Writing Exam Techniques
Writing Exam Techniques
The AQA GCSE Spanish writing exam is worth 25%. Foundation has three tasks; Higher has two longer tasks plus a translation.
Paper Structure
| Foundation | Higher | |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 4 sentences (photo) — 8 marks | — |
| Q2 | ~40-word task — 16 marks | — |
| Q3 | ~90-word task — 25 marks + translation | ~90-word task — 25 marks |
| Q4 | ~150-word open task — 32 marks | ~150-word open task — 32 marks |
| Q5 | Translation EN→ES — 12 marks |
What Examiners Assess
1. Content — have you addressed all bullet points?
2. Range of language — variety of vocab, structures, tenses
3. Accuracy — spelling, grammar, agreements, verb forms
4. Key messages — is your meaning clear?
Grade 7+ Features
| Feature | Example |
|---|---|
| Three+ tenses | preterite, imperfect, present, future/conditional |
| Complex connectives | sin embargo, aunque, puesto que, no obstante |
| Relative pronouns | que, donde, lo que |
| Subjunctive (1–2 uses) | es importante que, cuando sea mayor |
| Object pronouns | lo, la, los, le, les |
| Antes de / Después de | Después de comer, salí |
| Al + infinitive | Al llegar, vi a mi amigo |
| Si clauses | Si tuviera tiempo, viajaría |
| Lo mejor/peor | Lo mejor del colegio es... |
| Varied opinions | lo que me gusta, estoy convencido/a de que |
Common Errors to Avoid
| Error | Correction |
|---|---|
| Soy quince años | Tengo quince años (tener for age) |
| Estoy contento (permanent trait) | Soy una persona contenta (ser for character) |
| Me gustan el fútbol | Me gusta el fútbol (singular noun = gusta) |
| Juego el fútbol | Juego al fútbol (jugar a) |
| una problema | un problema (masculine despite -a ending) |
| muy bueno (superlative intent) | el mejor (the best) |
Planning (5 minutes)
For each bullet point, jot down:
1. The tense to use
2. Two key vocab words
3. One complex structure
4. An opinion + reason
Checking (5 minutes)
- [ ] Every bullet point addressed?
- [ ] All verb endings correct? (especially yo vs él/ella)
- [ ] Adjectives agree with nouns?
- [ ] At least 3 different tenses?
- [ ] Opinions with reasons?
- [ ] Accents correct? (á, é, í, ó, ú, ñ, ü)
- [ ] Varied sentence starters?
Exam Tips
- Word count: aim for the target ±10%. Slightly over is fine; way under loses marks.
- Bullet points: address every single one — missing one caps your content mark.
- The open bullet point in the 150-word task is your chance to deploy your best structures.
- Accuracy > length — a shorter, accurate response scores higher than a longer, error-filled one.
- If you can't remember a word, paraphrase: instead of "la aspiradora" → "la máquina para limpiar el suelo".
- Don't start every sentence with Yo — vary with time phrases, connectives, opinions, impersonal structures.