The AS Spanish Language examination consists of four compulsory components. Dictionaries are not allowed during the exam, and all questions requiring written responses are to be answered in Spanish. Paper 1 (Listening) allows approximately 60 minutes to hear a number of recordings of short and longer spoken texts and answer multiple-choice and matching questions. 2 (Reading) allows 1.5 hours to answer several multiple-choice and matching questions. The questions test comprehension of a range of text types (e.g. instructions, articles, blogs, reports). Paper 3 (Writing) allows 1.5 hours to address two writing tasks: one functional writing task and one argumentative/discursive essay. Paper 4 (Speaking) takes approximately 16 minutes and is conducted and assessed in Spanish. The test must be recorded for all candidates. Dictionaries may not be taken into the test. The speaking test includes:
•Presentation (2 minutes) and follow-up discussion (4–5 minutes)
•Conversation task card (9 minutes, including the 5 minutes of preparation time).
There are four assessment objectives:
1) Listening: Candidates will be assessed on their ability to understand main points and key information from a range of spoken sources; identify emotions, opinions and attitudes which are stated or strongly implied in speech; understand ideas, arguments and conclusions in structured and longer speech; and demonstrate an understanding of a wide range of vocabulary and language structures in speech on general topics.
2) Reading: Candidates will be assessed on their ability to understand main points and key information from a range of texts; identify emotions, opinions and attitudes when stated or strongly implied in texts; understand ideas, arguments and conclusions in structured and discursive texts; and demonstrate an understanding of a wide range of vocabulary and language structures used in texts on general topics.
3) Writing: Candidates will be assessed on their ability to communicate information, ideas, opinions and arguments clearly and effectively, with support/justification; organise ideas by paragraphing and by using a range of appropriate linking devices; use text conventions and register appropriate to the given purpose and audience; use a wide range of vocabulary and grammar; and use vocabulary and grammar accurately.
4) Speaking: Candidates will be assessed on their ability to communicate information, ideas, opinions and arguments clearly and effectively, with support/justification; engage in a conversation and contribute effectively to help move the conversation forward; use a wide range of vocabulary and grammar; use vocabulary and grammar accurately; show control of pronunciation and intonation.
Students are required to show knowledge and understand of the broad topic areas below (subtopics are examples of what teachers may choose to focus on and are for illustrative purposes only):
• Culture (entertainment, identify and culture, the arts)
• Health & well-being (health and fitness, nutrition, managing well-being)
• Education & future plans (life at school, further or higher education, career/work choices)
• Community and society (equality and diversity, lifestyle, society)
• Our responsibility for the planet (environment, sustainable living, protecting our world)
• Science and technology (scientific and technological innovation, social media, technology)