How do I revise AS Unit 1: Speaking for WJEC A-Level?

Use the 15-minute preparation time to make notes in French, English, or Welsh that act as memory aids, not full sentences

What exam tips are there for AS Unit 1: Speaking? (2)

Be flexible with assessment dates as requested by the visiting examiner

What exam tips are there for AS Unit 1: Speaking? (3)

Ensure the chosen standpoint for the argument task is clearly communicated to the examiner before starting

What mistakes should I avoid in AS Unit 1: Speaking?

Reading out whole sentences or complete texts prepared during the 15-minute preparation time

What are common errors in AS Unit 1: Speaking exams? (2)

Exceeding the allocated timing for each stimulus card

AS Unit 1: Speaking

WJEC

A-Level

AS Unit 1: Speaking is a non-exam assessment worth 12% of the total A-level qualification. It lasts 12-15 minutes, preceded by 15 minutes of supervised preparation time. The assessment consists of two tasks: Task 1 (5-6 minutes) involves arguing a point of view based on a written stimulus card from the theme 'Understanding the French-speaking world'. Task 2 (7-9 minutes) is a discussion based on a written stimulus card from the theme 'Being a young person in French-speaking society'.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Topic Overview

AS Unit 1: Speaking is a core component of the WJEC A-Level French qualification, designed to assess your ability to communicate effectively in spoken French. This unit focuses on developing fluency, accuracy, and spontaneity in a range of contexts, including discussions on familiar topics such as family, education, and daily life, as well as more abstract themes like culture, current affairs, and personal opinions. The exam typically involves a presentation on a chosen topic followed by a conversation with the examiner, testing both your prepared and impromptu speaking skills.

Mastering this unit is crucial because it not only contributes significantly to your overall A-Level grade but also builds real-world communication skills essential for travel, work, or further study in French. The ability to express ideas clearly, justify opinions, and interact naturally is highly valued by examiners and employers alike. This unit also integrates vocabulary and grammar from other parts of the course, making it a practical application of your knowledge.

In the wider subject, AS Unit 1: Speaking complements the listening, reading, and writing units by encouraging active use of the language. It requires you to synthesise information from various sources, think on your feet, and demonstrate cultural awareness. Success here often boosts confidence in other areas, as oral proficiency reinforces grammatical structures and vocabulary retention.

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Spontaneous use of language to initiate communication
Ability to ask and answer questions
Expressing thoughts, feelings, and presenting viewpoints
Developing arguments, persuading, and evaluating
Application of pronunciation, morphology, and syntax
Use of a range of vocabulary and idiom
Use of communication strategies (e.g., circumlocution, self-correction, repair strategies)
Adherence to grammar requirements outlined in Appendix A

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Spontaneous use of language to initiate communication
Ability to ask and answer questions
Expressing thoughts, feelings, and presenting viewpoints
Developing arguments, persuading, and evaluating
Application of pronunciation, morphology, and syntax
Use of a range of vocabulary and idiom
Use of communication strategies (e.g., circumlocution, self-correction, repair strategies)
Adherence to grammar requirements outlined in Appendix A

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Use the 15-minute preparation time to make notes in French, English, or Welsh that act as memory aids, not full sentences
💡Be flexible with assessment dates as requested by the visiting examiner
💡Ensure the chosen standpoint for the argument task is clearly communicated to the examiner before starting
💡Familiarize yourself with the assessment grid descriptors to understand how to stretch and challenge your responses
💡Practice spontaneous interaction rather than relying on pre-learnt material

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Reading out whole sentences or complete texts prepared during the 15-minute preparation time
Exceeding the allocated timing for each stimulus card
Failing to use the preparation time effectively to create memory aids rather than scripts

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Argue

Discuss

Present

Evaluate

Initiate

Respond

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic

AS Unit 1: Speaking

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in WJEC A-Level French

A2 Unit 3: Speaking (Independent Research Project)

A2 Unit 4: Listening, Reading and Translation

A2 Unit 5: Critical and Analytical Response in Writing (Literary Work)

A2 Units

AS Unit 1: Speaking

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should my presentation be for WJEC French AS Unit 1?

What topics can I choose for the presentation?

How can I improve my spontaneity for the conversation part?

Do I need to use subjunctive in the speaking exam?

What if I make a mistake during the exam?

How is the speaking exam marked?

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in WJEC A-Level French

A2 Unit 3: Speaking (Independent Research Project)

A2 Unit 4: Listening, Reading and Translation

A2 Unit 5: Critical and Analytical Response in Writing (Literary Work)

A2 Units