GCSE Spanish Paper 3: the reading paper
Paper 3 is 25% of the GCSE and is out of 50 marks at both tiers. Section A asks questions in English about Spanish texts; Section B is a translation into English.
| Weight | 25% of the GCSE |
|---|---|
| Marks | 50 (Section A 40, Section B 10) |
| Foundation | 45 minutes |
| Higher | 1 hour |
Section A: questions in English
The texts range from notices, adverts and emails to articles and websites, and you answer in English or by choosing a letter. The questions test the overall message, key points, details and opinions.
Working out a new word
Some questions ask what a single word means when it is not on the vocabulary list. You work it out from the sentence around it and from words you know that look like it.
Section B: translation into English
You translate Spanish sentences into English: at least 35 words at Foundation and 50 at Higher. What counts is an appropriate and sufficient rendering of the meaning, so translate ideas, not single words, and keep every tense and time word.
Next step
Can I use a dictionary?
No. Dictionaries are not allowed in any GCSE Spanish paper, which is why the course drills the words on the specification's list.
Is listening in this course?
No. Listening and the dictation need audio, which this course does not have. It covers reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary, with practice prompts for speaking.