Spoken Cornish: Giving and Receiving Information and Instructions
This element focuses on developing the practical spoken Cornish skills needed to understand and convey straightforward information and instructions in everyday social or work-related situations. Learners practise active listening to grasp key details from spoken Cornish, and they learn to articulate clear, concise instructions using appropriate vocabulary and polite forms relevant to Entry 3 contexts.
Assessment criteria
Quick Revision Summary (Key Takeaway)
The WJEC Entry Level Award in Spoken Cornish: Giving and Receiving Information and Instructions (Entry 3) assesses learners' ability to understand and convey information and instructions in spoken Cornish. It covers key vocabulary, phrases, and communication strategies for real-life situations, focusing on clarity, accuracy, and appropriate register.
Topic Overview
This qualification focuses on the practical use of spoken Cornish in everyday situations, specifically giving and receiving information and instructions. At Entry 3, learners are expected to understand and use a range of familiar phrases and vocabulary, respond to simple questions, and give clear instructions. The course builds on basic listening and speaking skills, preparing students for more advanced study in Cornish.
The ability to give and receive information and instructions is essential for effective communication in any language. In Cornish, this involves mastering key vocabulary for directions, everyday objects, and actions, as well as understanding the cultural context of the language. This unit also develops confidence in speaking and listening, which are critical for real-life interactions, whether in Cornwall or in a broader Celtic language community.
Within the WJEC-CBAC Vocationally-Related Qualification framework, this award is part of a suite of qualifications designed to recognise and accredit learners' skills in Cornish. It is suitable for beginners and those with some prior knowledge, and it provides a stepping stone to higher levels. The skills learned are transferable to other languages and to vocational contexts where clear communication is valued.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Understanding and using key vocabulary for everyday objects, places, and actions.
- →Forming and responding to simple questions and instructions in Cornish.
- →Using appropriate register (formal/informal) when giving instructions.
- →Recognising and using directional language (left, right, straight on, etc.).
- →Applying listening strategies to extract key information from spoken Cornish.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- Identify the main points in a short spoken Cornish instruction delivered at a slow pace.
- Respond appropriately to simple spoken Cornish requests for basic information.
- Use a range of basic Cornish verbs in the imperative mood to give clear instructions.
- Apply politeness markers such as 'mar pleg' when giving spoken directions in Cornish.
- Seek clarification in Cornish when an instruction is not understood.
- Produce a short sequence of spoken instructions for a familiar workplace or social task.
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Award credit for accurate identification of at least two key facts from a short spoken Cornish passage.
- Accept responses in Cornish or English, provided meaning is correct and complete.
- For giving instructions, look for correct use of at least two different imperative verb forms (e.g., 'gwrewgh', 'degevewgh').
- Give credit for demonstrating appropriate clarification questions such as 'Praga?' or 'A allsewgh hwi dasleverel henna?'.
- Assess whether the instruction sequence follows a logical order and is achievable by a peer.
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡Practise listening to short Cornish audio clips daily, focusing on picking out numbers, times and action words.
- 💡Learn a set of 10–15 high-frequency instruction verbs (e.g., 'ygowgh', 'gwrewgh', 'kewsel') and their mutations by heart.
- 💡In the speaking assessment, if unsure, ask for repetition in Cornish rather than remaining silent – this demonstrates communication strategy skills.
- 💡Role-play common social and work scenarios with a partner, alternating between giving and receiving instructions to build confidence.
- 💡Practise speaking Cornish aloud regularly, even if it's just to yourself. This builds confidence and fluency.
- 💡In the speaking assessment, use the polite form (e.g., 'dugowgh' instead of 'dug') unless you are specifically asked to use informal language.
- 💡Listen to recordings of Cornish speakers to familiarise yourself with natural rhythm and intonation.
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Confusing the imperative (yn striv) with the infinitive form when giving instructions.
- Omitting soft mutation after certain imperative particles (e.g., 'Gwell' instead of 'Gwrewgh' for 'do').
- Using filler words from English (e.g., 'um') instead of Cornish equivalents like 'del hevel'.
- Forgetting to adjust register when addressing an unfamiliar person or superior.
- Misconception: Cornish is the same as Welsh or Breton. Correction: While they are related Celtic languages, Cornish has its own distinct vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar.
- Misconception: You only need to memorise phrases without understanding structure. Correction: Understanding basic sentence structure (e.g., verb-subject-object) helps you adapt phrases to new situations.
- Misconception: Pronunciation is not important. Correction: Clear pronunciation is crucial for being understood and for gaining marks in speaking assessments.
Revision Plan
How to revise this topic in 1–2 weeks
- 1Week 1: Focus on vocabulary – make flashcards for everyday objects, places, and actions. Review daily.
- 2Week 2: Practise listening to short Cornish dialogues and identify key information (e.g., directions, instructions).
- 3Week 3: Practise speaking – record yourself giving instructions and compare with model answers.
- 4Week 4: Do mock assessments with a friend or tutor, focusing on clarity and accuracy.
- 5Week 5: Review common pitfalls and refine your use of polite forms and directional language.
Exam Question Types
How this topic typically appears in the exam
- 📋Listening comprehension: You hear a short instruction or set of directions and must answer questions in English or Cornish.
- 📋Speaking: You are given a scenario (e.g., giving directions to a tourist) and must respond verbally in Cornish.
- 📋Role-play: You participate in a simulated conversation where you must both give and receive information.
- 📋Multiple-choice: You select the correct Cornish phrase for a given situation.
Command Word Expectations (WJEC-CBAC)
What examiners look for when using specific command words in this specification
You must provide information or instructions in Cornish, using appropriate vocabulary and grammar. Ensure your response is clear and complete.
You must demonstrate understanding of spoken Cornish by responding appropriately, either verbally or in writing, to instructions or information given.
You must answer questions or react to statements in Cornish, showing comprehension and the ability to use the language interactively.
How Students Lose Marks (Examiner Pitfalls)
Common mark loss traps and how to write 100% full-mark answers
Step-by-Step Worked Solutions
Detailed solution breakdown for typical exam problems
Question: You are asked to give a simple set of directions from the train station to the library. Write out what you would say in Cornish.
- 1.Step 1: Start with a polite greeting: 'Dydh da' (Good day).
- 2.Step 2: Use imperative forms: 'Kewgh yn ewn' (Go straight), 'Treylyowgh kledh' (Turn left), etc.
- 3.Step 3: Include landmarks: 'orth an eglos' (at the church), 'ryb an park' (near the park).
- 4.Step 4: Conclude with a polite closing: 'Meur ras' (Thank you).
Question: Listen to the following instruction in Cornish: 'Dewgh dhe'n chi, ha dugowgh an towell.' What are you being asked to do?
- 1.Step 1: Identify key verbs: 'Dewgh' (come), 'dugowgh' (bring).
- 2.Step 2: Identify objects: 'an chi' (the house), 'an towell' (the towel).
- 3.Step 3: Combine: Come to the house and bring the towel.
Active Recall Memory Test
Test your memory before revealing the key facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for WJEC-CBAC Spoken Cornish: Giving and Receiving Information and Instructions
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •Basic knowledge of the Cornish alphabet and pronunciation.
- •Familiarity with common greetings and polite expressions.
- •Understanding of simple sentence structures in Cornish (e.g., subject-verb-object).
Coursework AI Review
Paste your assignment brief and check your draft against its P/M/D criteria
Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- Active listening for key information
- Using imperative forms in Cornish
- Vocabulary for common tasks
- Clarification strategies
- Politeness and register
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