Eduqas · GCSE · English Language
Course version: C700QS · Version from Mar 2026
AO8: Listen and respond appropriately to spoken language, including to…
Full specification wording
Assessment - Assessment Objectives and Weightings: AO8: Listen and respond appropriately to spoken language, including to questions and feedback to presentations
AO8 is the assessment objective covering listening and responding to spoken language.
Checked against the Eduqas C700QS specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 10 of 11
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
AO8 is the assessment objective covering listening and responding to spoken language. It has two linked parts: listening attentively to what others say, and responding appropriately, which includes answering questions and acting on feedback given after a presentation. In practice, a learner demonstrates AO8 by tracking a speaker's points, then replying in a way that fits the purpose and audience: answering a question directly, acknowledging feedback, and adjusting or defending a point with reasons. For example, after a presentation a learner might be asked why a particular example was chosen; an appropriate response addresses the question, gives a reason, and stays courteous. Teachers assess the quality of listening and the appropriateness of the response, not a fixed mark scheme.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Treating AO8 as only about speaking.
Put it right: It centres on listening first, then responding appropriately to what was heard.
Ignoring questions or feedback and simply repeating the presentation.
Put it right: Respond directly to the question or feedback, showing you have listened.
Responding defensively or dismissively to feedback.
Put it right: Acknowledge the feedback and respond courteously, adjusting or justifying your point with reasons.
Exam tips
- Listen for the key point in a question before answering, and address that point directly.
- When given feedback, acknowledge it explicitly before you adjust or defend your position.
- Keep responses concise and relevant, matching your tone to the audience and purpose.
Try the lesson
The start of the Assessment - Assessment Objectives and Weightings: AO8: Listen and respond appropriately to spoken language, including to questions and feedback to presentations lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
A speaker has just finished presenting her views on school uniform. Which response best shows that a listener has responded appropriately to the presentation?
Listen
AO8 is the assessment objective covering listening and responding to spoken language. It has two linked parts: listening attentively to what others say, and responding appropriately, which includes answering questions and acting on feedback given after a presentation. In practice, a learner demonstrates AO8 by tracking a speaker's points, then replying in a way that fits the purpose and audience: answering a question directly, acknowledging feedback, and adjusting or defending a point with reasons. For example, after a presentation a learner might be asked why a particular example was chosen; an appropriate response addresses the question, gives a reason, and stays courteous. Teachers assess the quality of listening and the appropriateness of the response, not a fixed mark scheme. A common slip: Treating AO8 as only about speaking. Instead, it centres on listening first, then responding appropriately to what was heard. Exam tip: Listen for the key point in a question before answering, and address that point directly.
See it
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Active listening
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Appropriate response to questions
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Responding to feedback
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Purpose and audience in spoken exchange
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Active listening
- Tracking a speaker's points and listening attentively to what others say, including the key point in a question before answering.
- Appropriate response to questions
- Replying in a way that fits the purpose and audience, answering a question directly and addressing the point that was asked.
- Responding to feedback
- Acknowledging feedback explicitly and courteously before adjusting or defending your position with reasons.
- Purpose and audience in spoken exchange
- Matching your tone to the audience and purpose, keeping responses concise and relevant in a spoken exchange.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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