Frequently Asked Questions
Is the summary question at A2 Listening definitely gone?
Yes.
The bullet points under each Context – do teachers have to cover all of them?
No these are only suggestions.
Will the Reading and Prose be based on the same theme?
No.
Is it possible to extend the list of prescribed literary texts?
No- it will remain a choice of 3. Depending on demand we can replace texts but will not increase the number.
For the essay question in AS2 Writing do you have to address the 3 bullet points?
No you do not have to address the 3 bullet points; however they are there to guide you and ensure you cover the necessary content in order to get your AO2 marks. It is strongly advisable that you do address all 3. If you feel you can answer the question fully without addressing all of the bullet points, this is acceptable.
Responsive Writing - will I be penalised if, in my essay response, I only cover one topic area of the context whereas another candidate has covered 2 or 3?
The general guidance for answering this question is to follow the bullets points given. If you choose not to, you need to ensure that you have addressed the question fully. The bullets points provided, if followed, will ensure that you answer the question fully and get access to the top marks.
Does the presentation for AS1 have to be based on the target language country as in the old specification?
In the old specification AO4 marks (Knowledge of target language country) were awarded for the presentation and therefore you had to discuss your chosen topic in the context of the target language country. This is no longer the case in the revised specification. Bear in mind however that it is advantageous to use authentic material from the target language country which will provide you with the relevant vocabulary you will need when preparing your presentation.
Societal themes for A2 speaking test – will I be quizzed by the examiner on the societal topic I have chosen?
The examiner will have received in advance your pro forma detailing the themes you wish to discuss. This part of the speaking test is meant to be a discussion and therefore the examiner will not interrogate you rather he/she will engage you in a discussion and help to draw out your thoughts, opinions and arguments on your chosen topic.
Societal themes for A2 speaking test – does each student in the class have to pick a different societal theme for discussion or can the entire class do the same one?
This depends upon the teaching style of the teacher and will be influenced by the number of students in the class. In large classes we recognise that it is not practical to have each student studying a different topic. It is perfectly acceptable to have the entire class study one societal theme but within that theme different students can chose to concentrate on different strands/issues.
For the societal themes of culture and historical period, does this have to be based in the target language country only or can it be based in any country/region where the target language is spoken?
It can be based in any country/region where the target language is spoken.
Will further support and guidance be provided on the speaking tests at AS and A2 and if so in what form?
Support events are planned for March and these will focus on training for the speaking tests as well as the Responsive Writing essay at AS. We will also be producing an in-depth guide to the speaking test which will be available in the New Year. Following the first round of examinations in summer 2009 exemplar recordings of the AS speaking tests will be made available on the micro-site.
For A2 Listening and Reading will the questions just be based on Contexts 4 and 5?
Yes, however it is anticipated that vocabulary for the AS contexts will appear. The stimulus material used however will be based on Contexts 4 and 5 only.
For the reading exercise will candidates be required to manipulate language?
In questions where the answer has to be in the target language you should try not to use the exact same words however, sometimes it can be very difficult to find alternatives. The most important part of the exercise is to identify the required answer in the text. For German in particular you need to pay attention to the word order, as it always needs to be adapted in some way. You might use different words however, you will not necessarily be penalized if you use the same words. An important thing to remember is that you should not copy complete sentences or strings of words wholesale from the text in the hope that the answer is contained somewhere. Your answer must be succinct.
The summary question used for Listening in the current specification – has this been removed from the new specification?
Yes.