OxfordAQA IGCSE English Language (9270): Speaking and listening (optional endorsement) – Study Guide

The speaking and listening endorsement is an optional part of OxfordAQA International GCSE English Language. It does not carry marks towards the qualification grade; instead it is reported separately, so it recognises a skill that written papers cannot measure. The skill has two sides that are easy to forget. Speaking is about shaping what you say for a purpose and audience, and listening is about taking in what others say and responding to it. Strong performers do both, and they treat conversation as a two-way exchange. Your teacher will explain the format your school uses and when the assessment takes place.

Where this fits in the specification

This endorsement stands outside the written papers and the non-exam assessment route. It is useful whichever route you follow, because the habits it builds, such as organising ideas, choosing words for an audience and listening critically, improve both your reading and your writing. Treat it as an opportunity: you are not competing against an exam clock, and the activity is one you can prepare for in a systematic way.

Speaking with purpose

Every spoken task has a purpose, such as informing, explaining, persuading or entertaining, and an audience. Before you speak, decide what you want the audience to understand or do afterwards. Then:

• Structure what you say. Open by saying what you will talk about, develop two or three points with reasons and examples, and end by summing up.
• Choose words for the audience. Explain terms they might not know, and keep a formal register for a formal situation.
• Use clear delivery. Speak at a measured pace, pause between ideas, project your voice and look at your listeners.
• Support your claims with examples, short stories or facts that you are sure of.
• Stay flexible. If the audience looks confused, rephrase or give an example.

Listening actively

Listening is a skill that can be practised. Active listening means that you:

• give the speaker your attention and avoid interrupting;
• notice the main point and the evidence for it;
• distinguish fact from opinion and spot when a claim has no support;
• remember key details so that you can refer back to them;
• show that you are listening with eye contact, nodding and relevant follow-up questions.

When you reply, refer to what was said: “You mentioned that…, but I would add that…” This shows that you have listened and that you are building on others’ ideas instead of waiting to give your own speech.

Taking part in discussion

In a group or paired discussion, your contribution is judged by how well you take part, not by how long you speak. Good discussion skills include:

• Making points that are relevant and developed with a reason or example.
• Responding to others by agreeing, adding to or politely challenging them.
• Asking questions that move the discussion forward, such as “What would happen if…?”
• Managing turns by inviting quieter speakers and avoiding talking over others.
• Summarising where the group has reached.
• Staying on task and returning to the topic if the conversation drifts.

Useful phrases include “I see your point, but…” and “Building on what Sam said…”. Avoid dismissive phrases and sarcasm.

Formal and informal register

Choosing the right register is a key skill. In a presentation or interview, you are expected to use formal, accurate English: complete sentences, careful grammar, and no slang or fillers such as “like” or “you know”. In a friendly conversation, informal language is acceptable. Part of the skill is judging the situation. Formal register does not mean erasing your accent, since accent concerns pronunciation and register concerns word choice and grammar.

Preparing

• Choose a subject you know or can research well, with enough scope for questions.
• Write key words on cards and not full sentences.
• Rehearse aloud, ideally to a listener who can give feedback, and time yourself.
• Predict questions and practise answers.
• For discussion, prepare three points and one question for others.
• Practise listening by summarising a news item or a talk in two sentences.

Worked example: planning contributions to a group discussion

Imagine a group discussion of 12 minutes with four participants on the question “Should schools ban mobile phones?” If time is shared evenly, each speaker has about 12 / 4 = 3 minutes of speaking time in total. Rather than one long speech, plan about four short contributions of 45 seconds each (4 x 45 = 180 seconds = 3 minutes).

A plan for one speaker might be:

1. Opening point: phones can distract learning, with an example from a classroom.
2. Response: reply to another speaker’s claim that phones help research by saying that they can be used only in set lessons.
3. Question: ask the group, “How would a ban be enforced fairly?”
4. Closing summary: say that most of the group agrees that limits are needed but not on how strict they should be.

This plan shows the four core skills: making a developed point, responding, questioning and summarising. It also fits into the time while leaving room for others.

Common mistakes

• Speaking for too long and not letting others in.
• Not speaking at all, or giving one-word answers.
• Ignoring other speakers’ points and simply repeating your own.
• Reading from a script.
• Using slang or fillers in a formal situation.
• Being rude or dismissive when you disagree.
• Rushing because of nerves.
• Drifting away from the topic.

Technique tips

• Pause before answering, to gather your thoughts.
• Keep points short and give a reason for each.
• Take brief notes while others speak, so you can refer to their points.
• Use the speaker’s name when responding.
• Disagree politely and give reasons.
• Practise with friends or family, and ask for specific feedback on one skill at a time.

Frequently asked questions

Does speaking and listening count towards the 9270 grade? No. It is an optional endorsement shown as a separate statement on the certificate.

What do I have to do? One prepared formal presentation on an agreed topic, as a guide no more than ten minutes, then respond to questions and feedback.

Can I use notes or slides? Yes. Pre-prepared notes or slides may be used but are not required.

Check your understanding

1. Does the endorsement change your IGCSE grade? Answer: no, it is optional and reported separately.
2. Give two features of active listening. Answer: for example attention without interrupting, noticing main points, remembering details, and responding to what was said.
3. Why is speaking for a long time not enough in discussion? Answer: contributions are judged on relevance, development and responsiveness, not length.
4. Give one polite way to disagree. Answer: for example “I see your point, but I think…” followed by a reason.
5. What is the difference between accent and register? Answer: accent is pronunciation; register is the level of formality in word choice and grammar.
6. In a 15-minute discussion with five equal participants, how long does each have? Answer: 15 / 5 = 3 minutes each.
7. Why should you refer to what another speaker said? Answer: it shows you have listened and lets you build on ideas.