What should I focus on for Edexcel GCSE Arabic?

Use the 12-minute preparation time for speaking tasks to consider questions and stimulus cards, but do not write out whole sentences.

What should I focus on for Edexcel GCSE Arabic? (2)

Ensure you cover all bullet points in writing tasks to access the top mark bands.

What should I focus on for Edexcel GCSE Arabic? (3)

Practice using different registers (formal vs informal) as these are explicitly assessed.

What should I focus on for Edexcel GCSE Arabic? (4)

Focus on accuracy in timeframes (past, present, future) as this is a key assessment requirement.

What should I focus on for Edexcel GCSE Arabic? (5)

Use rephrasing or repair strategies if you get stuck during the speaking assessment.

What are common mistakes in Edexcel GCSE Arabic?

Over-reliance on rehearsed language that is irrelevant to the specific question.

What are common mistakes in Edexcel GCSE Arabic? (2)

Failure to cover all bullet points in writing tasks.

What are common mistakes in Edexcel GCSE Arabic? (3)

Inappropriate use of register (e.g., using informal language in a formal task).

Arabic

Edexcel

GCSE

Specification: Pearson-GCSE-Arabic

This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

Topics

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

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Key Features

Master key concepts
Develop exam technique
Apply knowledge effectively

What Gets Top Grades

A*/Grade 9

Knowledge & Understanding

Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

Uses correct subject-specific terminology
Shows detailed understanding of concepts
Makes accurate connections between topics
Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

Application

Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

Selects relevant knowledge for the question
Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
Uses examples appropriately
Shows awareness of context

Analysis & Evaluation

Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

Constructs logical chains of reasoning
Considers multiple perspectives
Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
Acknowledges limitations and nuances

Key Command Words

Edexcel

State

1 mark

Give a single fact or term

Identify

1 mark

Name, select, or recognise

Outline

2 marks

Set out main features briefly

Describe

2-4 marks

Give an account of what something is like or what happens

Explain

3-6 marks

Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains

Compare

2-4 marks

State similarities AND differences (both required)

Analyse

6-9 marks

Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains

Evaluate

6-12 marks

Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion

Assess

6-12 marks

Make judgments about importance with justification

Calculate

2-4 marks

Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units

Common Exam Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

•Over-reliance on rehearsed language that is irrelevant to the specific question.
•Failure to cover all bullet points in writing tasks.
•Inappropriate use of register (e.g., using informal language in a formal task).
•Frequent errors that hinder clarity or prevent meaning from being conveyed.
•Lack of justification for opinions in higher-tier responses.
•Mother-tongue interference.
•Confusing masculine and feminine adjective endings.
•Misusing possessive suffixes or overusing separate possessive pronouns.

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Use the 12-minute preparation time for speaking tasks to consider questions and stimulus cards, but do not write out whole sentences.
•Ensure you cover all bullet points in writing tasks to access the top mark bands.
•Practice using different registers (formal vs informal) as these are explicitly assessed.
•Focus on accuracy in timeframes (past, present, future) as this is a key assessment requirement.
•Use rephrasing or repair strategies if you get stuck during the speaking assessment.
•Do not use dictionaries in any assessment.
•In speaking exams, use a variety of adjectives and connectives to extend sentences.
•For writing tasks, plan your paragraph structure: introduce family, describe each member, then give your opinion.

Specification Topics

6 topics

Theme 1: Identity and culture

Theme 1: Identity and culture covers three main areas: 'Who am I?' (relationships, past experiences, friends/family, role models), 'Daily life' (customs, food/drink, shopping, social media/technology), and 'Cultural life' (celebrations, festivals, reading, music, sport, film, television).

0 objectives6 tips6 pitfalls

E2E stub topic

This subtopic focuses on enabling students to describe their family members, including physical descriptions, personalities, and relationships, in Arabic. Students will learn key vocabulary and grammatical structures to talk about family and friends, preparing them for the speaking and writing components of the GCSE assessment.

E2E stub subtopic

0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

Theme 2: Local area, holiday and travel

Theme 2 covers the local area, holiday and travel. It includes three main topic areas: Holidays (preferences, experiences, destinations), Travel and tourist transactions (travel, accommodation, help, problems, directions, eating out, shopping), and Town, region and country (weather, places to see, things to do).

0 objectives6 tips6 pitfalls

Theme 3: School

Theme 3: School covers the educational experience, including school types, the structure of the school day, subjects studied, rules and pressures, celebrating success, and school activities such as trips, events, and exchanges.

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

Theme 4: Future aspirations, study and work

Theme 4 covers future aspirations, study and work, focusing on using languages beyond the classroom, ambitions for further study, volunteering, training, and exploring various jobs, careers, and professions.

0 objectives6 tips6 pitfalls

Theme 5: International and global dimension

Theme 5 focuses on the international and global dimension, covering the interconnectedness of the world through events and environmental responsibility.

0 objectives5 tips6 pitfalls

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