Oracy (Speaking and Listening) — Non-Examination Assessment
Unit 1 Oracy is a non-examination assessment (NEA) worth 30% of the qualification. It involves a 7-10 minute speaking test with 10 minutes of preparation time. The assessment consists of three tasks: a read aloud and role play, a presentation and discussion, and a conversation. It focuses on communicating meaningfully, demonstrating knowledge of German, and using generally accurate pronunciation and intonation across various contexts.
Quick Revision Summary (Key Takeaway)
The WJEC GCSE German Non-Examination Assessment (NEA) in Oracy (Speaking and Listening) is a teacher-conducted, externally moderated assessment that tests your ability to communicate spontaneously and coherently in German. It comprises two tasks: a role-play and a photo card discussion, followed by a general conversation on two topics, and is worth 25% of the GCSE. Success requires confident pronunciation, accurate grammar, and the ability to express and justify opinions.
Topic Overview
The Oracy (Speaking and Listening) Non-Examination Assessment is a compulsory component of the WJEC GCSE German qualification, contributing 25% of your final grade. It is conducted in your school by your teacher and externally moderated by WJEC. The assessment is divided into three parts: a role-play (approximately 2 minutes), a photo card discussion (approximately 3 minutes), and a general conversation on two topics (approximately 5–7 minutes). You will be assessed on your communication skills, including pronunciation, intonation, accuracy, range of vocabulary, and spontaneity.
This assessment is designed to reflect real-life communication in German. It tests your ability to interact in everyday situations, express opinions, and engage in extended conversation. Unlike written exams, it requires quick thinking and oral fluency. The role-play and photo card tasks are based on a stimulus, while the general conversation allows you to discuss topics you have prepared, such as family, school, hobbies, and future plans. Mastering this assessment not only boosts your GCSE grade but also builds confidence for using German in real-world contexts.
To succeed, you need to develop a range of skills: accurate pronunciation, a broad vocabulary, and the ability to manipulate grammatical structures. You should also practise active listening, as you must respond appropriately to the examiner's prompts. The assessment is not about memorising scripts but about adapting your knowledge to new situations. Regular speaking practice with peers, teachers, or language apps is essential. Understanding the mark scheme is also crucial, as it rewards clear communication, varied language, and the ability to sustain a conversation.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Role-play: A short, scripted interaction where you respond to prompts in a real-life scenario (e.g., buying a ticket, ordering food). You must ask questions and use appropriate register (formal/informal).
- →Photo card discussion: You describe a photo, give opinions, and answer questions on a related topic. You must use descriptive language and justify your views.
- →General conversation: An extended discussion on two topics chosen by you. You need to initiate questions, develop answers, and show spontaneity.
- →Spontaneity: The ability to respond without pre-learned scripts, using a range of vocabulary and structures flexibly.
- →Pronunciation and intonation: Accurate sounds, stress, and melody that make your German understandable and natural.
What You Need to Demonstrate
Key skills and knowledge for this topic
- Read aloud and role play
- Presentation and discussion
- Conversation
- Generally accurate pronunciation and intonation
- Communicating information, describing, narrating, explaining, and expressing/justifying opinions
- Meaningful communication in formal and informal contexts
- Reference to past, present, and future events
- Use of more complex structures
Marking Points
Key points examiners look for in your answers
- Read aloud and role play
- Presentation and discussion
- Conversation
- Generally accurate pronunciation and intonation
- Communicating information, describing, narrating, explaining, and expressing/justifying opinions
- Meaningful communication in formal and informal contexts
- Reference to past, present, and future events
- Use of more complex structures
Examiner Tips
Expert advice for maximising your marks
- 💡Learners are not permitted to use a dictionary in any part of the assessment.
- 💡The assessment is conducted in the centre and marked by WJEC.
- 💡Preparation time is 10 minutes.
- 💡Equal credit is given for language used beyond the defined content that fulfils task requirements.
- 💡Learners must be consistent in their pronoun choices if using third-person references.
- 💡Practise speaking German every day, even if it's just for five minutes. Use a timer to simulate exam conditions and record yourself to evaluate your pronunciation and fluency.
- 💡Learn key phrases for opinions (e.g., 'meiner Meinung nach'), reasons ('weil', 'denn'), and connecting ideas ('außerdem', 'jedoch'). These will help you extend your answers and sound more natural.
- 💡In the general conversation, prepare to ask the examiner a question as well. This shows spontaneity and can earn you extra marks. For example, 'Und was denken Sie über...?'
Common Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers
- Misconception: You can memorise a script for the entire assessment. Correction: The examiner will ask questions you haven't seen, so you must be able to adapt your knowledge. Memorised answers often sound unnatural and may not address the question.
- Misconception: The role-play is just a reading exercise. Correction: You must listen to the examiner's prompts and respond spontaneously, not read from a script. You also need to ask questions yourself.
- Misconception: Using complex grammar is more important than being understood. Correction: Clarity and communication are key. If you make errors but are still understood, you can score well. However, accuracy does contribute to marks, so aim for a balance.
Revision Plan
How to revise this topic in 1–2 weeks
- 1Week 1: Review the mark scheme and understand what is required for each band. Identify your target grade and the skills you need to improve.
- 2Week 2: Focus on the role-play. Practise common scenarios (e.g., shopping, travel, restaurant) with a partner or recording yourself. Learn key phrases for asking questions and responding to prompts.
- 3Week 3: Work on the photo card. Describe photos using the PALM technique (People, Action, Location, Mood). Practise giving opinions and justifying them with reasons.
- 4Week 4: Prepare for the general conversation. Choose two topics you feel confident about and create a mind map of vocabulary and ideas. Practise answering questions and asking your own.
- 5Week 5: Do full mock assessments under timed conditions. Record yourself, listen back, and note areas for improvement. Focus on fluency, pronunciation, and spontaneity.
Exam Question Types
How this topic typically appears in the exam
- 📋Role-play: You will be given a card with a scenario and five bullet points. The examiner will start the conversation, and you must respond to each bullet point, including asking a question. Tip: Practise initiating and responding to prompts without reading from the card.
- 📋Photo card: You will be given a photo and a question. You must describe the photo and answer two additional questions on the topic. Tip: Use the PALM technique and give extended answers with opinions and reasons.
- 📋General conversation: You will discuss two topics chosen by you. The examiner will ask open questions, and you need to develop your answers, ask questions, and show spontaneity. Tip: Prepare a range of vocabulary and practise speaking for at least 2 minutes on each topic.
Command Word Expectations (WJEC)
What examiners look for when using specific command words in this specification
Give a detailed account of what you see in the photo or what you do in a situation. Use present tense, adjectives, and specific details. For example, 'Auf dem Foto sehe ich eine Familie, die im Park picknickt. Sie sitzen auf einer Decke und essen Sandwiches.'
Give reasons and justifications for your opinions or actions. Use 'weil', 'denn', or 'da' to link cause and effect. For example, 'Ich mag Fußball, weil es Spaß macht und ich mit Freunden spielen kann.'
Talk about different aspects of a topic, giving both positive and negative points. Use contrasting connectives like 'einerseits... andererseits' (on the one hand... on the other hand) and 'obwohl' (although).
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: In the role-play task, you are a customer in a German bakery. The examiner (as the baker) asks: 'Was möchten Sie bestellen?' (What would you like to order?). Respond appropriately, including a polite request and a quantity.
- 1.Step 1: Greet the baker politely: 'Guten Tag!'
- 2.Step 2: State what you want using 'Ich möchte' (I would like) followed by the item and quantity.
- 3.Step 3: Add a polite phrase like 'bitte' (please) and possibly a follow-up question or thank you.
Question: During the photo card discussion, you are shown a picture of a family having a picnic. The examiner asks: 'Was machst du gerne mit deiner Familie?' (What do you like doing with your family?). Give a developed answer with opinions and reasons.
- 1.Step 1: Give a direct answer: 'Ich verbringe gerne Zeit mit meiner Familie.'
- 2.Step 2: Add a specific activity and a reason: 'Wir gehen oft wandern, weil es gesund ist und wir die Natur genießen.'
- 3.Step 3: Include a contrasting point or example: 'Aber manchmal bleiben wir zu Hause und schauen Filme, besonders wenn das Wetter schlecht ist.'
Active Recall Memory Test
Test your memory before revealing the key facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •Basic German vocabulary and grammar from KS3, including present tense verbs, common adjectives, and simple sentence structures.
- •Familiarity with the topics covered in the WJEC GCSE German specification, such as family, school, free time, and local area.
- •Listening skills: the ability to understand spoken German at a moderate pace, as you must respond to the examiner's questions.
Likely Command Words
How questions on this topic are typically asked
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