No-stimulus question
How languages and religions spread
- Units 3 and 4
- 7 points
- About 25 minutes
A real-world geographic situation described only in words, followed by seven short parts (A–G) that ask you to identify, define, describe or explain ideas from at least two units. On the exam: Question 1 of 3 in the 1-hour-15-minute free-response section (Section II). The three questions together are 50% of your exam score, so each is worth about 16.7%; 7 points, one for each part A–G. College Board suggests about 25 minutes per question, including up to 5 minutes to plan. No calculator.
The question
Over the past several centuries, languages and religions have spread far from their hearths through trade, colonialism and migration. In some states today, language helps unite people; in others, language differences are tied to calls for more regional power. Answer all seven parts, (a) through (g). Write in complete sentences; a list of terms will not earn points.
Suggested time: 25 minutes
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Part (a)
1 pointIdentify ONE universalizing religion and describe ONE way it diffused from its hearth.
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Part (b)
1 pointExplain why ethnic religions such as Hinduism tend to remain concentrated near their hearths.
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Part (c)
1 pointExplain how colonialism contributed to the global distribution of ONE European language.
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Part (d)
1 pointExplain why a multilingual state might adopt a lingua franca.
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Part (e)
1 pointExplain how a shared language can act as a centripetal force within a state.
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Part (f)
1 pointExplain how linguistic differences within a state can lead to devolution.
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Part (g)
1 pointExplain how a group might respond to the spread of a global language, such as English, with cultural divergence.
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