria y Ernesto Sábato?
   1. Son hermanos.
   2. Son esposos.
   3. Son amigos.
   4. Son vecinos.
4. ¿Qué opinión tiene Silvina Benguria del escritor?
   1. Es filosófico.
   2. Es generoso.
   3. Es cómico.
   4. Es sincero

Section III: Reading

Section III Reading Directions: This section measures your ability to read Spanish. There are three parts in this section, with special directions for each part. The Reading section on the exam is approximately 50 minutes.

Directions for Part A: Each incomplete statement is followed by four suggested completions. Select the one that is best in each case.

5. Todos los días nos levantamos a las seis ______ la mañana.
   1. de
   2. por
   3. en
   4. a
6. Ojalá que ______ tapas deliciosas en la recepción de esta noche.
   1. hay
   2. haya
   3. hayan
   4. hayamos

Directions for Part B: In each of the following paragraphs, there are blanks indicating that words or phrases have been omitted. When a blank is shaded, four completions are provided. First, read through the entire paragraph. Then, for each blank, choose the completion that is the most appropriate, given the context of the entire paragraph.

Sebastián miró a su alrededor. Él no ______7______ dónde estaba. Solo recordaba que había llegado el día anterior a esta ciudad. La noche era un misterio. Recorrió las calles interminables ______8______ cansarse, y entró en un café oscuro y desierto.

7.  
   1. sabíamos
   2. sabías
   3. sabía
   4. sabían
8.  
   1. hasta
   2. entre
   3. hacia
   4. dentro

Directions for Part C: Read the following selections. Each selection is followed by one or more questions, incomplete statements, or commands. For each question or incomplete statement, select the answer or completion that’s best according to the selection. For each command, click on the appropriate area of the screen according to the directions given.

9. Según el anuncio, ¿qué se puede reservar al llamar al número telefónico presentado?
   1. Un apartamento
   2. Una mesa en un restaurante
   3. Un sitio para vender
   4. Boletos para un concierto
10. ¿Cuál es una ventaja de Mundo Mart?
    1. Está abierto 24 horas al día.
    2. Ofrece una variedad de servicios.
    3. No hay que reservar el espacio por adelantado.
    4. El uso del espacio es gratis en los fines de semana.

Answers

1) A   2) B   3) C   4) C   5) A   6) B   7) C   8) A   9) C   10) B