Social Issues: Grammar and Phonics (AQA GCSE Spanish): Revision Note
Exam code: 8692
Social issues: grammar
The grammar focus is heavily weighted toward connecting clauses and expressing emotion, doubt, or necessity regarding social actions.
Relative pronoun 'que'
The relative pronoun que (who, that, which) connects phrases, allowing you to give more details about a person or thing mentioned in the main clause.
Subject relative clause (Identifying the performer of an action)
Noun + que + verb
El acoso que afecta a los jóvenes es un problema grave. (The bullying that affects young people is a serious problem.)
Object relative clause (Identifying the recipient of an action)
Noun + que + Subject + verb
La influencia que usan los famosos es para apoyar causas sociales. (The influence that celebrities use is to support social causes.)
Subject clause with obligation
Noun + que + modal verb + infinitive
La gente que debe respetar las reglas de ciudadanía es toda la comunidad. (The people who must respect the rules of citizenship are the whole community.)
Subjunctive (HT only)
The subjunctive mood is required only at Higher Tier and is vital for expressing suggestions, opinions, doubts, or requirements. It is essential to master the present subjunctive forms for the singular persons (e.g., yo, tú, él/ella/usted) for the five prescribed verbs.
Key subjunctive forms (singular persons only)
To produce the required language, remember the correct present subjunctive forms for the mandatory verbs in the singular:
Infinitive | Yo / Él / Ella / Usted | Tú |
ser (to be) | sea | seas |
hacer (to do/make) | haga | hagas |
ir (to go) | vaya | vayas |
venir (to come) | venga | vengas |
tener (to have) | tenga | tengas |
The specified functions and contexts for the subjunctive are:
Future after the conjunction of time 'cuando'
When cuando introduces a clause referring to a future event that is not yet certain, the verb must be in the subjunctive.
Context | Spanish example | English |
Future (Yo) | Cuando tenga más influencia, usaré mi fama para ayudar. | When I have more influence, I will use my fame to help. |
Future (Ella) | Cuando venga mañana, iremos a la manifestación. | When she comes tomorrow, we will go to the protest. |
After verbs of wishing, command, request, and emotion followed by the conjunction 'que'
This is typically used to express a subjective reaction or desire concerning another person, an impersonal necessity, or a social condition (such as social problems).
Context | Spanish example | English |
Emotion (Tú) | Me molesta que tú no hagas un esfuerzo para mejorar. | It bothers me that you do not make an effort to improve. |
Wishes (Él/Ella) | Espero que ella sea más responsable en el futuro. | I hope that she is more responsible in the future. |
Necessity (Yo) | Es importante que yo vaya al ayuntamiento mañana. | It is important that I go to the town hall tomorrow. |
To express purpose after 'para que'
This construction shows the purpose or aim of an action and requires the subjunctive in the following clause.
Context | Spanish example (Yo) | English |
Purpose (Yo) | Trabajo mucho para que yo tenga suficiente dinero. | I work a lot so that I have enough money. |
Purpose (Usted) | Debe describir el problema para que se haga un cambio. | You must describe the problem so that a change is made. |
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Since the subjunctive does not exist as a separate mood in English, its application in Spanish can be challenging, but if you focus on these specific trigger phrases (cuando, espero que, para que, etc.) and the five mandated verbs will ensure you meet the Higher Tier grammar requirements.
Social issues: phonics
Hard [k] and nasal sounds:
[que] / [qui]
The hard 'k' sound spelt with 'que' or 'qui' (e.g., que, quienes).
Quiero ver que se den más oportunidades. (I want to see that more opportunities are given.)
[z] / soft [c]
The sound represented by 'z' or soft 'c' (e.g., ciudadano, respeto).
El ciudadano hace un gran esfuerzo para reducir el acoso. (The citizen makes a great effort to reduce bullying.)
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