National 5EnglishSQARevision Notes5. Performance Spoken LanguageHow to Approach Performance Spoken LanguageUnderstanding Performance Spoken Language

Understanding Performance Spoken Language (SQA National 5 English): Revision Note

Exam code: X824 75

Nick Redgrove

Written by: Nick Redgrove

Reviewed by: Deb Orrock

Updated on

The Scottish National 5 English qualification consists of two compulsory exam papers and a writing portfolio. There is also a spoken-language component which is assessed internally and reported separately from your final grade.

Performance spoken language

Exam focus

Presentation / group discussion

Grade

Achieved / Not achieved 

How is the performance spoken language component assessed?

Your performance spoken language assessment focuses on four key skills and you need to demonstrate all of them to pass:

Key skills

1

  • Use detailed and relevant ideas or information, organising your talk in a clear structure that suits your purpose and audience

2

  • Communicate meaning effectively by choosing and using detailed spoken language

3

  • Use non-verbal communication, such as eye contact, body language and tone of voice, to engage your audience

4

  • Show good listening skills by responding appropriately to what others say


For your Spoken Language assessment you will complete at least one of the following activities: 

  • Group discussion: 

    • You will take part in a discussion or a discussion-based activity where you give relevant ideas, opinions or information about a topic

    • You must listen carefully, respond to others’ points and stay focused on the task throughout

  • Individual presentation: 

    • You will prepare a well-structured presentation which is clear, relevant and engaging

    • At the end of your presentation, you’ll need to respond to questions from your audience

Examiner Tips and Tricks

It’s important to remember that your final judgement is based on your performance across all of your spoken language activities, not just one. Your teacher/assessor will look at your speaking and listening skills overall, so consistency and effort are key.

How is the performance spoken language component graded?

The Spoken Language component is graded as either “Achieved” or “Not achieved”. Your performance is assessed holistically, meaning your assessor will look at your strengths as a whole.

Aspect of performance

Achieved 

Not achieved

Detailed and relevant ideas with clear structure

  • Shares detailed and relevant ideas, opinions or information in a presentation or discussion

  • Focus on task, purpose and audience is maintained throughout

  • Ideas lack detail or relevance

  • Structure is unclear 

  • Loses focus on task, purpose or audience

Communicates meaning effectively 

  • Uses appropriate language for purpose and audience

  • Language is clear for effective communication 

  • Language lacks detail or is inappropriate for the situation

  • Speech / discussion is unclear, making communication ineffective

Uses non-verbal communication

  • Uses facial expression, gesture, emphasis or eye contact to support meaning and engage the audience

  • Non-verbal communication is not used effectively

Demonstrates listening skills

  • Gives relevant responses to others during discussions or to audience after a presentation 

  • Does not respond relevantly in discussions or to questions

How to pass the performance spoken language component

To pass your performance spoken language assessment you should:

  • Share your own ideas, opinions and arguments clearly and confidently

  • Support your points with detailed examples and explanations that reflect your own personal viewpoint

  • Recognise how your perspective shapes the way you communicate with others

  • Use body language:

    • Eye contact, gestures and expression help to engage your audience and make your message clearer

  • Use a wide range of clear and effective vocabulary to express your ideas 

  • Practise regularly:

    • The more you speak in front of others, the more confident and natural you’ll sound

  • Know your audience:

    • Think about how to hold their attention, read their reactions and how to adapt your tone, vocabulary and pace to keep them interested

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    Author
    Reviewer
    Nick Redgrove

    Author: Nick Redgrove

    Expertise: English Content Creator

    Nick is a graduate of the University of Cambridge and King’s College London. He started his career in journalism and publishing, working as an editor on a political magazine and a number of books, before training as an English teacher. After nearly 10 years working in London schools, where he held leadership positions in English departments and within a Sixth Form, he moved on to become an examiner and education consultant. With more than a decade of experience as a tutor, Nick specialises in English, but has also taught Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies.

    Deb Orrock

    Reviewer: Deb Orrock

    Expertise: English Content Creator

    Deb is a graduate of Lancaster University and The University of Wolverhampton. After some time travelling and a successful career in the travel industry, she re-trained in education, specialising in literacy. She has over 16 years’ experience of working in education, teaching English Literature, English Language, Functional Skills English, ESOL and on Access to HE courses. She has also held curriculum and quality manager roles, and worked with organisations on embedding literacy and numeracy into vocational curriculums. She most recently managed a post-16 English curriculum as well as writing educational content and resources.