SQA Exam Prep

• You have 1hr 30 minutes to complete this along with your Reading paper.

• When you begin the exam, start the job application first giving yourself maximum 30 minutes to attempt bullets 1-6. If you are finding the unpredictables tricky, leave them as you may have time after the reading to complete them.

• Use a Range of Tenses:

Incorporate a variety of tenses into your writing: present, past (pretérito), and future (futuro) to demonstrate your understanding of Spanish grammar.

Try to mix simple and complex sentences. Use conjunctions like "y" (and), "pero" (but), and "porque" (because) to link your ideas.

• Keep it Simple and Accurate:

It’s better to write shorter, more accurate sentences than to try complex structures and risk making mistakes.

Double-check for common mistakes, such as agreement between subjects and verbs, adjective-noun agreement, and using the correct form of verbs.

• Use Connectors:

Use phrases to structure your writing and give it a flow.

• Check Your Spelling:

Spend a few minutes checking your work for spelling mistakes and verb conjugation errors. Even small errors can cost you marks.

You have 1hr 30 minutes to complete this along with your Writing paper.

Once you've attempted the Job Application allow yourself 20 minutes maximum per reading paper, you may have time left over to check your job application.

• Skim and Scan:

When you first look at the reading paper, skim through all the questions. This will help you know what information to focus on while reading the passages.

Scan the text for keywords related to the questions. You don’t need to understand every word, just the main points.

• Highlight Key Information:

As you read, underline or highlight important details that answer the questions.

Look out for numbers, dates, names, and locations, as these are often key to answering factual questions.

• Understand the Question Format:

Read the instructions carefully. For example, if the question asks for a "sí" or "no" answer, make sure your answer matches.

Be mindful of whether you need to answer in Spanish or English, and ensure your answers are concise.

• Practice Vocabulary:

Focus on the most common words used in National 5 readings, such as verbs in different tenses, adjectives describing feelings, and basic conjunctions.

Read practice texts to become familiar with typical SQA formats.

• Don’t Panic if You Don’t Understand a Word:

Context is your friend. If there’s a word you don’t know, try to infer its meaning based on the rest of the sentence or paragraph.

• Familiarise Yourself with Different Accents:

The listening exam may include speakers with various Spanish accents (from Spain or Latin America). Try listening to online Spanish resources with different accents to get used to them.

• Read the Questions First:

Before listening, quickly read through the questions. This will help you know what to listen for.

Pay attention to question words like "cómo" (how), "dónde" (where), "qué" (what), and "por qué" (why).

• Listen for Key Information:

In the listening exam, focus on specific facts like dates, times, places, and names. These are often the answers.

Sometimes, speakers repeat key information, so listen carefully and don’t worry if you miss something initially.

• Don’t Stress Over Every Word:

If you miss a word or phrase, don’t panic. Try to understand the overall meaning of the conversation.

Focus on the main ideas rather than every single detail.

• Use the Pause Time:

After each listening clip, there’s a short pause for you to check your answers. Use this time to review your notes and make sure they make sense.