What 9280/S (Paper 4) assesses
A two-part test. Part One is a Photocard discussion (15 marks, 3–4 minutes), prepared in supervised preparation time. Part Two is a general conversation (25 marks, 6–7 minutes) on the other themes.
Candidates show interaction and communication in English (AO4). The result can be carried forward for the lifetime of the specification.
- Time: 10 minutes plus 10 minutes of supervised preparation
- Marks: 40
- Weight: 20% of OxfordAQA 9280 (Specification, Version 7.2 (exams May/June 2018 onwards))
- How it is assessed: Non-exam assessment (NEA): conducted and audio-recorded by the teacher, marked by an OxfordAQA examiner
- Who takes it: All candidates
9280/S (Paper 4) is worth 20% of the 9280 grade and carries 40 marks. Each mark moves the qualification by about 0.50%. The qualification is graded 9–1.
What the examiners reward in 9280/S (Paper 4)
Speaking
- S1: Communicate clearly using speech appropriate to situation and audience
This is one of the objectives. The 9280 overview lists the full set.
Listening
- L1: Identify key details from a range of short and longer texts
This is one of the objectives. The 9280 overview lists the full set.
The speaking assessment rewards a candidate who interacts, not one who simply answers. Good speaking keeps going. It gives reasons and examples, uses connecting words to link ideas, and turns a short reply into a developed point.
Strong candidates listen to the question and respond to what was actually asked. They ask for clarification when they need it and keep the conversation moving. Accuracy still counts: clear pronunciation, controlled tense and agreement, and a range of vocabulary.
Even so, a fluent, developed answer with a small slip beats a hesitant, faultless single word. We teach your child to plan a presentation with a clear shape and to expand answers with reasons and examples. We also teach a steady, confident pace.
For more detail, see 9280 speaking in the syllabus.
Preparing for OxfordAQA 9280/S (Paper 4)? The paid trial hour can start with a timed look at that paper.
Question types we practise for 9280/S (Paper 4)
- ESL speaking: discussion: Developing and structuring ideas in a spoken discussion. Skills guide · annotated model response · practice
Where marks are lost on 9280/S (Paper 4)
Preparing a speaking topic: Memorising a script. The talk sounds flat and collapses when a question interrupts it. Read the full guide.
The ESL speaking test (0510 and 0511): what to expect: One-sentence answers that make the examiner do all the work. Read the full guide.
Preparing for 9280/S (Paper 4) with us
A teacher practises the 9280/S (Paper 4) speaking format with your child in live conversation and gives feedback on each answer. See English as a Second Language tuition for how a session runs.
9280/S (Paper 4) is one component of OxfordAQA 9280, graded on the 9–1 scale. Check the current arrangement for your exam year with your school or the board.