Email Response: Answering Both Requests

Welcome! In this chapter, we are focusing on one of the most important rules for the Email Response task (Question 4) of your AP Chinese Exam: answering both requests. This task is like a digital conversation with a friend or a community member. Just like in a real conversation, if someone asks you two questions and you only answer one, the interaction feels incomplete! In the AP exam, answering both requests is the key to earning a high score in Message Development.

What is the "Email Response" Task?

In Section I of the exam, you will have a total of 30 minutes to complete two writing tasks: the Story Narration and the Email Response. The Email Response asks you to reply to an email in Chinese. The prompt will always contain at least two specific requests—these might be questions, invitations, or requests for advice. Your job is to address every single one of them clearly and with enough detail.

Step 1: Identifying the Requests

Before you start typing, you need to be a "detective." Look closely at the incoming email to find exactly what the sender wants to know. Usually, these requests are found near the end of the email.

Common "Request" Markers:

  • Question Marks (?): Any sentence ending in a question mark is a direct request for information.
  • The word 请 (qǐng - please): For example, "请告诉我..." (Please tell me...).
  • Choices: Phrases like "...还是..." (...or...) indicating you need to pick an option.
  • Advice: Phrases like "你觉得..." (What do you think...) or "你有什么建议？" (What advice do you have?).

Quick Tip: Some students find it helpful to mentally (or on scratch paper) label them as Request A and Request B to make sure neither is forgotten!

Step 2: The "What + Why" Formula

To get a top score in Message Development, you cannot just give a one-word answer. For each request, you should aim to provide a clear answer (the "What") and a supporting detail or reason (the "Why").

Example: If the email asks, "What time should we meet?"

  • Basic Answer: "We should meet at 2:00." (This is okay, but a bit thin).
  • Developed Answer: "We should meet at 2:00 because I have to finish my homework in the morning." (This is much better!).

Step 3: Balancing Your Response

Ensure that you give roughly equal attention to both requests. If you write five sentences for the first request and only three words for the second, your response will feel unbalanced. A well-organized email treats both parts of the sender's inquiry as important.

Note: For more on how to structure these ideas smoothly, see the chapter on "Organization and cohesive devices."

Common Mistakes to Avoid
  • The "Invisible" Second Question: Students often get so excited answering the first question that they completely forget the second one exists. Double-check the prompt before you submit!
  • Being Too Vague: Answering "I don't know" or "Whatever you want" doesn't show off your language skills. Even if you don't have a real preference, pick an answer and explain why.
  • Ignoring the Context: If the email is from a teacher, your answers should be more formal than if the email is from a classmate. (See "Email Response: greeting, closing and register" for more on this!)

Did you know? On the new digital exam platform (Bluebook), you can see the original prompt while you type. Use this to your advantage! Keep looking back at the prompt to make sure you haven't missed a single detail.

Summary: The Checklist for Success

When practicing your email responses, ask yourself these three questions:

1. Did I find both requests in the prompt?
2. Did I answer both of them clearly?
3. Did I provide a detail or reason for each answer?

Key Takeaway: The Email Response is 7.5% of your total exam score. The easiest way to protect that score is to make sure every question asked by the sender is answered with elaboration and clarity. Don't worry if your Chinese isn't perfect—focusing on task completion (answering the questions) is a huge part of the battle!