What should I focus on for Edexcel GCSE Urdu?

Use the 12-minute preparation time for speaking tasks to consider questions and make brief notes (max one side of A4).

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

Use rephrasing or repair strategies if you do not know a specific word.

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

Ensure you address all bullet points in writing tasks to access higher mark bands.

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

Practice using different timeframes (past, present, future) across all topics.

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

Focus on justifying your opinions rather than just stating them.

What are common mistakes in Edexcel GCSE Urdu?

Relying on rehearsed language rather than responding spontaneously.

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

Failure to cover all bullet points in writing tasks.

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

Inappropriate use of register (formal vs informal) for the specific task.

Urdu

Edexcel

GCSE

Specification: Pearson-GCSE-Urdu

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

•Relying on rehearsed language rather than responding spontaneously.
•Failure to cover all bullet points in writing tasks.
•Inappropriate use of register (formal vs informal) for the specific task.
•Errors that hinder clarity, such as incorrect tense formation or mismatch of subject and possessive adjective.
•Mother-tongue interference.
•Reading out whole, prepared sentences during speaking tasks.
•Mismatching adjective gender with masculine/feminine nouns (e.g., 'acha larki' instead of 'achi larki')
•Misplacing postpositions, leading to errors in possessive constructions

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Use the 12-minute preparation time for speaking tasks to consider questions and make brief notes (max one side of A4).
•Use rephrasing or repair strategies if you do not know a specific word.
•Ensure you address all bullet points in writing tasks to access higher mark bands.
•Practice using different timeframes (past, present, future) across all topics.
•Focus on justifying your opinions rather than just stating them.
•Do not use dictionaries in any assessment.
•Memorise a set of versatile adjectives for both masculine and feminine forms to ensure accuracy in writing and speaking
•In the speaking exam, use linking words like 'aur', 'lekin', and 'kyunki' to extend responses and demonstrate cohesion

Specification Topics

6 topics

Theme 1: 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

E2E stub topic

This subtopic develops learners' ability to discuss personal identity and relationships in Urdu, covering vocabulary for family members, descriptive adjectives, and grammatical structures such as possessive pronouns and adjective-noun agreement. Students apply these skills to communicate effectively in social and cultural contexts, preparing for both written and spoken assessments.

E2E stub subtopic

0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

Theme 2: Local area, holiday and travel

Theme 2 covers the local area, holidays, and travel. It includes discussing holiday preferences, experiences, and destinations; managing travel and tourist transactions such as accommodation, asking for help, directions, eating out, and shopping; and describing the town, region, and country, including weather, places to see, and things to do.

0 objectives6 tips6 pitfalls

Theme 3: 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

Theme 4: 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

Theme 5: International and global dimension

Theme 5 covers the international and global dimension, focusing on how the world is brought together through events and campaigns, as well as environmental issues and the management of natural resources.

0 objectives5 tips6 pitfalls

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