Guidelines (Leaving Cert Spanish): Revision Notes
Role play guidelines
The role play section is worth 30 marks and forms an important part of your Spanish oral exam. Understanding the format and following key guidelines will help you perform confidently and maximise your marks.
Understanding the format
The role play uses cards provided by the State Examinations Commission. Your examiner will have a card written in Spanish with their instructions, while you receive a card in English that explains your role. The English card includes a translation of what you need to say, though remember this is just one possible way to express those ideas in Spanish.
You'll need to prepare for five different role play scenarios during your studies, but in the actual exam you'll only perform one of these. The examiner will choose which scenario you'll act out.
Remember that you won't know which scenario you'll receive until exam day, so thorough preparation for all scenarios is essential for success.
Scoring system
The role play is worth 30 marks in total, broken down as follows:
- 4 translated responses: 6 marks each (24 marks total)
- Final question: 6 marks
This gives you the full 30 marks (5 × 6 marks structure). Each part of your performance is equally important for achieving top marks.
The preparation process
When your general conversation ends, the examiner will hand you one of the role play cards in English. You then get exactly one minute to prepare your responses.
After this preparation time, the examiner will ask if you're ready to begin:
¿Preparado/a? (Are you ready?)
- Preparado - if you're male
- Preparada - if you're female
Pronunciation tip: The stress falls on the second-to-last syllable (pre-pa-RA-do/da). Remember to use the correct gender ending (-o for masculine, -a for feminine).
Performance guidelines
Who speaks first
Remember that the examiner always speaks first in every role play scenario. Wait for them to begin the conversation before you respond.
Communication and acting
Strong communication skills are essential, but since you're playing a character, don't be afraid to add some personality to your performance. Avoid simply rattling off memorised responses like a robot - the examiner wants to see natural interaction and engagement.
Key tips for better communication:
- Maintain eye contact with the examiner
- Show interest and confidence in the conversation
- Act the part of your character naturally
- Avoid sounding like you're reciting memorised speeches
The final question
At the end of each role play, the examiner must ask you an additional question related to the situation. This is crucial for your marks.
Requirements for full marks
To earn full marks on the final question, you must:
- Answer the question competently
- Expand briefly on your response
- Include a verb in your answer
What doesn't work
Simple responses like "Sí" or "No" will not earn you full marks. You must demonstrate your language skills by expanding on your answer with proper sentence structure.
Essential preparation strategies
Study all scenarios
Even though you'll only perform one role play in the exam, you must prepare thoroughly for all five scenarios. You won't know which one you'll receive until exam day, so comprehensive preparation is vital.
Focus on natural conversation
The examiner wants to engage in genuine conversation with you, not listen to pre-memorised speeches. Practice responding naturally while covering all the required points from your card.
Expand your answers
Always look for opportunities to show the full range of your Spanish vocabulary and grammar. Consider how you can elaborate on simple responses to demonstrate your language proficiency.
Model responses
Worked Example: Expanding Your Responses
Instead of basic answers:
- Weak: "Sí" (Yes)
- Better: "Sí, me parece una idea excelente" (Yes, that seems like an excellent idea to me)
Instead of one-word responses:
- Weak: "No"
- Better: "No, no me gusta nada esa opción" (No, I don't like that option at all)
Notice how the improved responses include verbs and show more complex sentence structure.
Key Points to Remember:
- The role play is worth 30 marks - practice all five scenarios thoroughly
- You get one minute to prepare, then the examiner speaks first
- Add personality and natural communication to your performance
- Always expand beyond simple "sí" or "no" responses
- Your final answer must include a verb to earn full marks