Spanish I (SPAN 101) Ser vs Estar and Por vs Para Practice Problems
University of California, San Diego
Spanish I (SPAN 101) | Practice Problems

Overview
A targeted practice set for two of the most searched Spanish I topics: choosing ser vs estar and por vs para in common sentences and exam prompts.

Key topics
•ser uses: identity, origin, description, time
•estar uses: location, temporary states, conditions
•por uses: cause, exchange, duration, movement through
•para uses: purpose, destination, deadlines, recipients
•high-frequency expressions and sentence patterns

Suggested study tasks
•fill in the blank with ser or estar for 20 sentences
•choose por or para for 20 sentences
•rewrite 10 English sentences into Spanish using the right connector
•practice short answers about location and condition
•make a one-page rule summary from your mistakes

Common pitfalls
•overusing estar for permanent traits
•using ser for location
•confusing por with para in ?for? translations
•ignoring idiomatic expressions like ?por la ma?ana?
•forgetting agreement and accents that change meaning