What exam tips are there for Numerals — cardinal, ordinal 1–10, agreement, expression of time and date? (2)

Use 'lo + adjective' to add sophistication to your writing when discussing abstract concepts or opinions

What exam tips are there for Numerals — cardinal, ordinal 1–10, agreement, expression of time and date? (3)

Check for stressed 'a' at the start of feminine nouns to avoid the common 'la' error

What mistakes should I avoid in Numerals — cardinal, ordinal 1–10, agreement, expression of time and date?

Using 'la' instead of 'el' before feminine nouns starting with a stressed 'a'

Numerals — cardinal, ordinal 1–10, agreement, expression of time and date

WJEC

A-Level

This topic covers the grammatical rules for articles in Spanish, specifically the use of definite and indefinite articles, the specific rule for using 'el' with feminine nouns starting with a stressed 'a', and the construction 'lo + adjective'.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Topic Overview

This topic covers the use of cardinal numbers (1–10) and ordinal numbers (1st–10th) in Spanish, including their correct agreement with nouns and their application in expressing time and dates. Mastering numerals is essential for everyday communication, from telling the time to discussing dates, prices, and quantities. In the WJEC A-Level exam, you will be expected to use numerals accurately in both written and spoken contexts, often within broader tasks such as describing routines or making arrangements.

Cardinal numbers (e.g., uno, dos, tres) are straightforward but require attention to gender agreement when used before masculine nouns (e.g., un libro, veintiún años). Ordinal numbers (e.g., primero, segundo) must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify (e.g., la primera clase, los segundos pisos). Additionally, the expression of time uses specific structures (e.g., es la una, son las dos) and dates require the definite article and the preposition 'de' (e.g., el primero de enero). Understanding these patterns is crucial for achieving high marks in accuracy-focused exam tasks.

This topic builds on foundational vocabulary and grammar, such as noun gender and basic verb conjugations. It also connects to other areas of the curriculum, including daily routine, travel, and cultural topics like festivals and historical dates. By mastering numerals, you will improve your fluency and precision, enabling you to handle a wider range of real-life and exam scenarios with confidence.

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Correct use of definite articles (el, la, los, las)
Correct use of indefinite articles (un, una, unos, unas)
Correct application of 'el' before feminine nouns beginning with a stressed 'a' (e.g., el agua, el alma)
Correct use of 'lo + adjective' to express abstract concepts (e.g., lo importante, lo bueno)

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Correct use of definite articles (el, la, los, las)
Correct use of indefinite articles (un, una, unos, unas)
Correct application of 'el' before feminine nouns beginning with a stressed 'a' (e.g., el agua, el alma)
Correct use of 'lo + adjective' to express abstract concepts (e.g., lo importante, lo bueno)

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Remember that 'el agua' is feminine despite the masculine article; adjectives modifying it must remain feminine (e.g., el agua fría)
💡Use 'lo + adjective' to add sophistication to your writing when discussing abstract concepts or opinions
💡Check for stressed 'a' at the start of feminine nouns to avoid the common 'la' error

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Using 'la' instead of 'el' before feminine nouns starting with a stressed 'a'
Confusing 'lo' with masculine articles (el/un) when referring to abstract ideas
Incorrect agreement of articles with nouns

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Translate

Identify

Use

Apply

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic

Numerals — cardinal, ordinal 1–10, agreement, expression of time and date

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 Spanish

A2 Units — Unit 3: Speaking / Independent Research Project (Non-exam assessment)

A2 Units — Unit 4: Listening, Reading and Translation

A2 Units — Unit 5: Critical and Analytical Response in Writing (Closed-book)

Adjectives — agreement, position, apocopation, comparative/superlative, use as nouns, demonstrative, indefinite, possessive, interrogative/exclamatory, relative (cuyo — receptive)

Numerals — cardinal, ordinal 1–10, agreement, expression of time and date

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I use 'uno' vs 'un' in Spanish?

How do I say 'first' in Spanish?

How do I tell the time in Spanish?

How do I write dates in Spanish?

Do ordinal numbers change for gender?

What is the difference between 'y' and 'menos' in telling time?

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in WJEC A-Level Spanish

A2 Units — Unit 3: Speaking / Independent Research Project (Non-exam assessment)

A2 Units — Unit 4: Listening, Reading and Translation

A2 Units — Unit 5: Critical and Analytical Response in Writing (Closed-book)

Adjectives — agreement, position, apocopation, comparative/superlative, use as nouns, demonstrative, indefinite, possessive, interrogative/exclamatory, relative (cuyo — receptive)