AQA SPANISH GCSE (Higher) Exam preparation top tips

Your Speaking Exam

• Practice speaking Spanish as much as possible to build fluency and confidence.
• Use accurate grammar and vocabulary to show a good understanding of the language.
• Prepare and memorize common topics, such as hobbies, daily routines, and travel experiences.
• Be prepared to talk about a wider range of topics and answer open questions in a fluent and spontaneous manner.
• Pay attention to pronunciation and intonation to ensure you are understood.
• Use body language and gestures to express yourself more effectively.
• Listen actively and respond to the examiners' questions with interest and engagement.
• Avoid repeating yourself or using filler words, such as "um" and "like."
• Stay calm and focused during the exam, and try to enjoy the conversation.
• Stand in front of a mirror and practice speaking in a Spanish accent.

Superb sentence starters...

• "Si tuviera que elegir..." (If I had to choose...)
• "Hay un dicho en español que dice..." (There's a saying in Spanish that says...)
• "Es imprescindible que..." (It's imperative that...)
• "No es un secreto que..." (It's not a secret that...)
• "Aunque pueda parecer extraño, siempre he querido..." (Although it may seem strange, I've always wanted...)

Your Reading and Listening Exams

• Read and listen to a wide range of Spanish texts, including news articles, books, and podcasts.
• Focus on improving your vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills.
• Practice reading and listening to more complex Spanish texts to challenge yourself.
• Study the higher-level vocabulary and grammar structures specific to the GCSE exams.
• Use online resources and textbooks to practice comprehension questions and exercises.
• Pay attention to the details, such as accents, punctuation, and verb conjugations.
• Improve your listening skills by watching Spanish TV shows and films, and listening to Spanish podcasts and music.
• Practice writing longer answers and essays in Spanish to improve your writing skills.
• Immerse yourself in the Spanish language and culture, including attending Spanish events and speaking with native speakers.
• Stick ‘post it’ notes around your house with key vocabulary on. Label items in your house, bedroom, fridge, kitchen etc- this is a great way to boost your vocabulary knowledge!

Your Writing Exam

• Study advanced grammar and vocabulary specific to the higher level GCSE exams.
• Use online resources and textbooks to practice writing exercises.
• Read and listen to a wide range of Spanish texts to improve your comprehension and vocabulary.
• Study more complex sentence structures and idiomatic expressions to improve your writing style.
• Use varied vocabulary and language structures to demonstrate your language skills.
• Pay close attention to spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Write about a range of topics, including current events and personal opinions.
• Get familiar with the exam format and expectations, and practice with past papers.
• Try to write in an engaging and interesting manner to make your work stand out.
• Flashcards work! Take the time to make your own either on paper/card or on a free app like ANKI app. Include a visual or auditory link to help the word stick!

Buena suerte