1. GCE Modern Languages (French, German, Irish and Spanish) A2 Support Event
February 2018

2. A2 at a glance A2 = 60% of A Level A2 1: Speaking – 18% of A Level
A2 2: Listening and Reading – 24% of A Level
Section A: Listening
Section B: Reading
A2 3: Extended Writing – 18% of A Level

3. Assessment Objectives
There are FOUR assessment objectives:
AO1: understand and respond to spoken language (20%)
AO2: understand and respond to written language (30%)
AO3: manipulate the language accurately (30%)
AO4: show knowledge and understanding of aspects of the culture/society of French/German/Irish/Spanish* speaking countries and communities (20%)
* Delete as appropriate

4. A2 Subject Content (1) Young People in Society
part-time jobs
education and employment
career planning – aspirations and intentions
young people and democracy
European citizenship – advantages, disadvantages and opportunities
societal attitudes and young people

5. A2 Subject Content (2) Our Place in a Changing World
equality / inequality and discrimination / prejudice
poverty at home and abroad – causes, consequences and measures to combat it
immigration and emigration – causes, benefits and related issues
multicultural society and cultural identity – benefits and challenges
causes, consequences and resolution of conflict
sustainable living and environmental issues

6. A2 1: Speaking This unit has TWO elements:
an introduction (1 minute) and discussion
(5 minutes) based on an individual research
project
AO4 : 30 marks
AO3 : 10 marks
a general conversation (9 minutes)
AO1 : 25 marks

7. A2 1 : Introduction and Discussion Content
The introduction and discussion elements are based on an aspect of a French/German/Irish/Spanish* speaking country or community.
There are three options:
culture
historical period
region
They should be on a general theme and not focus on a single film, text or individual.
* Delete as appropriate

8. A2 1: Introduction and Discussion
The introduction should not last more than one minute.
The opening question for the discussion will be based on one of the headings in the summary sheet but candidates should not expect questions on each of the five headings.
The discussion should not consist of a series of mini-presentations.
Candidates should engage with the questions and avoid reeling off prepared material at a fast pace.

9. A2 1: Conversation
The conversation is a general conversation based on the candidate’s life and interests and experience of the AS and A2 themes.
Candidates will be free to speak any topic of special interest to them.
It is an unscripted conversation and pre-prepared monologues will be discouraged.
Candidates should develop their answers and include opinions.

10. A2 2 Section A: Listening AO1 : 25 marks 45 minutes Content
Q1 : QA in Target Language – 10 marks
Q2 : QA in English – 15 marks

11. A2 2: Listening Answers do not have to be in full sentences.
There are no marks for answers in the wrong language.
If appropriate one word answers/figures may be used.
Superfluous material will not be penalised if the correct answer is clearly given.
Alternative answers will not be credited.

12. A2 2: Listening Q1 QA in Target Language
Candidates can use words/phrases from the stimulus – there is no need to rephrase.
A simple transcription will not be rewarded if it does not answer the question appropriately.
Candidates should take care when using pronouns or possessive adjectives.
Minor spelling mistakes are not penalised.
Meaning must be clear.

13. A2 2 Section B: Reading AO2 : 40 marks AO3 : 35 marks 2 hours Content
Q1 : Gap-filling AO2 : 10 marks
Q2 : Comprehension AO2 : 15 marks
Q3 : Summary AO2 : 15 marks
Q4 : Translation AO3 : 35 marks

14. A2 2 Q1: Gap-filling The same word cannot be used twice.
The comprehension exercise is supported by grammatical clues. Candidates should be able to identify the correct part of speech needed to complete a sentence.
Minor spelling mistakes will not be penalised provided the meaning is clear.

15. A2 2 Q2: Comprehension QA in Target Language
Phrases from the stimulus may be used provided they answer the question appropriately.
Superfluous material will not be penalised provided it does not affect the meaning of the answer.
Alternative answers will not be credited.
Marks are for AO2 but meaning must be clear.

16. A2 2 Q3: Summary in English
QWC is assessed in this question. Answers should be in good English and in full sentences.
Candidates are asked to summarise in approximately 100 words. The tolerance is set at 10% for Band 5.
Candidates should be encouraged to select the key points and structure their response in paragraphs reflecting the stimulus. This helps with structure, balance and word length.

17. A2 2 Q4: Translation into Target Language
The translation tests grammatical structures and core vocabulary.
The translation should be an accurate rendering of the original text.
Alternative translations are possible and will be credited but candidates should be careful of rephrasing or simplifying.
Repeated or consequential errors will not be penalised repeatedly.
Translations are marked positively.

18. A2 3: Extended Writing
One essay response on a set text AO2 – Understanding 35 marks AO4 - Knowledge 20 marks AO3 – Target Language 20 marks 1 hour

19. A2 3 Extended Writing Content
See Appendix 4 of the Specification for the list of poems, texts and films

20. AO2 Performance Descriptors
Band 5:
The candidate demonstrates an excellent understanding of the requirements of the question.
The question is addressed appropriately and coherently with minimum repetition and no irrelevant material.
There is very good evidence of analysis.

21. AO2: Understanding of the requirements of the question
Examiners are looking for a structured response consisting of:
a short introduction
structured paragraphs following a plan and addressing the question set
a short conclusion

22. AO2: Appropriate response
Candidates should focus on the question.
They should avoid general answers, story-telling and all-purpose answers.
There is no word limit but
- overlong answers may include repetition and are at risk under AO3.
- short answers may lack detail.

23. AO2: Coherent response
A brief introduction and conclusion give coherence to the answer.
Candidates should plan their answers to avoid unbalanced answers or repetition.
They should avoid the use of arrows/asterisks.
Candidates should be encouraged to skip a line between paragraphs.

24. AO4 Performance Descriptors
Band 5:
The candidate demonstrates an excellent knowledge of the text studied and
is able to focus appropriately on key aspects of the question.
Detailed knowledge, views, arguments and insights are presented clearly.

25. AO4: Knowledge of the text
Knowledge needs to be precise and relevant to the question chosen by the candidate.
Candidates should illustrate their answers with specific references to the text.
Quotations are desirable but not essential.
Quotations should be accurate and relevant.

26. AO4: Focus on key aspects
Candidates should read the question carefully and answer the question set.
They should avoid the use of irrelevant pre-learnt material.
They should be encouraged to plan their answer outlining the points to be included in their essay and focusing on the question.

27. AO3 Performance Descriptors
Band 5:
Excellent command of language with frequent examples of accurate and complex structures appropriate to this level.
Examples of idiomatic language evident.
Some errors but only where more complex language is used.

28. AO3: Command of language
Excellent command of language means there is a natural flow to the writing.
The response reads well in spite of minor errors.
Candidates should use a variety of structures and some more complex idiom and structures.
Idiomatic expressions should be used appropriately.

29. AO3: Accuracy Candidates should avoid basic errors and check
spelling, including accents
basic agreements
verb forms
word order

30. CCEA Language microsites
The following resources are available on the microsites:
Specification section:
Circular: Speaking Assessments (December 2017)
Support section:
Specification Clarification Information (General)
Scheme of Work (General)
A2 Fact Files
Study Cards