Everything You Need to Know About the New AQA Speaking Exam
Master the new AQA Speaking exam with our comprehensive guide. Learn about roleplay changes, reading aloud tasks, and marking criteria to achieve top grades in your GCSE speaking assessment.
The AQA Speaking exam has undergone significant changes designed to better assess real-world communication skills and reduce emphasis on memorized language. These updates aim to create a more authentic assessment of students' ability to communicate spontaneously and fluently.
Why These Changes Matter
The new specification shifts focus from testing memorized grammar and vocabulary to assessing genuine communication skills. Students now need to demonstrate fluency, pronunciation, and the ability to respond spontaneously — skills that are essential for real-world language use.
Key Differences: Old vs New Specification
Understanding how the exam has changed is crucial for effective preparation
Roleplay Marks
Unexpected Questions
Reading Aloud
Photocard Marks
General Conversation
Knowledge & Use of Language
Critical Change: Every Sentence Must Include a Verb
The most significant change affects how students respond in roleplay. One-word answers or verb-less responses are no longer acceptable.
❌ No longer acceptable:
"How many hours a week do you go to the cinema?" — "Three."
✅ Required format:
"How many hours a week do you go to the cinema?" — "I go three times a week."
New Exam Components in Detail
Master each part of the new speaking exam with our detailed breakdown
Roleplay (10 marks) — 20% of total
Foundation: 7-9 min | Higher: 10-12 minKey Changes:
- Every sentence must include a verb
- All questions now in English
- No unexpected questions
- Informal, social context
Example Response:
"How many hours a week do you go to the cinema?"
"I usually go twice a week. I enjoy watching films."
Reading Aloud + Short Conversation (15 marks) — 30% of total
New TaskReading Aloud:
- Foundation: ~35 words
- Higher: ~50 words
- Multiple attempts allowed
- Tests pronunciation & fluency
Short Conversation:
- Four present tense questions
- Build responses with 2+ clauses
- Include verbs in every sentence
Photocard Discussion + Unprepared Conversation (25 marks) — 50% of total
Most ImportantPhotocard (5 marks):
- Two photos to discuss
- Both photos must be mentioned
- Theme provided by examiner
- Compare and contrast images
Unprepared Conversation (20 marks):
- Foundation: 9 clear information points
- Higher: 15 clear information points
- Spontaneous, natural speech
- Complex language earns higher marks
Response Development Examples
Learn how to build effective responses at Foundation and Higher levels
Foundation Level
Good Development (2 clauses):
"I like swimming and I play tennis."
Minimal Development (extra info):
"I eat pizza and pasta."
Limited Response:
"I study maths."
Higher Level
Extended Response (3+ clauses):
"I usually read books at home and sometimes I go to the library. I find reading very relaxing and it helps me learn new vocabulary."
Pro Tip:
Use complex sentences, varied vocabulary, and appropriate tenses to maximize your marks at Higher level.
What This Means for Students & Teachers
Key takeaways and preparation strategies
For Students
- Practice including verbs in every sentence
- Focus on spontaneous, natural conversation
- Build responses with multiple clauses
- Always mention both photos in photocard task
For Teachers
- Emphasize verb usage in all responses
- Practice reading aloud with multiple attempts
- Focus on spontaneous speech over memorization
- Update marking schemes and expectations
Ready to Master the New AQA Speaking Exam?
Language Gems provides comprehensive speaking exam preparation with interactive practice, real-time feedback, and expert guidance tailored to the new specification.