The new Edexcel GCSE speaking exam places a strong focus on clear communication, spontaneity and confidence. As teachers, our role is to prepare students not just for the format, but for real interaction in the language.
Below is a concise overview of each task, with practical classroom tips.
Read Aloud
Students read a short text aloud, followed by two questions.
Teacher tips:
- Build regular read-aloud practice into lessons, focusing on key phonics
- Model pronunciation and intonation explicitly
- Train students to slow down and self-correct
Role Play
A transactional task where students respond to set prompts, including asking a question.
Teacher tips:
- Practise role plays little and often, not just before exams
- Teach students to identify the question bullet quickly
- Reward successful communication rather than over-complex language
Picture Task
Students choose one picture, focusing on people, location and activity. They then respond to two follow-up questions.
Teacher tips:
- Teach key phrases that can be recycled across any picture
- Show students how to develop their answers, as they need to give as much detail as possible
Conversation
This takes place after the picture task. Students must develop their answers and sound natural, rather than learning responses by heart.
Teacher tips:
- Prepare students with adaptable sentence starters
- Train them to extend answers with reasons and examples
- Show higher-attaining students how to add sufficient complexity to reach the top bands of the mark scheme
- Focus on interaction skills, not memorised responses
Finally, preparation time should be used for key vocabulary and structures, not scripts. We can explicitly teach students how to use this time effectively.