Royal High School, Edinburgh



THE ROYAL HIGH SCHOOLMODERN LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT14414520701000ESSENTIAL EXAM PREPARATION AND TIPSN5 EXAM STRUCTUREThe structure of the final exam is detailed below. N.B. The talking element of the exam takes place in Feb/March whereas the rest of the exam takes place during the normal SQA exam diet.PAPERFORMATLENGTHMARKSSCALED MARKPaper 1: Reading3 texts of equal length and demandDictionary permitted1 hour3030Paper 1: WritingCandidates must produce a letter of application using the 6 bullet points that follow (the first 4 are generic, the last 2 specific to the advert).30 minutes2015Paper 1: ListeningOne monologue and one conversation.20 minutes2030Writing AssignmentOn one of four contexts (120-200 words)2015TalkingPresentation and follow-on conversation in the MFL (from one of the four contexts)Presentation 1.5 – 2 minsConversation 4-5 mins10201020STUDY PLANDon’t put off revision. If you have not already done so, get organised now. It is vital that you make a detailed and logical study plan, adhere to it and start revising NOW. Don’t leave anything to chance. You need to prepare for all elements of the exam. You should already be revising grammar and vocabulary at least twice a week, as well as listening to and reading as much MFL as possible. What should I study and when?You will need to make a week-by-week study plan. It is impossible to cram vocabulary at the last minute so the earlier you start this, the better (and the more you will retain). All of the National 5 topics (below) should be included in your study plan. You must also be sure to get practice in all of the elements of talking, listening, reading and writing and you must make a point of revising all vocabulary and grammar points covered in class. Get your notes organised. You can use mind-maps to help. CONTEXTTOPICSOCIETYFriends & Family, Lifestyles, Media, Global Languages and CitizenshipLEARNINGLearning in Context, EducationEMPLOYABILITYJobs, Work and CVsCULTUREPlanning a Trip, Other Countries, Special Event, Literature, Film & TelevisionHow many hours of revision should I be doing each week?Ideally you should be doing a minimum of at least 2 hours per week. Remember that you have a variety of subjects to study for so be sure to create a well-balanced study plan across all subjects. In terms of revision, you should be practising all four elements, in addition to learning vocabulary and practising dictionary skills.GENERIC TIPSListeningDon’t fall into the trap of thinking that you can’t revise for listening. It is vital that you listen to the MFL DAILY - this is the only way to improve! 1) Practise listening EVERY day (little and often is key) - use past papers (use the past paper pack), songs, MFL TV, MFL radio, MFL News in Slow, podcasts, cartoons, Scholar, Linguascope, films, Youtube clips. 2) Watch DVDs/Netflix in MLF with English subtitles (or vice versa). 3) Be sure to revise the basics e.g. numbers (times and prices), dates (days and months) and weather expressions and seasons in addition to the prescribed themes.4) When revising vocabulary, read the words aloud so that you recognise the sound of the word.5) Do past papers at home (N5/Credit/Int 2).6) Practise doing dictations, note taking and summarising from audio files from past papers.7) Revise vocabulary at least twice a week (this will help enormously with listening comprehension).8) Listen to any listening homework files (go over any that you didn’t do so well in).9) Use past paper listening pack (do past paper, then gapfill, then pick out key phrases, then practise transcribing what you year and check with original transcript). Make sure that you can translate everything in transcript into English. If you look up any vocab, note it down.10) Use Immersive Reader function to listen to passages.11) Improve aural skills - Practice doing listening exercises with the transcript in front of you as this will help recognise how words are pronounced.12) Use Linguascope, Languagesonline, BBC bitesize, Scholar etcReadingAs with listening, you need to read as much as possible (ideally daily) and read widely e.g. Metro paper Press Reader, websites, film subtitles, comics, blogs etc. The more widely that you read, the wider your vocabulary will become – just as with English.Improve scanning skills – use highlighters to highlight key information in passages. Practice translating from French to English to French (don’t omit any words).Always add any new words that you have looked up to your vocab booklet. 1) Revise the basis and N5 vocab and grammar at least twice a week (knowing vocabulary will save you valuable time in the final exam)2) Expand vocab and set yourself a target of learning at least 20 new words a week. 3) Read to get the gist of the text and note down any new vocabulary. 4) Do past papers at home (do N5/Credit/Int 2) with a DICTIONARY and note all new vocab. If unsure of a word which you have looked up, look it up in the English side to see if the meanings match. 5) Make sure you can recognise tenses (past, imperfect, present, future, conditional).6) Read and translate listening transcripts (note ALL new vocab down).7) Watch tv programmes/films on Netflix in English with MFL subtitles.8) Do reading comprehensions on Scholar - note and learn any new vocabulary) across a range of topics, even if it’s a new topic for you.9) Translate reading passages verbatim (word for word) – check that you understand all vocabulary.10) Make a note of any good phrases which you can recycle for speaking and writing.11) Improve scanning skills – use highlighters to highlight key information in passages. 12) Always add any new words that you have looked up to your vocab booklet. 13) Build up your language with short exercises on .uk, Linguascope and BBC Bitesize.Writing ExamIf you prepare thoroughly for this, it is easy to get a good mark. Accuracy is key and much can be learned in advance. 1) Ensure that you know BPs 1-4 inside out (this must be checked by your teacher before revising)2) Know how to tackle each possible unpredictable BP. It is simply a case of revising. (DO NOT leave this until last minute – there is too much to learn)3) Give yourself plenty of time and keep revising and checking against original corrected version. 4) Practise doing the letters from the N5 past papers so that you able to adapt to different scenarios.5) Time yourself. If you learn this thoroughly, you should be able to rattle this off relatively quickly (max 30 mins though ideally quicker), giving your more time for the reading part of the exam.6) Don’t be tempted to write too much or veer off from what you have learned. Keep it concise and relevant.Writing AssignmentThis is the culmination of all your hard work and your chance to show off all that you have learned. Be sure prepare thoroughly for thus and learn good structural phrases and topics phrases.1) Ensure that you know the tenses well2) Learn key phrases for structuring writing3) Learn some really impressive ‘wow’ phrases, even subjective or idiomatic expressions.4) Know how to use the dictionary to look up vocab and check verbs and tenses5) Use listening transcripts to get useful phrases/vocabulary which you can use.TalkingThere is a lot to prepare for here and the talking is worth 25% of your final mark so start revising this LONG before the final exam.1) Ensure that your presentation and follow on questions have been prepared, checked and typed up and have some additional answers prepared as you never know where the conversation may flow.2) Practise pronunciation by use the Immersive Reader function on your iPad.3) Prepare some questions to ask your teacher. 4) Prepare some ‘filler’ phrases to buy you time in the exam e.g. ask for questions to be repeated, ask for explanations.5) Check the timing - Presentation 1 – 2 mins, Conversation 5-6 mins.6)Learn how to express opinions e.g. agreeing, disagreeing7) Record your presentation/responses and listen to your recordingLEARNING1) Practise reading your presentation aloud again and again and make sure you know what you are saying (if not, ask your teacher).2) Record yourself and listen back (check timing).3) Get someone else to listen to you, ask questions and give feedback.4) Little and often is key. DO NOT leave this until the last minute.General1) Don’t underestimate the importance of course work.2 Make sure you balance all the elements of the exam in revision plan.3) Revise: False Friends, basic vocab, negatives, grammar points, common verbs, tenses and irregular stems/past participles.4) Try to think in MFL.5) Use Linguascope, Languagesonline, BBC bitesize, Scholar, Quizlet, Duolingo, Bright Red etc.6) STUDY SMART - Download MFL music/listen to MFL radio while you are doing something else (exercise, tidying your room, drawing etc.) as you will be learning subliminally.VocabularyIt is essential to learn AS MUCH vocabulary as possible prior to the exams. This makes listening and reading SO much easier. Start well in advance. Go through ALL of the basic vocabulary on (make that sure you also listen to the sound files to help word recognition).1) Revise ALL of the vocabulary in your N4/5 booklet and the vocab in your S1 and S2 booklets 2) Go through ALL of the basic vocabulary on (make that sure you also listen to the sound files to help word recognition). (beginner and intermediate) 3) Be sure to go over basics (numbers, days, month, weather, frequency etc)4) Learn as many verbs as possible. This will pay dividends and save time in the exam. 5) Remember to learn the small words which can change meaningGrammar1) Know the verbs and tenses and key grammar points (e.g. negatives etc)2) Read over Grammar Notes3) Use .uk (grammar section at the bottom)4) Be able to recognise irregular verbs (past participles, future stems) 5) Be able to recognise questions wordsDictionary SkillsIt is very easy to spend too long looking up words and also to find the wrong answer (or none at all!). Ensure that you have your own dictionary (this will help in the exam as you will be familiar with the lay out) and get used to using it.1) When you find a word, the next thing after it in many dictionaries is often the guide to pronouncing it (in square brackets).2) There will often be several entries for a word, because some words are both a verb and a noun, with different meanings. Don’t just look at the start of the entry; go on down the entry to see if something further down makes sense.3) Because verbs have endings, you will often not find exactly the word you are looking for; you need the infinitive. Work out the STEM of the word and look for the infinitive.4) Always keep in mind the context of the passage that you are reading; that may well help you to find the correct translation in the dictionary.5) Watch out for little bracketed words in some dictionaries, like (sport), which tell you what context the word is used in.6) Remember, sometimes it makes sense to look up words in the English half of the dictionary. To give clues as to where to look for the answer to a question.7) If not sure about the translation, check by looking up the English side of the dictionary to see if the translations match.Can you suggest any ways to learn speaking/writing?In terms of revising, work out whether you are a visual, auditory or kinaesthetic learner.Tips for visual learners- Write the text over and over (different coloured pens/paper)- Write each paragraph on a different piece of colour card- Draw mind-maps with pictures to represent key pointsTips for auditory learners- Record yourself reading the text and listen to it as much as you can (on the bus, running etc.)- Set the text to your favourite tuneTips for kinaesthetic learners- Type out the text and then cut it up into different paragraphs/sentences/phrases. Mix up the paragraphs/sentences/phrases then time yourself putting them back into the correct order.Can you recommend any websites or apps?There are literally thousands of apps and websites. Here are some that we recommend but you are sure to come across others.BBC Bitesize Langaugesonlone.ukBright Red Digital Zone (you can make up your own Quizlets from vocab booklets)SQA.ukDuolingoDuolingo app (now on all school iPads)FRENCHGERMANSPANISHGeneral Revision./mfl-sunderland.uk Welle Nachrichten (news)colby.edu/~bknelson/SLC/pres_perf.php?trinity.edu/mstroud/grammaruiowa.edu/~acadtech/phonetics/spanish-audioGrammarTVbbc.co.uk/languages/frenchTVTV5 – Virgin 825, Sky 799Euronews – Virgin 620, Sky 508bbc.co.uk/languages/frenchTVTV5 – Virgin 825, Sky 799Euronews – Virgin 620, Sky 508Euronews – Virgin 620. Sky radio/radio/radio/Spanish-APPSFrance Radio LivePress ReaderLearn FrenchDuo LingoFR LifeVoltageTVMonde 5France LiveFrench TestTeach Yourself FrenchFranceTVProPress ReaderPress ReaderEXAM TIPS AND INFORMATIONREADING EXAM43233201187553REMEMBER TO BRING…..A dictionary, pens, a highlighter and tippex.00REMEMBER TO BRING…..A dictionary, pens, a highlighter and tippex.5537863919400The exam will test your ability to extract relevant information from the text. This means that there will information which is irrelevant, and which you do not need. The reading and the writing exam together last 1 ? hours. You will need to manage your time but expect to spend at least 1 hour on the reading. The reading exam accounts for 25% of your final mark. There will 3 texts of roughly equal length so you should spend roughly 20 minutes on each text. You are allowed an MFL dictionary for this exam. Questions will be set and answered in English and unusual words may be translated for you in a glossary.SUGGESTED SEQUENCE1. Read the introduction.2. Now read the questions to get a feel for what the passage is about. Look for KEY WORDS in the questions and HIGHLIGHT/UNDERLINE these.3. Check how may points are available for each question and put the correct number of bullet points in the answer section in preparation for writing your answer.4. Now SKIM the passage (DON’T reach for the dictionary yet and don’t panic about unfamiliar words).5. Now look for KEY WORDS in the passage which tie in with the question in order to locate where the answer lies (remember the answers will be the same order as they appear in the text).6. Once you have located the answer, highlight this area in the text. Look up ALL of the vocabulary relating the answer. Don’t be tempted to miss out ANY words which relate to this answer as this might change the meaning. Give as accurate a translation as possible and make sure it makes sense in English. N.B. If it doesn’t make sense in English it must be wrong.7. Score out any words/phrases that you don’t want to be included in your answer.8. Always look over your answers at the end of exam and complete any gaps. Have you missed anything out? Does your answer actually answer the question?TIPS1. Keep an eye on your time. If you don’t know the answer, leave it out and move on. Don’t waste precious time. You can always come back to it at the end. If you still don’t know at the end, make an educated guess. NEVER leave an answer blank.2. Give detailed answer and ensure no words are omitted from your answer as this can change the meaning/sense.3. Ensure that all of your answers are in ENGLISH, make sense and ACTUALLY ANSWER THE QUESTION. You will not get the mark if the answer is in the MFL.4. If not 100% sure if your answer is correct but tight for time, put an asterisk (*) beside your answer and move on. If you have time, you can then easily identify which answer needs more work and come back to it.5. Don’t leave ANY blanks – if you don’t know, taken an educated guess.6. Make sure your answer relates to the correct question. 7. Pay careful attention to the numbering of the questions, particularly where a question has several parts, to ensure you get credit for their answers.8. Finally, DON’T PANIC! You can only do your best. N.B. If you have time left after completing the reading and the writing, recheck your work.451993018097500WRITING EXAMTogether, the reading and the writing exam last 1 ? hours. Expect to give yourself no more than 30 minutes to complete the writing, however, if you have learned this very well you may require less time, giving you more time to focus on the reading. The writing exam accounts for 12.5% of your final mark. For the writing exam, you have to write an email application for a job. There are 6 BULLET POINTS which you have to address; 4 of which are always the same, 2 of which are unseen and vary from year to year. The letter should be 120-150 words.How do I improve my writing skills?Accuracy is key in writing. Go over your grammar notes and always check spelling in the dictionary. It’s worth practising grammar exercises on websites such as .uk. - Plan your work carefully and write in paragraphs- Present information clearly- Manage your time carefully- Use your dictionary as a support (but don’t over-rely on this)SUGGESTED SEQUENCEBefore you start writing….1. Read the job advert thoroughly and make sure you understand what it.2. Highlight the job advertised/company recruiting.3. Highlight the key skills and also the responsibilities mentioned (look up any vocabulary around these areas if not sure)When you start writing….1. Make sure that you actually apply for the job which is advertised. Sometimes it will state a company name rather than a specific job, in which case you state that you would like to apply for the job at + company name.2 Write in paragraphs – this will ensure that you cover all bullet points3. Write neatly – it gives a good impression and makes it easier for the marker.4. Tailor your letter to include the skills which have been mentioned in the advert.5. Tick off each bullet point underneath the job advert as and when you cover them in your letter (that way you can see at a glance what you still need to cover).6. Only use the dictionary to check spelling/genders/accents. Do not try to translate phrases in your head from English to MFL.7. Keep an eye on your time. Don’t waste precious time and don’t spend more than 30 minutes on this.After you have finished writing…1. Reread your letter to make sure that there are no mistakes. 2. Ensure that you have included the formalities (introduction, sign off) and ALL 6 bullet points.3. Check spelling/accents (you will have a dictionary).If you have time left after completing the reading and the writing, recheck all of your work.LISTENING EXAMExam Tips – Listening 54387753556000Listening is worth 25% of your overall mark and the exam will last about 20-25 minutes. You will NOT be able to use an MFL dictionary, so you need to be prepared for the exam in advance. There will be two separate parts, one PRESENTATION /MONOLOGUE (8 marks), the other a CONVERSATION/DIALOGUE (12 marks). You will hear each recording 3 TIMES. Make sure you know the basic vocabulary which comes up again and again. Questions will be set and answered in English. Remember, in the listening exam, you don’t need to understand the whole audio file to get the correct answer. Take your cue from the questions and learn to pick out key information and to take notes effectively. In the final exam, you will hear the dialogue 3 times, so don’t panic. Finally, remember that your answers in the exam must be in English.2238151115621REMEMBER TO BRING…..pens, a highlighter and tippex.0REMEMBER TO BRING…..pens, a highlighter and tippex.SUGGESTED SEQUENCEBefore the recording starts….1. Read the introduction.2. Now read the questions to get a feel for what you are about to hear. Look for KEY WORDS in the questions and highlight/underline these.3. Anticipate the type of answers required e.g. When? - time phrase/date etc. Where? - directions/preposition/place etc.4. Check how many points are available for each question and put the correct number of bullet points in the answer section.WHEN THE RECORDING BEGINS1. Don’t panic and don’t expect to understand everything first time round. You will hear the recording three times.During the first playing, use the time to listen rather than writing straight away. 2. Keep focused and keep referring to the questions. The presentation/monologue can be trickier so try to pick out the key words so that you don’t get lost. You do not need to understand everything. The trick is being able to hone in on the answers and disregard superfluous information.3. Only write short notes or key words when the recording is playing. You will have time to write more details later. Remember, not all information is of equal importance. You are only interested in the details related to the questions.4. If you are not sure what a word is, write down how it sounds (in your notes) then, between each playing, try to work out what the word is (be sure to score out all notes later). BETWEEN PLAYINGS1. Beside each question, write down the information that you are sure you have understood.2. Write down information that you think you have understood but will need to check.3. Identify any information that you think you have missed completely (but hopefully now know where it comes in the recording). Translate EVERYTHING relating to the question (don’t miss out words).AFTER THE RECORDING FINISHES1. Complete your answers – Always answer in fill. You don’t need to be in complete sentences but they must be clear and comprehensible.2. Score out any earlier notes which you don’t wanted to included in your answer.3. Don’t leave ambiguous answers.3. Don’t leave ANY blanks. If in doubt, take an educated guess and write something which you think may be correct. 4. Make sure that your answer actually answers the question and makes sense.5. Don’t miss out any small words. Translate EVERYTHING pertaining to the answer.5. Reread your answers and ensure that all of your answers are in ENGLISH. You will not get the point if the answer is in the MFL. ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download