Exam Skills: Speaking and Writing Techniques

This lesson provides practical strategies for the GCSE Spanish speaking and writing papers. These productive skills are where you can demonstrate your full range of language and earn the highest marks.

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1. Speaking Paper — Key Strategies

Role-Play

• Read the task card carefully — every bullet point must be addressed.
• Use polite register with "usted" unless told to speak to a friend.
• Prepare set phrases for common scenarios: booking, ordering, complaining.
• Listen to the examiner's responses — they may give you information you need.
• The "unprepared" question requires you to think on the spot. If stuck, say something simple rather than nothing.

Photo Card

• Describe what you see: "En la foto hay…" (In the photo there is/are…)
• Describe the people: "Se puede ver a una chica que tiene el pelo rubio…"
• Speculate about mood/activity: "Parece contenta" (She seems happy), "Creo que están en la playa" (I think they are at the beach).
• Give your opinion: "Me gusta esta foto porque…"
• Link to yourself: "Yo también hago eso…" (I also do that…)

General Conversation