GCSE Arabic Topics by Exam Board: Full List

Introduction

If you are taking GCSE Arabic, one of the most helpful things you can do is understand exactly which topics the exam covers. The Edexcel course is built around five themes, and every exam question links back to these areas.

This guide breaks down all GCSE Arabic topics so you know what to revise, what vocabulary to learn and how the themes appear in each of the four exam papers.

Key Takeaways

• Edexcel is the only major exam board offering GCSE Arabic, and it organises the course into five clear themes.

• Each theme contains specific sub-topics that appear across the listening, reading, writing and speaking exams.

• Knowing the full topic list helps you plan your revision, build vocabulary and focus on the grammar that matters most.

• Revising by theme, using past papers and practising speaking regularly are some of the best ways to prepare.

GCSE Arabic Overview: What’s Assessed?

GCSE Arabic tests your ability to understand and use the language confidently in real situations. Every assessment uses the same topic themes, so strong topic knowledge supports all four skills.

Listening

Understanding spoken Arabic in different contexts, such as conversations, announcements and short interviews.

Reading

Understanding written texts, selecting correct answers and translating from Arabic into English.

Writing

Producing short and extended written responses and translating from English into Arabic.

Speaking

Completing a role-play, describing a picture and taking part in a general conversation across two themes.

Topics provide the context for all tasks, so learning each theme is essential.

Edexcel GCSE Arabic Topics

Edexcel (opens in a new tab) is the only major exam board in England that offers GCSE Arabic.  It divides the course into five themes, each containing a set of sub-topics used throughout the exams.

Here are the themes in the current Edexcel GCSE Arabic (opens in a new tab) Specification.

Theme 1: Identity and Culture

This theme focuses on personal identity, relationships and cultural life.

Sub-topics include:

• Family and relationships (family members, friends, describing people, what makes a good friend, when I was younger)

• Social life (interests, role models, socialising with friends and family)

• Daily life (customs and everyday routines, food and drink, shopping)

• Technology and social media (use of phones and online communication, advantages and disadvantages)

• Cultural life (celebrations and festivals, reading, music, sport, film and television)

Theme 2: Local Area, Holiday and Travel

This theme covers familiar places, travel and experiences.

Sub-topics include:

• Holidays (preferences, experiences, destinations)

• Travel and tourist transactions (travel and accommodation, asking for help, dealing with problems, directions, eating out, shopping)

• Town, region and country (weather, places to see, things to do)

Theme 3: School

This theme covers school life, routines and opinions.

Sub-topics include:

• What school is like (school types, school day, subjects, rules and pressures, celebrating success)

• School activities (school trips, events, exchanges)

Theme 4: Future Aspirations, Study and Work

This theme explores ambitions and career pathways.

Sub-topics include:

• Using languages beyond the classroom (forming relationships, travel, employment)

• Ambitions (further study, volunteering, training)

• Work (jobs, careers and professions)

Theme 5: International and Global Dimension

This theme focuses on global issues and cultural awareness.

Sub-topics include:

• Bringing the world together (sports events, music events, campaigns and good causes)

• Environmental issues (being ‘green’, access to natural resources)

Tips for Revising GCSE Arabic Topics

Try keeping your revision simple, regular and focused. Revising by theme makes a big difference, especially when you are building vocabulary and grammar. 

Build vocabulary every day
Short, frequent practice helps the script and meanings stick. Use flashcards, apps or a vocab notebook, and group new words by topic.

Listen to Arabic often
Videos, songs, podcasts or past-paper audio can help you get used to natural pronunciation and different accents.

Practise writing in short tasks
Write short paragraphs on familiar topics, use key connectors and try a few translation questions to strengthen grammar.

Speak regularly
Talking builds confidence. Practise with a classmate or record yourself answering quick topic questions or describing a picture.

Review essential grammar
Focus on verb forms, masculine and feminine agreement, plurals and word order. A small grammar card for each theme can help.

Use past papers early
Look at GCSE Arabic Past papers to see how topics appear across the exam. Try a short listening exercise, some reading questions or a speaking prompt to build familiarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main topics in GCSE Arabic?

Edexcel uses five themes: Identity and Culture, Local Area, Holiday and Travel, School, Future Aspirations, Study and Work, and International and Global Dimension.

Do I need to know all the topics for the speaking exam?

Yes. The speaking exam can include questions from any of the themes, so it is important to revise all areas.

How can I revise topic vocabulary effectively?

Use flashcards, look-cover-write-check methods or digital apps like Quizlet. Practise vocabulary in sentences so you learn meaning and usage together.

Final Thoughts

Knowing the full list of GCSE Arabic topics makes revision clearer and helps you focus on exactly what Edexcel will test. With steady practice using these themes in listening, reading, writing and speaking, you can build strong communication skills and feel confident going into the exam. If you’re still considering whether to opt for this subject, our guide on how to choose your GCSEs may help.

For structured support across all your exams, Save My Exams offers a huge range of examiner-written exam-board-aligned resources to make revision simpler and smarter. Explore our GCSE materials to help you feel fully prepared for exam day.

References

• Pearson Edexcel GCSE Arabic (2017) (opens in a new tab)

• Edexcel | GCSE (9-1) Arabic | Course Specification (opens in a new tab)