Slide 1

Training from Edexcel

Achieving Successin Urdu and Arabic

At GCE AS and A2 levelswith Edexcel

Slide 2

Training from Edexcel

Aims of this talk:

• Receive key observations from Summer 2009 Examiners’ Reports on the new AS papers

• Consider potential areas for improvement in candidates’ performance.

 

• Tips on preparing for the A2 units : focus on translation and essay writing

• Support: Handouts Free downloads via Edexcel websites

Slide 3

Training from Edexcel

Examiners’ Reports:Common concerns and advice

Follow the required procedures:• Instructions on cover page• Rubric: know exactly what is required• Answer in full within the word limit• Keep focussed on question• Avoid slang, repetition, vague language.

Slide 4

Training from Edexcel

Translation from and into English:

• Look for obvious phrases which require a knowledge of idiomatic expressions, avoiding word-for-word anglicised renderings

• Do not leave gaps by omission

• Develop confidence by practising with short, familiar pieces of English, and gradually lengthen / less familiar extracts

Slide 5

Training from Edexcel

Translation (continued)

• Read the passage through carefully • Check carefully for obvious pitfalls (adjectives,

agreements, gender, case, tenses) • Devise your own checklist based on your recurrent

errors!• Do not offer alternatives. Make up your mind on

which phrase translates the original best.• Do not paraphrase. • Re-read your translation and check that it makes

sense.

Slide 6

Training from Edexcel

• Choose the right essay! - fully understand title and all its implications

• Analyse title – plan clear structure

• Ensure content is relevant and always related back to title

• Produce a balanced argument in your discursive essay, with clear and logical conclusion

URDU: Creative / Discursive EssayARABIC: Topics and Texts

Slide 7

Training from Edexcel

Practical tips:

• Pre-learned essay phrases can enhance writing but beware of clumsiness and over-use.

• Examiners want to read what you have to say and not what has been borrowed from others.

• Avoid long introductions . Tackle the subject fairly promptly.

• Keep to prescribed word limits: answers that are too long lose marks for

content (defective structure/organisation) answers that are too short are self-penalising

Slide 8

Training from Edexcel

Clearly indicate which question is being attempted

Cross out rough work neatly

Write clearly, on alternate lines

No gel pens / tippex / footnotes / asterisks, etc

Practical tips:

Slide 9

Training from Edexcel

URDU: Research-Based Essay

A successful RBE: • reflects candidate’s views and opinions ,• has an analytical or evaluative dimension,• answers the essay question set as fully as

possible,• does not rely too heavily on English sources ,• shows evidence of individual research and

reflection,• conveys candidate’s genuine enthusiasm for

and interest in the chosen topic .

Slide 10

Training from Edexcel

SupportEdexcel websites: free downloads• URDU: Oral Training Guide featuring sample assessments and related

commentaries plus tips on requirements of tests:

http://www.edexcel.com/migrationdocuments/GCE%20New%20GCE/GCE-2008-Urdu-OTG.pdf

ARABIC:Past papers, mark schemes, exemplification booklet,

Specification and Sample Assessment Materialshttp://www.edexcel.com/quals/gce/gce08/lang/arabic/Pages/default.aspx