Paper 2: Speaking (1) (AQA GCSE Spanish): Revision Notes
Paper 2: Speaking revision guide
Overview of the speaking exam
The Spanish speaking exam is worth 50 marks and makes up 25% of your total GCSE grade. It's designed to test your ability to communicate effectively in Spanish through different types of speaking activities.
The speaking exam focuses on your ability to communicate naturally and clearly in Spanish, rather than testing complex grammar or advanced vocabulary. This means clear communication is more valuable than trying to use complicated structures.
Exam structure and timing
The speaking exam consists of three main tasks that you'll complete in sequence:
Task 1: Role play - You'll participate in a simulated conversation based on a given scenario. This involves responding to five bullet points that guide the conversation.
Task 2: Reading aloud and follow-up questions - You'll read a short Spanish text aloud, then answer questions about it to demonstrate your understanding.
Task 3: Photo card and unprepared conversation - You'll describe and discuss photos, then have a broader conversation on related themes.
The tasks must be completed in the exact sequence shown above. You cannot skip ahead or return to previous tasks once you've moved on.
The timing varies depending on which tier you're taking:
- Foundation tier: 7-9 minutes total
- Higher tier: 10-12 minutes total
- Preparation time: 15 minutes before the exam begins
What you can and cannot do
During your preparation time and the exam itself, there are important rules to remember:
You are allowed to:
- Make as many notes as you want on the paper provided
- Write full sentences if that helps you
- Use your notes during the actual speaking exam
- Use vocabulary that isn't on the prescribed list
You cannot:
- Use a dictionary during preparation or the exam
- Write on the role play card or photo card itself (but you can make notes on separate paper)
Making the most of preparation time
Your 15-minute preparation period is crucial for exam success. Here's how to use it effectively:
Start with the role play: Read through the scenario carefully and understand what situation you're in. Write out your responses to each bullet point, remembering that no extra details or developments are needed - just clear, simple answers.
Examine the photo card: Look closely at each image and jot down vocabulary and ideas related to what you see. You don't need to spend equal time on each photo, but mention at least one thing about each.
Prepare for reading aloud: Read through the text in your head to understand the meaning. Make notes about any difficult pronunciation or tricky words. Think about what follow-up questions might be asked.
Understanding the role play task
The role play is always an informal conversation with a Spanish-speaking friend, never a formal situation. Here's what you need to know:
Structure and expectations
The role play contains five bullet points that represent the five things you need to communicate. Each bullet point is worth 2 marks if your message is clear and relevant, 1 mark if there's some lack of clarity, and 0 marks if the message doesn't come across.
At both Foundation and Higher tier, one bullet point will be a question you need to ask. All bullet points are in English, so you know exactly what's required.
At the top of the card, you'll see a reminder to use a verb in each response - this is essential for clear communication and is the most important grammar rule for the speaking exam.
Grammar requirements by tier
Foundation tier: You can tackle all bullet points using present tense verbs, making this the most straightforward task.
Higher tier: One bullet point will require you to refer to a past or future time frame, testing your knowledge of different tenses.
Example role play responses
Worked Example: Role Play Responses
Bullet point: Say what you do at home at the weekend (give two details) Student answer: "Los fines de semana escucho música y ayudo a limpiar la casa." Translation: "At weekends I listen to music and help clean the house."
Bullet point: Say what you and your family did last weekend (give one detail) Student answer: "Fuimos de compras a la ciudad." Translation: "We went shopping in the city."
Why these work well:
- They're clear to understand
- They use accurate and varied language
- They convey the required time frame clearly
- Each includes a verb as required
Key vocabulary for speaking success
| Spanish | English | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Los fines de semana | Weekends | Los fines de semana me gusta descansar |
| escuchar música | to listen to music | Escucho música todos los días |
| ayudar | to help | Ayudo a mi madre en casa |
| limpiar | to clean | Limpio mi habitación |
| ir de compras | to go shopping | Vamos de compras los sábados |
| la ciudad | the city | Me gusta ir a la ciudad |
| la casa | the house | Mi casa es grande |
| la familia | the family | Mi familia es muy importante |
These vocabulary items frequently appear in speaking exam scenarios. Practice using them in different contexts and with different verb tenses to build your confidence.
Grammar and pronunciation tips
Verb usage: Always include a verb in your role play responses. This is the most important grammar rule for the speaking exam.
Present tense endings: Remember the key present tense endings:
- yo: -o (hablo, como, vivo)
- tú: -as/-es (hablas, comes, vives)
- él/ella: -a/-e (habla, come, vive)
Past tense for Higher tier: Practice the preterite tense for completed actions:
- fui (I went), fue (he/she went)
- comí (I ate), comió (he/she ate)
- hice (I did/made), hizo (he/she did/made)
Pronunciation tips:
- 'll' sounds like 'y' in 'yes'
- 'j' and 'g' (before e/i) sound like 'h' in 'hat'
- Roll your 'r' sounds when possible
- Stress usually falls on the second-to-last syllable
Translation practice exercises
Translation Practice
Spanish to English:
- Los fines de semana ayudo en casa y escucho música.
- Mi familia fue de compras a la ciudad ayer.
English to Spanish: 3. At weekends I clean my room and help my mother. 4. Last Saturday we listened to music at home.
Answers:
- At weekends I help at home and listen to music.
- My family went shopping in the city yesterday.
- Los fines de semana limpio mi habitación y ayudo a mi madre.
- El sábado pasado escuchamos música en casa.
Key Points to Remember:
- Keep your role play answers simple but always include a verb in each response
- Use your 15-minute preparation time wisely - write out your role play responses completely
- At Foundation tier, present tense is sufficient for all tasks
- At Higher tier, be prepared to use past or future tenses when required
- Clear communication is more important than complex vocabulary - focus on getting your message across accurately