Question 1

How do I describe my family in Spanish for GCSE?

Accepted Answer

Start with 'En mi familia somos...' (In my family there are...) and list members. Use 'tengo' (I have) for siblings: 'Tengo un hermano y una hermana'. Describe them with adjectives: 'mi hermano es alto y deportista'. Remember to make adjectives agree: 'mi hermana es alta y deportista'. Add opinions: 'Me llevo bien con mi hermana porque es simpática'.

Question 2

What's the difference between 'ser' and 'estar' when describing people?

Accepted Answer

Use 'ser' for permanent traits like personality and physical appearance: 'soy inteligente', 'ella es baja'. Use 'estar' for temporary states or emotions: 'estoy contento' (I am happy), 'está enfermo' (he is ill). A good trick: if it can change, use 'estar'; if it's a defining characteristic, use 'ser'.

Question 3

How can I get top marks in the GCSE Spanish speaking exam on 'my personal world'?

Accepted Answer

Prepare a range of vocabulary: physical descriptions, personality, daily routine, and family relationships. Use complex structures like 'lo que más me gusta de mi familia es...' (what I like most about my family is...). Give opinions with reasons and use different tenses if possible, e.g., 'el fin de pasado fui al cine con mi amigo' (last weekend I went to the cinema with my friend). Practise pronunciation and fluency.

Question 4

What are some key phrases to talk about my best friend in Spanish?

Accepted Answer

Start with 'Mi mejor amigo/a se llama...' (My best friend is called...). Describe them: 'Es alto/a, moreno/a y muy divertido/a'. Say how you met: 'Nos conocimos en la escuela' (We met at school). Talk about activities: 'Siempre jugamos al fútbol juntos' (We always play football together). Use 'me cae bien' (I like him/her) and 'nos llevamos bien' (we get on well).

Question 5

How do I talk about my daily routine in Spanish?

Accepted Answer

Use reflexive verbs: 'me levanto' (I get up), 'me ducho' (I shower), 'me visto' (I get dressed). Add time phrases: 'por la mañana' (in the morning), 'a las siete' (at seven o'clock). Sequence with 'primero' (first), 'luego' (then), 'después' (after). Example: 'Primero me levanto a las siete, luego me ducho y después desayuno'.

Question 6

What grammar do I need to know for 'my personal world' in Edexcel GCSE?

Accepted Answer

Key grammar includes: present tense of regular and irregular verbs (ser, estar, tener, hacer), adjective agreement (gender and number), possessive adjectives (mi, tu, su), and opinion verbs (gustar, encantar). Also learn the present continuous (estar + gerund) for actions happening now, e.g., 'está leyendo' (he is reading). Practise using 'porque' to give reasons.

Thematic Context: My personal world

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in EDEXCEL GCSE Spanish

Grammar: Adjectives and adjectival phrases

Grammar: Adverbs and adverbial phrases

Grammar: Derivational morphology

Grammar: Nouns, pronouns and determiners

How to Revise Thematic Context: My personal world — Edexcel GCSE Spanish

Examiner Tips for Thematic Context: My personal world

Common Mistakes in Thematic Context: My personal world

Key Marking Points