Question 1

How do I say 'I do exercise' in Spanish?

Accepted Answer

The phrase is 'Hago ejercicio'. Note that 'hacer' is used for general exercise, while 'jugar' is for specific sports (e.g., 'Juego al fútbol'). To say 'I go running', use 'Salgo a correr' or 'Hago running'.

Question 2

What's the difference between 'deber' and 'hay que'?

Accepted Answer

'Deber' is a modal verb meaning 'should' or 'must', and it is conjugated for the subject (e.g., 'Debes comer fruta' – You should eat fruit). 'Hay que' is impersonal and means 'one must' or 'it is necessary to', and it is always followed by an infinitive (e.g., 'Hay que beber agua' – One must drink water). Use 'hay que' for general advice and 'deber' for specific recommendations.

Question 3

How do I describe symptoms like 'I have a headache'?

Accepted Answer

Use 'tener dolor de' + body part. For example: 'Tengo dolor de cabeza' (I have a headache), 'Tengo dolor de estómago' (I have a stomach ache). For other symptoms, use 'tener' + noun: 'Tengo fiebre' (I have a fever), 'Tengo tos' (I have a cough). To say 'I feel ill', use 'Me encuentro mal' or 'Estoy enfermo/a'.

Question 4

What vocabulary do I need for a healthy diet?

Accepted Answer

Key food groups: 'frutas' (fruits), 'verduras' (vegetables), 'proteínas' (proteins like pollo, pescado, huevos), 'carbohidratos' (carbohydrates like arroz, pasta, pan integral). Healthy habits: 'comer equilibrado' (eat a balanced diet), 'beber mucha agua' (drink plenty of water), 'evitar la comida basura' (avoid junk food). Useful adjectives: 'saludable' (healthy), 'grasiento' (greasy), 'azucarado' (sugary).

Question 5

How can I use comparatives to compare lifestyles?

Accepted Answer

Use 'más ... que' (more ... than) and 'menos ... que' (less ... than). For example: 'Correr es más saludable que ver la tele' (Running is healthier than watching TV). 'La fruta es menos azucarada que los dulces' (Fruit is less sugary than sweets). For equality, use 'tan ... como' (as ... as): 'El agua es tan importante como el ejercicio' (Water is as important as exercise).

Question 6

What grammar structures should I use to get top marks?

Accepted Answer

Use a range of tenses: present (como, hago), preterite (comí, hice), and near future (voy a comer, voy a hacer). Include opinions with 'creo que', 'pienso que', 'en mi opinión'. Use 'para' + infinitive to express purpose: 'Hago ejercicio para mantenerme en forma' (I do exercise to keep fit). Also, use 'si' clauses: 'Si como sano, tengo más energía' (If I eat healthily, I have more energy).

Lifestyle – Health and Fitness

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 WJEC GCSE Spanish

Appendix A: Prescribed Vocabulary List (organised by theme/sub-theme)

Appendix B: Grammar Requirements – Foundation Tier

Current and Future Study and Employment

Current Study – School/College Life

How to Revise Lifestyle – Health and Fitness — WJEC GCSE Spanish

Examiner Tips for Lifestyle – Health and Fitness

Common Mistakes in Lifestyle – Health and Fitness

Key Marking Points