1. How to Pass N5/Higher Modern Languages
Tuesday 18th September 2018

2. NATIONAL 5 Exam Overview
PAPER
LENGTH
MARKS
SCALED MARK
Paper 1: Reading
1 hour 30
Paper 1: Writing
30 minutes 20 15
Paper 1: Listening
20 minutes
Writing Assignment
Talking
Presentation 1 – 2 mins
Conversation 5-6 mins 10

3. HIGHER Exam Overview COMPONENT DETAILS LENGTH MARKS SCALED %
INTERNAL EXAM: Talking
Talking (30 marks)
10 minutes
30 marks
 30
25%
WRITING ASSIGNMENT
20 marks 15
12.5%
EXTERNAL EXAM
Paper 1:
Reading (20 marks) & Translation (10 marks)
Directed Writing (20 marks)
2 hours 30
Paper 2:
Listening (20 marks)
30 mins

4. What kind of homework will I be given
What kind of homework will I be given? Revising vocabulary and grammar Reading passages Translation Writing at end of each topic Preparing writing/speaking Scholar homework Past paper practice (reading, listening, writing, translation)

5. What resources will I be given
What resources will I be given? Vocabulary booklet Course Notes booklet Grammar booklet Workbooks SQA past paper listening packs (gap fills, Q&A, find the MFL phrases) Grammar notes, classwork on OneNote

6. Resources that I will need: Dictionary Highlighters Ring-binder for organising coursework and grammar (separate section for each topic) Essential that notes are organised for outset.

7. How much homework should I be doing. National 5 – minimum 1
How much homework should I be doing? National 5 – minimum 1.5 hours Higher – minimum 2 hours In addition to this, revision of vocabulary and grammar is expected.

8. What should I do if I don’t have set homework
What should I do if I don’t have set homework? Revise vocabulary Practise grammar ( Access Scholar for reading and listening Listen to MFL radio/Watch MFL TV Read as much as possible (e.g. Press Reader App) Pick out/Highlight key phrases from reading and listening which can be recycled

9. What should I do if I don’t have set homework
What should I do if I don’t have set homework? Watch films with MFL subtitles (or vice versa) Read news online in MFL Listen to audio book/podcasts Listen to MFL music (youtube) Anything which increases your exposure to the MFL is useful and it’s always worth going over classwork to check understanding.

10. How do I widen my vocabulary?
Little and often is the key to learning vocabulary
Revise vocabulary at least twice a week
Make your own vocabulary flashcards
Practise vocabulary (Quizlet/Languagesonline)
Build up your own vocabulary list on different topics and learn
Have a ‘post-it’ wall in your room with new vocabulary Read widely and note down any new words that you come across

11. What should I do to improve my grammar?
Go over notes at least twice a week
Learn the present tense verbs inside out
Ensure that you are confident with all tenses
covers all of the basics

12. How do I improve my reading
How do I improve my reading? Read voraciously - anything and everything, make a note of any new vocabulary Read MFL comics/magazines/articles (download Press Reader app) Read the news online in MFL Change setting on phone/ipad to MFL Read MFL version of books that you already know Watch films in English with MFL subtitles on

13. How do I improve my listening?
Watch films in MFL with English subtitles on
Watch your favourite films in MFL with no subtitles
Download MFL radio app and listen daily
Listen to MFL songs on Youtube (learn the lyrics)
Listen to MFL music whilst reading lyrics and sing along
Listen to MFL audio-books or podcasts

14. How do I improve my speaking?
Practise reading MFL aloud/speaking to friends in MFL
Think and talk to yourself in the MFL – sounds strange but it works
Check pronunciation with Pronounce app/wordreference
Record yourself doing mini presentations
Time yourself and see how long you can talk on a given topic
Read past paper listening transcripts aloud to get a feel for words and phrases

15. How do I improve my writing?
Practise writing out vocabulary
Write a daily journal in MFL
Practise transcription (writing down what you hear from listening files e.g. SQA past papers).
Pick out and recycle good phrases from reading passages/past papers (also useful for speaking)

16. General Tips Use the Duolingo app Use the Memrise app
Use Press Reader App
Use Quizlet/Kahoot for revision
Use Scholar regularly
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes
Make up mind-maps in MFL on each topic
Learn fillers for speaking
Practise every day – little and often is key

17. Advice Do homework as soon as you get it
Start revising now (impossible to cram vocabulary)
Start picking out good phrases for each topic and learning them (good for listening and writing)
Plan your time carefully
Work consistently over the whole year
Go the extra mile (do additional revision)
Work at dictionary skills (don’t just use online)
Set yourself goals e.g. learn 10 words per night

18. What can I do to help my child succeed?
Encourage daily access to MFL resources
Test vocabulary
Time speaking activities/presentations
Encourage to complete homework at first opportunity and adopt good studying habits
Encourage additional study
Encourage study schedule
Spark interest in the country too – read up about culture, customs & traditions

19. Thank you for your time. Any Questions?