What should I focus on for Edexcel GCSE Russian?

In the writing exam, include a range of tenses (past, present, future) to demonstrate grammatical range and earn higher marks.

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

For the speaking assessment, prepare a short, fluent monologue about your best/worst holiday that can be adapted to different question prompts.

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

During listening tasks, listen for key words indicating time, numbers, and place names – write them down immediately to avoid forgetting.

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

When reading travel texts, pay close attention to dates and prices, as these are often tested through gap-fill or multiple-choice questions.

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

Practice dictation and spelling of essential travel vocabulary, as accurate spelling is required in the writing paper.

What are common mistakes in Edexcel GCSE Russian?

Confusing the prepositions на and в with geographical locations (e.g., в России, но на Украине).

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

Incorrect formation of past tense endings for reflexive verbs (e.g., я родился/я родилась).

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

Overuse of the imperfective aspect when a completed action requires the perfective.

Russian

Edexcel

GCSE

Specification: Pearson-GCSE-Russian

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

•Confusing the prepositions на and в with geographical locations (e.g., в России, но на Украине).
•Incorrect formation of past tense endings for reflexive verbs (e.g., я родился/я родилась).
•Overuse of the imperfective aspect when a completed action requires the perfective.
•Using English-style word order instead of Russian's flexible but topic-focused structure in sentences about preferences.
•Misunderstanding verb conjugations for 'to go' by foot vs by transport (идти/ходить vs ехать/ездить).
•Failure to use the required register (formal vs informal) as specified in the task.
•Inability to sustain communication or respond spontaneously in speaking tasks.
•Frequent errors that hinder clarity or prevent meaning from being conveyed.

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•In the writing exam, include a range of tenses (past, present, future) to demonstrate grammatical range and earn higher marks.
•For the speaking assessment, prepare a short, fluent monologue about your best/worst holiday that can be adapted to different question prompts.
•During listening tasks, listen for key words indicating time, numbers, and place names – write them down immediately to avoid forgetting.
•When reading travel texts, pay close attention to dates and prices, as these are often tested through gap-fill or multiple-choice questions.
•Practice dictation and spelling of essential travel vocabulary, as accurate spelling is required in the writing paper.
•Use the 12-minute preparation time for speaking tasks effectively to consider questions and stimulus cards.
•Make notes during preparation time but do not read out whole, prepared sentences.
•Use rephrasing or repair strategies if you do not know a specific word to keep the conversation flowing.

Specification Topics

6 topics

E2E stub topic

This subtopic focuses on the vocabulary, grammar, and communicative skills needed to discuss holidays and travel in Russian. Students learn to describe past trips, plan future journeys, and handle practical travel situations such as booking accommodation and navigating transport. Mastery of this area enables effective real-world interaction in Russian-speaking environments and is commonly assessed across all four skills.

E2E stub subtopic

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

Identity and culture

Theme 1: Identity and culture covers three main areas: 'Who am I?' (relationships, friends, family, interests, 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

Local area, holiday and travel

Theme 2 covers the local area, holidays, and travel. It includes preferences, experiences, and destinations for holidays; travel and tourist transactions such as accommodation, asking for help, directions, eating out, and shopping; and descriptions of towns, regions, and countries, including weather, places to see, and things to do.

0 objectives6 tips6 pitfalls

School

Theme 3 - School covers the educational experience, including school types, the daily routine, subjects, rules, pressures, celebrating success, and school activities such as trips, events, and exchanges.

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

Future aspirations, study and work

This topic covers future aspirations, study, and work, focusing on the use of languages beyond the classroom, ambitions for further study, volunteering, training, and exploring various jobs, careers, and professions.

0 objectives6 tips6 pitfalls

International and global dimension

Theme 5 covers the international and global dimension, focusing on bringing the world together through events and campaigns, as well as environmental issues such as sustainability and resource access.

0 objectives6 tips6 pitfalls

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