AP Japanese Language Unit 2 practice questions
Try 10 multiple-choice questions from Unit 2 here. Pick an answer to see why it's right or wrong, then take the timed test above for a full AP-style set.
Question 1
Source:『地域文化研究』2024年3月号より改編
日本の伝統的な祭りが変化している。総務省の調査によると、地方の祭りの数は過去20年間で約30パーセント減少した。特に若者の参加者が減り、祭りを支える担い手不足が深刻化している。
静岡県の小さな町では、300年以上続いてきた夏祭りが昨年中止された。町の高齢化率は45パーセントを超え、祭りの準備や運営を担う若い世代がいなくなったためだ。「子供の頃は祭りが楽しみだったが、今は誰も手伝ってくれない」と、祭り実行委員会の田中さん(68歳)は語る。
しかし、伝統を守ろうとする動きもある。京都市では、大学生ボランティアが地域の祭りに参加するプログラムを始めた。学生たちは祭りの歴史を学び、地域住民と一緒に準備作業を行う。参加した学生の一人は「最初は難しそうだと思ったが、実際にやってみると面白い。伝統文化の大切さが分かった」と話す。
また、SNSを活用して祭りの魅力を発信する取り組みも増えている。若い世代に向けて写真や動画を投稿し、新しい参加者を呼び込もうとしている。専門家は「伝統を完全に保存するのは難しいが、時代に合わせて変化させることで、次の世代に引き継ぐことができる」と指摘している。
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications survey, how has the number of local festivals changed?
It decreased by about 30 percent over the past 20 years
It decreased by about 45 percent over the past 20 years
It increased by about 30 percent over the past 20 years
It decreased by about 30 percent over the past 300 years
Show answer
Answer: (A)
This question asks students to read the statistics stated in paragraph 1 literally and accurately—distinguishing those numbers from other figures elsewhere in the article.
Question 2
A social media post includes the following message: 「日本のマンガを字幕なしで読みたいですか。オンラインでN4の文法を一緒に勉強しましょう！」 Based on the content and tone, who is the most likely intended audience for this message?
Japanese language learners interested in pop culture
Native Japanese speakers studying foreign languages
Japanese language teachers looking for new materials
International students applying to Japanese universities
Show answer
Answer: (A)
Saying they want to read manga without subtitles (字幕なし) and study N4 grammar shows the flyer is aimed at foreign learners motivated by Japanese media.
Question 3
A community center bulletin board in São Paulo, Brazil, displays a flyer stating: 「今週末のフェスタで、おじいちゃんやおばあちゃんと日本語で話してみませんか。継承語のクラスの申し込みはこちら。」 Who is the specific intended audience for this flyer?
Younger generations of Japanese descent living in Brazil
Elderly Japanese immigrants seeking Portuguese lessons
Brazilian tourists planning to visit Japan for a vacation
Japanese expatriates working temporarily in South America
Show answer
Answer: (A)
References to São Paulo, おじいちゃんやおばあちゃん, and 継承語 show the flyer targets Nikkei youth who want to communicate with immigrant grandparents.
Question 4
An advertisement in a Southeast Asian business magazine reads: 「日系企業でのキャリアアップを目指す方へ。ビジネス敬語とN1対策の特別セミナーを開催します。」 Which group is the primary intended audience for this advertisement?
Local professionals seeking employment at Japanese companies
Japanese corporate executives relocating to Southeast Asia
High school students preparing for university entrance exams
Tourists looking to learn basic Japanese for their travels
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Answer: (A)
Mentions of 日系企業でのキャリアアップ, ビジネス敬語, and N1 prep indicate the audience is advanced non-native professionals seeking workplace improvement.
Question 5
An official email newsletter contains the following announcement: 「海外の教育機関で教鞭をとる皆様へ。新しい『まるごと』の指導法ワークショップの参加者を募集しています。」 Based on the text, who is the intended audience for this newsletter?
Japanese language instructors teaching outside of Japan
Foreign exchange students currently studying in Japan
Government officials developing new educational policies
Authors writing textbooks for Japanese elementary schools
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Answer: (A)
The opening line addresses teachers at overseas institutions and mentions a 指導法ワークショップ, making the audience clearly educators.
Question 6
A brochure found at an international airport includes the text: 「和食、温泉、そして伝統文化。あなたの知らないクールジャパンを体験するツアーに今すぐ予約を！」 Who is the most likely intended audience for this promotional brochure?
International tourists interested in experiencing Japanese culture
Japanese citizens planning domestic travel during their holidays
Restaurant owners looking to import traditional Japanese foods
Academic researchers studying the history of Japanese hot springs
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Answer: (A)
Listing Washoku, onsen, and Cool Japan alongside a "book now" call shows the brochure promotes tours to foreign visitors seeking cultural experiences.
Question 7
A university website features a page with the following heading: 「日本留学試験（EJU）で高得点を目指す皆さんへ：理系科目の日本語サポートプログラム」 Who is the specific intended audience for this webpage?
International students planning to study science in Japan
Japanese high school students preparing for science exams
Foreign researchers publishing science papers in Japanese
Japanese university professors teaching science in English
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Answer: (A)
Mentioning the EJU and 理系科目 identifies the audience as international students preparing for STEM entrance to Japanese universities.
Question 8
A flyer on a university campus reads: 「日本語のネイティブスピーカーと会話の練習をしませんか。毎週金曜日のカフェで、言語交換のパートナーを見つけましょう！」 Based on the synthesized meaning, who is the intended audience?
Non-native students wanting to practice speaking Japanese
Native Japanese students looking for part-time cafe jobs
Language teachers seeking new conversational textbooks
Local cafe owners wanting to attract international students
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Answer: (A)
Inviting people to practice conversation with a native Japanese speaker indicates the event is for non-native speakers who want to improve their speaking skills.
Question 9
A government document states: 「外国人材の受け入れ拡大に伴い、地域社会における『生活者としての外国人』に対する日本語教育の体制整備が急務である。」 Who is the primary intended audience for this formal document?
Policymakers and local government officials in Japan
Foreign workers seeking employment in Japanese cities
International tourists visiting rural areas of Japan
Japanese language learners preparing for proficiency tests
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Answer: (A)
The formal language about 体制整備 and 急務 and building a Japanese education framework for foreign residents points to administrators and policymakers.
Question 10
Read the following statement from a Brazilian student of Japanese descent discussing their heritage language experience: 「子どもの時、毎週末、両親に日本語学校に行かされました。」 What does this statement indicate about the student's experience?
The student was forced to attend a Japanese school by their parents.
The student willingly asked their parents to attend a Japanese school.
The student's parents were forced to attend a Japanese school with them.
The student's parents willingly attended a Japanese school with them.
Show answer
Answer: (A)
The causative-passive 行かされました shows the speaker was forced to go, indicating they lacked agency—typical when children are made to study a heritage language.
What's on the AP Japanese Language Unit 2 practice test
The standard version takes about 54 minutes and follows the timing and directions of the AP exam, sized to one unit:
- 20 Multiple Choice Questions (24 minutes)
- 1 FRQ – FRQ 3 – Story Narration (15 minutes)
- 1 FRQ – FRQ 4 – Email Response (15 minutes)
Questions are drawn from 432 multiple-choice questions and 40 FRQs written for Unit 2, Language and Culture.
Practice AP Japanese Language Unit 2 FRQs
Answer the unit's free-response questions one at a time and get a score on every part.
- FRQ 3 – Story Narration (20 questions)
- FRQ 4 – Email Response (20 questions)