Component 1: Speaking (Independent Research Project and Theme-based Discussion)

WJEC

A-Level

Component 1: Speaking is a non-exam assessment (NEA) worth 30% of the A-Level qualification. It consists of two tasks: a presentation and discussion of an Independent Research Project (IRP) and a theme-based discussion based on a stimulus card.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Topic Overview

Component 1: Speaking is a core part of the WJEC A-Level German qualification, designed to assess your ability to communicate fluently, accurately, and spontaneously in German. It comprises two tasks: an Independent Research Project (IRP) and a Theme-based Discussion. The IRP requires you to research a topic of personal interest related to a German-speaking country or community, then present and discuss your findings in German. The Theme-based Discussion covers one of the four A-Level themes: social issues, political and artistic culture, diversity, or the German-speaking world. This component tests not only your language skills but also your critical thinking, cultural awareness, and ability to engage in extended discourse.

The IRP is worth 30% of the total A-Level marks and the Theme-based Discussion 20%. You will be assessed on pronunciation, intonation, range of vocabulary and grammar, accuracy, and interaction. The exam lasts 21–23 minutes (including 5 minutes of preparation) and is conducted by your teacher but moderated by WJEC. Mastering this component is crucial because it demonstrates your ability to use German in real-world contexts, a key skill for university and careers. It also allows you to showcase your passion for the subject, making your revision more engaging.

To succeed, you need to combine linguistic precision with substantive content. The IRP encourages independent learning, a skill valued in higher education. The Theme-based Discussion ensures you can discuss contemporary issues, such as immigration, environmental policy, or cultural diversity, using appropriate register and evidence. This component builds on your knowledge from AS topics and prepares you for the written paper, where similar themes appear. Regular practice with a partner or recording yourself is essential to build confidence and fluency.

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 viewpoints
Developing arguments, persuading, and analyzing/evaluating
Accuracy in pronunciation, morphology, syntax, vocabulary, and idiom
Use of communication strategies (adjusting message, circumlocution, self-correction, repair)
Knowledge and understanding of the chosen research topic
Critical and analytical response to the stimulus card

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 viewpoints
Developing arguments, persuading, and analyzing/evaluating
Accuracy in pronunciation, morphology, syntax, vocabulary, and idiom
Use of communication strategies (adjusting message, circumlocution, self-correction, repair)
Knowledge and understanding of the chosen research topic
Critical and analytical response to the stimulus card
Adherence to timing constraints (2 minutes presentation, 9-10 minutes IRP discussion, 5-6 minutes theme discussion)

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Ensure the IRP topic allows for analysis and personal viewpoint rather than just description
💡Practice using communication strategies like circumlocution to maintain fluency
💡Ensure the IRP topic is distinct from any literary works or films studied for Component 3
💡Use the 5-minute preparation time for Task 2 to make brief notes, not full sentences
💡Be prepared to reference information from the stimulus text at the start of the theme-based discussion
💡Ensure the IRP pro-forma is submitted to the visiting examiner at least three weeks in advance

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Choosing a research topic that is too descriptive rather than analytical
Reading out whole sentences or complete texts during the preparation time or assessment
Failing to ask the examiner at least two questions during the assessment
Exceeding the 2-minute limit for the IRP presentation
Using the IRP pro-forma as a script rather than an aid to memory
Including notes in German on the IRP pro-forma

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Discuss

Present

Analyze

Evaluate

Persuade

Explain

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic

Component 1: Speaking (Independent Research Project and Theme-based Discussion)

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 German

Being a young person in German-speaking society

Component 2: Listening, Reading and Translation

Component 3: Critical and Analytical Response in Writing (Prescribed Literary Works and Films)

Cultural enrichment and celebrating difference

Component 1: Speaking (Independent Research Project and Theme-based Discussion)

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose a good topic for the Independent Research Project?

How long should my IRP presentation be and what should I include?

What if I don't understand a question during the Theme-based Discussion?

How can I improve my pronunciation and intonation for the speaking exam?

Can I use English during the speaking exam?

How is the speaking exam marked and what are the grade boundaries?

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in WJEC A-Level German

Being a young person in German-speaking society

Component 2: Listening, Reading and Translation

Component 3: Critical and Analytical Response in Writing (Prescribed Literary Works and Films)

Cultural enrichment and celebrating difference