English as a Second Language - 9280 OxfordAQA

Themes

Overview

Most subjects give you a list of facts. This one gives you three themes and then asks you to say something worth hearing about them, in English, in four different ways. There is no vocabulary list to memorise and no grammar syllabus to work through. The specification names three distinct themes, states that they apply to all examination papers, and leaves the rest to you. That sounds generous until you sit down to revise and discover there is nothing obvious to revise.

This lesson turns the three themes into something you can actually prepare. You will see exactly which topics and sub-topics the specification names, how the four papers draw on them, which theme each writing task took on the papers we measured, and a method for building the fifty or so words a theme really needs. You will also see one short answer written three times at three different standards, with the board's own criteria used to explain what changed.

Objectives

  1. The specification covers three distinct themes. These themes apply to all examination papers. Students are expected to understand and provide information, ideas and opinions about these themes relating to their own experiences and those of other people, including people in countries/communities where English is spoken.

Lesson Note

The specification covers three distinct themes, and it says plainly that these themes apply to all examination papers. That single sentence is the shape of the whole qualification. Whatever you read on the Reading paper, whatever recording you hear on the Listening paper, whatever you are asked to write and whatever your teacher asks you in the Speaking test, it will come out of the same three themes. Nothing else is examinable, and nothing inside them is excluded.

Complete Note Available on the Green Bridge App

Get the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer for the complete IGCSE library: past papers, mark schemes, mind maps, flashcards and audio lessons.

Full lesson notes with diagrams
AI-powered learning assistant
Timed mock exams marked the moment you finish
Available on Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux iOS app coming soon

Lesson Evaluation

Congratulations on completing the lesson on Themes. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.

You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

  1. How many distinct themes does the specification cover? A. Two B. Three C. Four D. Eleven Answer: B
  2. Which of these is named as a sub-topic of Free-time activities? A. Customs and festivals B. Education post-16 C. Poverty D. Social media Answer: A
  3. What is the total scaled mark for the whole qualification? A. 60 B. 120 C. 160 D. 200 Answer: D
  4. Which theme contains the topic Travel and tourism? A. Theme one, Identity and culture B. Theme three, Current and future study and employment C. Theme two, Local, national, international and global areas of interest D. It is not on the specification Answer: C
  5. In the Speaking test, how are the themes divided between the two parts? A. All three themes are covered in the photocard B. The photocard takes one theme and the General conversation covers the themes not used C. The candidate chooses one theme for the whole test D. Themes are not used in the Speaking test Answer: B

Work through these questions in the app

Work through these questions in the app

Practice Mock Questions

Want to practice mock questions on Themes? Download the Green Bridge CBT app to access mock questions and full practice assessments for this topic.

Download The App On Google Playstore

Everything you need to excel in your exams

Green Bridge CBT Mobile App
Personalized AI Learning Chat Assistant
200,000+ Exam Questions Across IGCSE, JAMB, WAEC & NECO
Over 3,900 Lesson Notes
Offline Support - Learn Anytime, Anywhere
Green Bridge Timetable
Literature Summaries & Potential Questions
Track Your Performance & Progress
In-depth Explanations for Comprehensive Learning