Question 1

How do I talk about my future career plans in Spanish?

Accepted Answer

To talk about future career plans, use the future tense. For near future, use 'ir a + infinitive' (e.g., 'voy a ser médico'). For more distant plans, use the simple future (e.g., 'trabajaré como ingeniero'). Also, use phrases like 'me gustaría' (I would like) with the conditional to express aspirations. Don't forget to give reasons using 'porque' or 'para'.

Question 2

What vocabulary do I need for the 'world of work' topic?

Accepted Answer

Key vocabulary includes job titles (el abogado, la enfermera), workplace terms (la oficina, la empresa), and application phrases (el currículum, la entrevista). Also learn verbs like 'solicitar' (to apply), 'contratar' (to hire), and 'trabajar' (to work). Practice describing your skills and experience using 'tengo experiencia en...' and 'soy bueno en...'.

Question 3

How can I get top marks in the writing exam for this theme?

Accepted Answer

To get top marks, use a variety of tenses (present, preterite, future, conditional) and include opinions with justifications. Use complex structures like 'si + imperfect subjunctive + conditional' (e.g., 'si tuviera más dinero, viajaría'). Also, ensure your answer is well-structured with paragraphs and linking words (además, sin embargo, por último).

Question 4

What are common mistakes in the speaking exam about jobs?

Accepted Answer

Common mistakes include mixing up 'trabajo' (noun) and 'trabajo' (verb), forgetting to conjugate verbs correctly in the future tense, and not using the subjunctive after 'cuando' for future time (e.g., 'cuando sea mayor' not 'cuando soy mayor'). Practice role-plays to avoid these errors.

Question 5

How do I describe my school subjects and why I like them?

Accepted Answer

Use 'me gusta' or 'me interesa' followed by the subject (e.g., 'me gusta la historia'). Give reasons with 'porque' (e.g., 'porque es interesante') or 'ya que' (e.g., 'ya que aprendo sobre el pasado'). For dislikes, use 'no me gusta' or 'odio'. You can also compare subjects using 'más... que' (e.g., 'las matemáticas son más difíciles que la literatura').

Question 6

What is the difference between 'trabajar' and 'trabajo'?

Accepted Answer

'Trabajar' is the infinitive verb meaning 'to work'. 'Trabajo' can be the first person singular present tense of 'trabajar' (I work) or a noun meaning 'work' or 'job'. Context tells you which is which. For example, 'Trabajo en un hospital' means 'I work in a hospital', while 'Mi trabajo es interesante' means 'My job is interesting'.

Theme 3: Current and future study and employment

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Likely Command Words

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Related Topics in AQA GCSE Spanish

Theme 1: Identity and culture

Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest

Topic 1: Home, town, neighbourhood and region

Topic 1: Me, my family and friends

How to Revise Theme 3: Current and future study and employment — AQA GCSE Spanish

Overview & Synopsis

Examiner Tips for Theme 3: Current and future study and employment

Common Mistakes in Theme 3: Current and future study and employment

Key Marking Points