Y11 German: Examination Tips

 

GCSE German Bitesize Revision : the video is available to borrow.  Just ask Frau Drew.

 

Listening Paper

 

Foundation

1.  Write numbers down as you hear them (i.e. backwards!).  If you hear a large number try to get part of it down the first time then concentrate on hearing the rest of the number second time round.

 

2.  Remember that “ä” and “e” will sound exactly the same.  If you hear a strange word could it be spelt with an “ä”?  Is it a plural form of a word you know well e.g. Arzt > Ärzte in the plural and sounds very different from the singular form.

 

3.  Take care to answer the last two questions in English!

 

4.  Read all instructions carefully in the 5 mins reading time at the beginning of the examination.  Take careful note of how many crosses you have to put in some questions.

 

5.  Revise as much vocabulary from German into English as you can just before this paper.

 

 

Higher

1.  Watch out for the very important little words, which can change the meaning of the sentence completely!

                       nie                          never

                       fast                        almost

                       kaum                       hardly

                       selten                      seldom, rarely

                       nur                          only

                       kein                        no

                       nicht                       not

2.  Take care to answer question 5 in German, but not in full sentences.

 

3.  Don’t forget to answer the last two questions in English!

 

Alles Gute!

 

 

Year 11 German: Examination Tips

 

Writing Paper

 

Foundation

1. Revise present tense verb endings – read p.12 (Mach mit!) + p.211

Remember the second question always seems to test these.

 

2. Read through your oral topics and learn by heart as much as possible.  You will be able to use these in your writing exam!

 

3. In question 4 choose one of the alternatives.  Remember to cover all 4 bullet points equally (about 20 words each) and identify which bullet points need present, past or future tenses.

 

4. Revise letter forms.

 

5. Check your work carefully at the end of the examination.

 

Higher

1. Allow more time for question 2 (approx. 40 mins) as this requires you to write 150 words.

 

2. Remember to cover all bullet points equally where appropriate.

 

3. Make sure you include a good range of tenses ( not just one sentence in the past!) and if possible include a conditional sentence.

 

4. Put in plenty of opinions and if using “weil” or “obwohl” put the verb to the end!

 

5. Include a good variety of adjectives and adverbs.

 

6. Revise your oral topic material thoroughly.  You will be able to use this in the exam!

 

7.  Revise letter forms.

 

8. Check your work at the end especially position of the verb!

 

Mach’s Gut!!

 

Year 11 German: Examination Tips

Reading Paper

 

Foundation

1.  Don’t forget to check how many items you are meant to put a cross beside.  The important instruction sentence is usually just before the example.

 

2.  Revise as much vocabulary from German into English as you can just before this paper.

 

3.  Revise the very important little words that can change the meaning of a sentence completely.

 

4.  Don’t forget that question 4 + 6 need to be answered in German although question 6 does not need to be in full sentences.  The last question must be answered in English.

 

Higher

1.  Remember to answer questions 2 + 5 in German, however question 5 does NOT require full sentences.  The last question must be answered completely in English!

 

2.  Give answers in as much detail as possible.  You will lose marks if you miss out words like “almost” / “nearly” / more  intelligent” etc.  The examiners love setting you little traps!  Watch out for those very important little words.

 

3.  Revise as much topic vocabulary from German into English as you can just before this exam.

 

Toi-toi-toi!