1. A2 GERMAN Support Meeting Autumn 2018

2. Assessment Objectives
There are FOUR assessment objectives:
AO1: understand and respond to spoken language (20%)
AO2: understand and respond to written language (30%)
AO3: manipulate the language accurately (30%)
AO4: show knowledge and understanding of aspects of the culture/society of German speaking countries and communities (20%)

3. A2 1: Speaking This unit has TWO elements:
an introduction (1 minute) and discussion
(5 minutes) based on an individual research
project
AO4 = 30 marks
AO3 = 10 marks
a general conversation (9 minutes)
AO2 = 25 marks
AO3 – 10 marks

4. Introduction and Discussion Content
The introduction and discussion elements are based on an aspect of a German-speaking country or community.
There are three options:
cultural aspect
historical period from the twentieth century
region
They should be on a general theme and not focus on a single film, text or individual.

5. Introduction and Discussion AO4 Key elements
Band 5:
Excellent knowledge and understanding of the chosen topic
Detailed knowledge, views and arguments presented clearly, logically and confidently
Good evidence of originality
Ability to make qualitative judgments on aspects of the topic

6. Introduction and Discussion
The introduction should not last more than one minute.
The opening question for the discussion will be based on one of the headings in the summary sheet but candidates should not expect questions on each of the five headings
It should not consist of a series of mini-presentations.
Candidates should prepare strategies for dealing with unexpected questions.
Candidates should engage with the questions and avoid reeling off prepared material at a fast pace.

7. Conversation AO2 Key elements
Band 5:
Excellent degree of comprehension
Ability to respond readily and fluently
Ability to take the initiative to develop answers
Substantial evidence of the ability to develop points of views and ideas

8. Conversation
The conversation is a general conversation based on the candidate’s life and interests and experience of the AS and A2 themes.
Candidates will be free to speak on any topic of special interest to them.
It is an unscripted conversation and pre-prepared monologues will be discouraged.
Candidates should develop their answers and include opinions/lead the conversation.

9. A2 2 Section A: Listening AO1 : 25 marks 45 minutes Content
Q1 : QA in German – 10 marks
Q2 : QA in English – 15 marks

10. Listening Answers do not have to be in full sentences.
There are no marks for answers in the wrong language.
If appropriate one word answers/figures may be used.
Superfluous material will not be penalised if the correct answer is clearly given.
Alternative answers will not be credited.

11. Listening Q1: QA in German
Candidates can use words/phrases from the stimulus – there is no need to rephrase.
A simple transcription will not be rewarded if it does not answer the question appropriately.
Candidates should take care when using pronouns or possessive adjectives.
Minor spelling mistakes are not penalised.
Marks are for AO1 but meaning must be clear.

12. A2 2 Section B: Reading AO2 : 40 marks AO3 : 35 marks 2 hours Content
Q1 : Gap-filling AO2 : 10 marks
Q2 : Comprehension AO2 : 15 marks
Q3 : Summary AO2 : 15 marks
Q4 : Translation AO3 : 35 marks

13. Gap-filling The same word cannot be used twice.
The comprehension exercise is supported by grammatical clues. Candidates should be able to identify the correct part of speech needed to complete a sentence.
Minor spelling mistakes will not be penalised provided the meaning is clear.

14. Comprehension: QA in German
Phrases from the stimulus may be used, provided they answer the question appropriately.
Superfluous material will not be penalised provided it does not affect the meaning of the answer.
Alternative answers will not be credited.
Marks are for AO2 but meaning must be clear.

15. Summary in English
QWC is assessed in this question. Answers should be in good English and in full sentences.
Candidates are asked to summarise in approximately 100 words. The tolerance is set at 10% for Band 5.
Candidates should be encouraged to select the key points and structure their response in paragraphs reflecting the stimulus. This helps with structure, balance and word length.

16. Translation into German
The translation tests grammatical structures and core vocabulary.
The translation should be an accurate rendering of the original text.
Alternative translations are possible and will be credited but candidates should be careful of rephrasing or simplifying.
Repeated or consequential errors will not be penalised repeatedly.
Translations are marked positively.

17. A2 3: Extended Writing
One essay response on a set text 1 hour Assessment objectives: AO2 – Understanding 35 marks AO4 - Knowledge 20 marks AO3 – Target Language 20 marks

18. Format of the question Each question is open-ended.
The response at A2 is analytical and evaluative. It requires arguments and insights.
Questions typically start with Beschreiben Sie or Welche Bedeutung hat… or Wie wird … dargestellt or Inwiefern …

19. AO2 Key Elements
Band 5:
Excellent understanding of the requirements of the question
Question addressed appropriately
Question addressed coherently
Minimum repetition
No irrelevant material
Very good evidence of analysis

20. AO2: Understanding of the requirements of the question
Examiners are looking for a structured response consisting of:
a short introduction
structured paragraphs following a plan and addressing the question set
a short conclusion

21. AO2: Planning the essay
Candidates are advised to plan their answer as there are no bullet points to support them.
A plan outlining the main points to be included in the answer is essential to provide a good structure and to avoid unbalanced answers, loss of focus on key aspects of the question or repetition.
Candidates should refer to this plan when writing their answer.

22. AO2: Appropriate response
Candidates should focus on the question.
They should avoid general, all-purpose answers, story-telling, repetition and irrelevant material.
Word length: There is no word limit but:
overlong answers may include repetition and may be at risk under AO3.
short answers may lack detail and may be at risk under AO4.

23. AO2: Coherent response
An introduction and conclusion give coherence to the answer. Both should be brief and relevant to the question.
They should avoid the use of arrows/asterisks.
There is no need to write on alternate lines but candidates should be encouraged to skip a line between paragraphs.

24. Introduction and Conclusion
The introduction
- should present the question.
- should not be too long.
- should not include irrelevant material.
The conclusion
- may include a personal opinion.
- may include an important quotation.

25. Body of the essay
It is recommended to structure the body of the essay in 4-5 paragraphs.
Each paragraph should develop one main idea.
The main idea should be stated at the start then supported by descriptions/illustrations.
Transitions within and between paragraphs add flow to the essay (but use with moderation).

26. AO4 Key elements Band 5: Excellent knowledge of the text studied
Ability to focus appropriately on key aspects of the question
Detailed knowledge, views, arguments and insights presented clearly

27. AO4: Knowledge of the text
Knowledge needs to be precise and relevant to the question chosen by the candidate.
Candidates should illustrate their answers with specific references to the text.
Quotations are desirable but not essential.
Where quotations are used, they should be accurate and relevant. Paraphrasing may be a useful strategy.

28. AO4: Focus on key aspects
Candidates should read the question carefully and answer the question set.
They should be encouraged to plan their answer outlining the points to be included in their answer and to refer to this plan when writing their answer.
They should avoid the use of irrelevant pre-learnt material.
Knowledge needs to be detailed. Candidates should avoid general responses.

29. AO4: Views, arguments and insights presented clearly
The literary present tense is generally used to discuss works of fiction.
Personal opinions should not be the main focus of the answer.
The use of the third person may be a useful strategy.

30. AO3 Key elements Band 5: Excellent command of language
Frequent examples of accurate and complex structures
Examples of idiomatic language evident
Some errors but only where more complex language is used

31. Command of language
Excellent command of language means there is a natural flow to the writing.
The response reads well in spite of minor errors.
Candidates should use a variety of structures and some more complex idiom and structures.
Idiomatic expressions should be used appropriately.

32. Accuracy Candidates should avoid basic errors and check
spelling, including capital letters for nouns, umlaut
verb forms
word order
cases

33. CCEA German microsite
The following resources are available on the German microsite :
Past Papers and Mark Schemes with indicative content
Examinations: Chief Examiner/Principal Moderator report
Support section
Specification Clarification Information
Scheme of Work (Suggested lines of development)
Specimen Assessment Material
Fact Files
Study cards

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36. Working with CCEA The benefits:
teacher cover provided [as appropriate]
first-hand experience of how the examining system works
creates links with CCEA personnel/subject officer
opportunity to network with other professionals
enhances the professional development of teachers

37. Contacts: Modern Languages
Education Manager [with overall responsibility for GCE French & German]: Jayne FitzGerald
Telephone: Ext 2255
Education Manager [with overall responsibility for GCE Irish and Spanish]: Seán McNally
Telephone: Ext 2325
Subject Support Officer: Joan Jennings
Telephone: Ext 2552