GCE Spanish

It is important to build a rock-solid grammar base and expand your thematic vocabulary through regular review. Immerse yourself in authentic Spanish through films, podcasts, news and literature, and practice each skill with past papers under timed conditions. Achieving top grades in A-Level Spanish requires dedication, strategy, and a genuine interest in the language and culture. Here are some key tips:

• Expand your vocabulary with thematic lists (e.g. environment, politics, youth issues).
• Immerse Yourself: Watch Spanish-language films and series (with subtitles at first, then without), listen to Spanish podcasts, music, and news to improve comprehension and pronunciation, and read Spanish newspapers, blogs, and literature to develop analytical skills.
• Write with Precision and Style: Practice essay writing with clear structure: introduction, argument, counterargument, conclusion; use sophisticated language and avoid repetition; and get feedback from teachers and revise your drafts critically.

The themes and assessment model are also designed to promote the development of transferable skills. Students taking the A level will study four themes:

• Theme 1: La evolución de la sociedad española
• Theme 2: La cultura política y artística en el mundo de habla española
• Theme 3: La inmigración históricamente y contemporáneamente
• Theme 4: La dictadura franquista y la transición a la democracia

There are several sub-themes, which can be found below. Students at A level are also required to study either two texts, or one text and one film, which will be assessed in Paper 2 (writing). Moreover, at level A students will also be required to undertake an Independent Research Project, which will be assessed in the second part of the speaking exam.

Paper 1: Listening, reading and translation

Written examination: 2 hours 40% of the qualification

This paper draws on vocabulary and structures across all four themes. Themes are based on the society and culture of the language. The examination is made up of:

• Section A: Listening: A listening assessment based on a recording, featuring male and female Spanish speakers. Students will respond to comprehension questions based on a variety of contexts and sources.
• Section B: Reading: A reading assessment based on a variety of text types and genres where students will have to respond to comprehension questions.
• Section C: Translation into English: An unseen passage to be translated from Spanish to English.

Paper 2: Writing

Written examination: 2 hours and 40 minutes. 30% of the qualification

This paper draws on the study of two discrete Spanish works: either two literary texts, or one literary text and one film. The literary texts listed include a range of novels, novellas, short stories and plays. All of the films are feature length.

This paper includes a translation exercise and two essays on either two literary texts, or one literary text and one film (students must not answer questions on two films).

• Section A: Translation: Students translate an unseen passage from English into Spanish.
• Section B: Written response to works (literary texts): Students must write an extended response on either one or two of the literary texts. Students select one question from a choice of two for each of their chosen literary text(s). If a student answers questions on two literary texts then they do not complete Section C.
• Section C: Written response to works (films). Students who answer only one question from a literary text in Section B must now write an extended response on one of the films listed. Students select one question from a choice of two for their chosen film.

Paper 3: Speaking

Internally conducted and externally assessed. Total assessment time: between 21 and 23 minutes, which includes a single period of 5 minutes’ formal preparation time 30% of the qualification. Students complete two tasks.

• Task 1 (discussion on a Theme) Students discuss one theme from the specification based on a stimulus containing two different statements.
• Task 2, Part 1 (independent research presentation) Students answer questions on their presentation and then have a wider discussion on their research. Students present a summary of at least two of the written sources they have used for their research and give a personal response to what they have read. Task 2, Part 2 (discussion on independent research). Task 2 is based on independent research selected and carried out by the student. The research may be based on one of the themes or on the student’s own subject of interest related to the society and culture of the language studied. Students will be assessed on their ability to use a range of language accurately, communicate and interact effectively, summarize and analyze findings from written sources relating to their research subject, and show knowledge and understanding about the culture and society where the language is spoken.

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At CANA, our tutors work with you on choosing a suitable topic for research writing and analyzing the requirements of different types of writing. Also, you will be familiarized with commonly used words and sentences with examples and practice on past exam questions sorted by topic. This will effectively help you practice and acquire exam techniques for top grades.