Task Analysis: Carefully identify the requirement of each prompt, such as 'give one detail', 'give an opinion', or 'ask a question'.
Prescriptive Accuracy: In role-plays, marks are awarded for conveying the specific information requested; providing irrelevant information or missing a detail can lead to mark deductions.
Question Formation: Mastering interrogative structures is vital for the 'ask a question' task, often requiring the use of words like 'how', 'why', or 'which' in relation to digital devices or habits.
| Feature | Foundation Tier | Higher Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | Concrete nouns (photo, profile) | Abstract concepts (privacy, risk, impact) |
| Tense Range | Primarily Present and Future | Past, Present, Future, and Conditional |
| Complexity | Simple sentences with one detail | Multi-clause sentences with justifications |
| Role-Play | Direct answers to 5 tasks | Extended responses with 8+ details |
Higher-tier candidates must move beyond simple descriptions of usage to discuss the implications of social media, such as the responsibility of influencers or the risks of cyberbullying.
The 'Estar' Anchor: Always ensure the auxiliary verb estar is conjugated correctly before the gerund; omitting it is a common error that changes the meaning of the sentence.
Opinion Justification: Never state an opinion in isolation; always follow it with a 'because' clause to demonstrate higher-level connective usage.
Translation Precision: When translating into English, ensure the '-ing' form is used for continuous structures (e.g., 'is chatting') rather than the simple present ('chats').
Check for Irregulars: Be alert for spelling changes in gerunds, particularly vowel stems that require a 'y' (e.g., leyendo) to maintain phonetic consistency.
Literal Translation: Students often try to translate 'to be' as ser instead of estar when forming the continuous tense, which is grammatically incorrect for temporary actions.
Over-reliance on Nouns: Relying solely on platform names (e.g., Instagram, TikTok) without using specific verbs (uploading, following, commenting) limits the grammatical credit available.
Ignoring the Question Task: In speaking exams, students often forget to prepare a question for the examiner, which is a mandatory component of the role-play task.
