Paper 2: Speaking (2) (AQA GCSE Spanish): Revision Notes
Paper 2: Speaking
Overview of the speaking exam
The Spanish GCSE speaking exam consists of two main tasks that test your ability to communicate effectively in Spanish. You'll need to demonstrate your pronunciation, fluency, and ability to use a range of vocabulary and grammar structures.
The speaking exam assesses three key areas: pronunciation and intonation, quality of language (accuracy and range), and communication and content. Understanding what examiners are looking for in each area will help you prepare more effectively.
The 'reading aloud' task
What to expect
During this part of the exam, you'll be given a Spanish text to read aloud. The passage length varies depending on your tier:
- Foundation tier: Minimum 35 words
- Higher tier: Minimum 50 words
The text comes from AQA's prescribed vocabulary lists, so the content should be familiar to you. You'll have preparation time to read through the passage silently before your teacher asks you to read it aloud.
How the task works
You'll receive the text during your preparation period, allowing you to familiarise yourself with the content and practice difficult pronunciations mentally. When the preparation time ends, your teacher will ask you to read the passage aloud clearly.
After completing the reading, you'll face four follow-up questions about the same topic as the passage. These questions will be in the present tense and relate directly to the content you've just read. Since the questions connect to the passage topic, you can anticipate what might be asked and prepare some ideas.
You cannot write notes on the text during preparation time, but you can make mental notes about pauses and challenging pronunciations. If you make a mistake or feel unhappy with your pronunciation, you can restart the reading task.
Tips for success
During preparation:
Take your time to understand the passage thoroughly - better comprehension leads to improved pronunciation. Practice reading steadily and clearly rather than rushing, as clarity is more important than speed.
For follow-up questions:
To access the top grade boundaries, structure your responses as follows:
- Develop two answers using three pieces of information with verbs
- Develop one answer using two pieces of information with verbs
- Provide one shorter response for your fourth answer
The photo card task
What to expect
This task involves describing photographs and then having an unprepared conversation with your teacher. The format includes:
- Photo description: 5 marks (1 minute at Foundation, 1.5 minutes at Higher)
- Unprepared conversation: 20 marks (3-4 minutes at Foundation, 6-7 minutes at Higher)
How the task works
Your teacher will say "Háblame de las fotos" (Tell me about the photos) to begin the description phase. You should describe both photographs, explaining what you can see and providing relevant details.
Following your description, your teacher will engage you in a broader conversation about themes and topics related to the photos. This allows you to demonstrate your conversational skills and ability to express opinions and experiences.
The unprepared conversation carries significantly more marks than the photo description, so while both parts are important, don't spend all your energy on the description at the expense of the conversation that follows.
Tips for success
For photo descriptions:
Example Description Approach:
"En la primera foto veo una chica que está mandando mensajes con su móvil. Creo que está en su dormitorio porque hay una cama detrás de ella. En la segunda foto hay un chico que está sonriendo y lleva una camiseta roja. Me parece que está en el parque con sus amigos."
This demonstrates clear structure, present continuous usage, and connecting words to develop the description.
- Refer to both photographs in your response
- Ensure your message is always clear and easy to follow
- Develop your description with extra details using connecting words like "con," "y," "creo que," "porque," and "también"
- Use present continuous tense appropriately (está + gerund)
- Aim for accurate and varied language
For the conversation:
Listen carefully for opportunities to expand your answers with opinions and reasons. While present tense forms the foundation, you can reference past and future events to demonstrate linguistic range and complexity.
Even if you focus mainly on present tense, you can still achieve full marks with accurate, clear, and varied responses.
Key vocabulary for speaking exam
This vocabulary table contains essential phrases you'll need for the photo card task. Practice these until they become automatic, as they'll help you structure your responses confidently.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Háblame de las fotos | Tell me about the photos |
| En la primera foto | In the first photo |
| En la segunda foto | In the second photo |
| Creo que | I think that |
| Me parece que | It seems to me that |
| está mandando mensajes | is sending messages |
| está sonriendo | is smiling |
| tiene el pelo largo | has long hair |
| lleva | wears/is wearing |
| porque | because |
| también | also |
| sin embargo | however |
Example sentences with translations
Present Tense Examples:
- "Veo la tele, escucho música y voy a la piscina." (I watch TV, listen to music and go to the swimming pool.)
- "Me gusta el jamón pero no me gusta el pollo." (I like ham but I don't like chicken.)
Present Continuous Examples:
- "En la primera foto hay una chica que está mandando mensajes." (In the first photo there's a girl who is sending messages.)
- "Está sonriendo porque está hablando con sus amigos." (She's smiling because she's talking to her friends.)
Opinion Expressions:
- "Creo que el chico conduce un coche muy rápido." (I think the boy drives a car very fast.)
- "Me parece que están divirtiéndose mucho." (It seems to me that they're having a lot of fun.)
Grammar and pronunciation tips
Pronunciation guidance:
Focus on clear consonant sounds, especially 'rr' (rolled r) and 'j' (like 'h' in English). Remember that 'll' sounds like 'y' in most Spanish dialects. Stress usually falls on the second-to-last syllable unless marked with an accent.
Grammar reminders:
Key Grammar Points to Remember:
- Present continuous: estar + gerund (mandando, sonriendo, corriendo)
- Use 'hay' (there is/are) to describe what you see in photos
- Adjective agreement: "una chica bonita" but "un chico guapo"
- Ser vs estar: use 'es' for permanent characteristics, 'está' for temporary states or locations
Translation practice
Practice Exercise:
Spanish to English:
- "En la foto veo un chico que tiene el pelo corto y lleva una camiseta azul."
- "Me gusta jugar al fútbol porque es muy divertido y emocionante."
English to Spanish:
- "The girl is smiling because she is very happy."
- "I think that the boy is playing video games in his bedroom."
Answers:
Spanish to English:
- In the photo I see a boy who has short hair and wears a blue T-shirt.
- I like playing football because it's very fun and exciting.
English to Spanish:
- "La chica está sonriendo porque está muy contenta."
- "Creo que el chico está jugando videojuegos en su dormitorio."
Remember!
Key Points to Remember:
- Take your time during preparation periods to understand content thoroughly
- Speak clearly and steadily - don't rush your pronunciation
- Develop your answers with extra details and connecting words for higher marks
- Use present continuous tense appropriately when describing ongoing actions in photos
- Listen for opportunities to expand your responses with opinions and reasons during conversations