Top Tips to Get an A* in Spanish

Preparing to succeed in IGCSE Spanish might seem like an uphill battle. However, with the right strategies, resources, and mindset, you can take great strides in your communication ability and fluency. This article shares proven tips, expert techniques, and practical guidance to help you strengthen all four language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Whether you’re studying at school or taking private classes, these methods will help you build confidence and work steadily toward that well-earned A* or its equivalent 9!

Introduction

Studying IGCSE Spanish is a rewarding experience that builds a lifelong skill and connects you with millions of speakers worldwide. Beyond passing the exam, it helps you develop confidence in real communication and cultural understanding.

To achieve an A* or its equivalent 9, focus on consistent study, strong grammar, rich vocabulary, and solid exam technique. This guide explains how to understand the exam format, improve fluency, utilise reliable resources, and avoid common mistakes, enabling you to perform confidently and achieve top marks.

Understand the IGCSE Spanish Exam: Cambridge vs. Edexcel

Before you begin revising, it’s essential to understand how the IGCSE Spanish exam is structured. Both the Cambridge IGCSE Spanish (0530) and the Edexcel IGCSE Spanish (4SP1) courses assess the same four language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. However, their formats and question styles differ slightly.

Cambridge exams feature longer listening passages and more detailed reading texts that test comprehension in depth, while Edexcel papers include shorter texts with more multiple-choice questions that focus on key ideas. Both boards emphasise communication, accuracy, and cultural awareness, rewarding students who demonstrate fluency and a genuine understanding of the Spanish language.

Exam Papers and Weighting

Each skill contributes equally to your final grade, so it’s worth giving balanced attention to all of them.

• Paper 1: Listening – 25%
  Listen to both short and longer recordings, such as interviews and announcements, and answer questions that test your comprehension.
• Paper 2: Reading – 25%
  Read various types of texts, including advertisements, blogs, and short articles. You will demonstrate understanding by selecting answers or providing brief responses.
• Paper 3: Speaking – 25%
  Take part in a role-play, deliver a short presentation or picture description, and have a conversation on familiar topics.
• Paper 4: Writing – 25%
  Complete short and extended writing tasks such as letters, emails, or essays. Grammar, vocabulary range, and clarity are essential for achieving high marks.

The main difference between the two boards is that Cambridge includes a role-play and generally more open-ended questions, while Edexcel’s papers are slightly shorter and more structured.

Master Key Language Skills

The IGCSE Spanish exam assesses your ability to understand and communicate effectively. Developing each of the four core skills will give you a strong foundation and greater confidence in all parts of the exam.

Listening Tips

Listening can be one of the most complex parts of any language exam, but it’s also one of the most rewarding once you get used to it. To strengthen this skill:

1. Listen to authentic Spanish audio every day, such as podcasts, songs, and news reports. BBC Sounds, Spotify, and RTVE are good starting points.
2. Practise with past paper recordings to become familiar with exam speed and accents.
3. Develop active listening skills by writing down unfamiliar words, repeating key phrases, and identifying context clues.
4. Vary your sources to include speakers from different accents, allowing you to understand a range of dialects.

Reading Tips

Reading tasks test both comprehension and vocabulary. To improve your reading:

1. Read a variety of short texts, including articles, dialogues, and blog posts.
2. Practise reading past paper passages and underline key information.
3. Focus on identifying the main idea instead of worrying about the meaning of every word.
4. Learn to spot signal words like porque, sin embargo, and además that reveal tone and structure.
5. Summarise what you’ve read in your own words to check understanding.

Speaking Tips

Speaking is often the part students find most stressful, so it’s where consistent practice makes the most significant difference. You may:

1. Practise role plays and conversation topics aloud.
2. Record yourself speaking and listen back to evaluate your fluency and pronunciation.
3. Use linking phrases such as en mi opinión, por ejemplo, and creo que to make your answers sound more natural.
4. Expand your answers beyond a single sentence. For example, instead of saying Me gusta el deporte, add a reason: Me gusta el deporte porque me mantiene en forma.
5. Speak with classmates, tutors, or language partners to build confidence and spontaneity.

Writing Tips

Good writing combines strong grammar, accurate vocabulary, and clear structure. You’ll be asked to write short texts like emails or notes, as well as longer compositions.

1. Practise writing different formats: letters, stories, and articles.
2. Plan before you start to ensure a logical structure.
3. Use a range of tenses such as present, preterite, imperfect, future, and conditional to show variety.
4. Include transition words such as además, por otro lado, and sin embargo to make your writing flow.
5. Always leave time to review spelling, accent marks, and gender agreement.

Mastering these core skills will give you the confidence and fluency needed to perform strongly across every part of the IGCSE Spanish exam.

Focus on Vocabulary and Grammar

Your grammar and vocabulary are the building blocks of the Spanish language. Without them, it isn’t easy to express ideas clearly, even if your comprehension is good.

Build Thematic Vocabulary

Organising your vocabulary by topic helps you prepare for the themes most likely to appear in the exam. You can make flashcards or use apps like Quizlet to track progress. Key topic areas include:

• Everyday Activities – school subjects, daily routines, and home life.
• Personal and Social Life – family, friends, hobbies, and celebrations.
• The World Around Us – weather, travel, holidays, and the environment.
• The World of Work – jobs, future career plans, and aspirations.
• The International World – culture, countries, global issues, and festivals.

Review vocabulary in short sessions every day rather than cramming. Repetition and active recall are the most effective ways to memorise new words in the long term.

Strengthen Your Grammar

Grammar shows your control of the language. Clear and accurate grammar makes a strong impression on examiners and supports both your writing and speaking. Focus on:

1. Verb conjugations in all major tenses (present, preterite, imperfect, future, and conditional).
2. Gender and number agreement between nouns and adjectives.
3. Correct word order in statements and questions.
4. Reflexive verbs and pronoun placement.
5. Common irregular verbs like ser, ir, tener, and hacer.

Building strong vocabulary and mastering grammar form the foundation of fluency and accuracy, allowing you to express ideas clearly and confidently in every part of the IGCSE Spanish exam.

Use Quality Resources

The best preparation combines trusted study materials with engaging resources that make learning enjoyable.

Top Study Materials

Here are some of the most effective tools to guide your IGCSE Spanish preparation:

• Cambridge IGCSE Spanish Coursebook – structured lessons that align with the official syllabus.
• Official Past Papers and Mark Schemes – essential for understanding examiner expectations.
• Language Apps such as Duolingo, Memrise, and Quizlet for daily practice.
• YouTube Channels such as SpanishPod101 or Butterfly Spanish for short grammar and speaking lessons.
• Podcasts namely Notes in Spanish and Coffee Break Spanish for real-life conversations and pronunciation practice.

Using a mix of structured materials and authentic media will make your study sessions varied and more effective.

Practice Exam Techniques

Beyond learning the language, you must also understand how to perform well under exam conditions. 

Get Used to the Format

Confidence comes from familiarity. The more you practise under realistic conditions, the easier it will be to manage time and nerves on the day.

1. Use past papers from your exam board regularly.
2. Time yourself when completing each section.
3. Review your answers against official mark schemes.
4. Study examiner reports to learn what high-scoring students do well.

Identify the question types you find most challenging, such as inference questions or extended writing, and focus your revision on those areas.

Seek Feedback

Feedback from teachers or tutors is one of the fastest ways to improve. A good tutor will spot patterns in your mistakes and help you correct them before they become habits.

1. Ask for detailed feedback on your writing and speaking.
2. Note down common errors (for example, missing accents or verb mismatches).
3. Practise corrected versions immediately to reinforce learning.
4. Schedule mock tests with your tutor to build exam confidence.

Consistent practice under real exam conditions helps you stay calm, manage time effectively, and perform at your best on the day of the IGCSE Spanish exam.

Conclusion: Your Road to IGCSE Spanish Success

Getting an A* or a 9 in IGCSE Spanish is about building a daily habit of practice, confidence, and curiosity for the language. By understanding the exam format, improving each skill, and staying organised, you’ll be ready for any challenge the exam presents.

At TutorsPlus, expert teachers and examiners provide personalised support for Cambridge and Edexcel students. Lessons focus on strengthening weak areas, boosting confidence, and improving fluency through tailored one-on-one classes, both online and in-person.

With steady effort and the right guidance, your Spanish studies can open new opportunities in education, travel, and beyond. To experience tailored lessons from effective IGCSE Spanish tutors, contact TutorsPlus at +41 22 731 8148 or .

FAQ

How hard is it to get an A or a 9 in IGCSE Spanish?
It’s achievable with consistent practice in all four skills. Students who study regularly, use past papers, and review feedback can comfortably reach top grades.

What are the main areas I should focus on to get an A or a 9?
Prioritise listening, writing, and speaking accuracy. Pay attention to grammar, varied vocabulary, and clear structure in every task.

How much vocabulary do I need to learn?
Aim for 1,000 to 1,200 active words across key topics. Focus on practical expressions and verbs that help you describe daily life and opinions.

How can I improve my Spanish speaking skills at home?
Speak aloud every day, record short responses to common questions, and listen to native speakers to improve pronunciation and rhythm.

What kind of writing tasks appear in the exam?
You’ll write short messages, emails, and longer texts such as essays or articles about school, hobbies, or holidays.

How can I make my writing stand out?
Use advanced connectives, a variety of tenses, and clear structure. Avoid repeating the same sentence patterns.

Where can I find good listening practice?
Use official past paper audio, Spanish podcasts, or YouTube channels with transcripts to train your ear for different accents.

Do I need a tutor to get an A?
Many students benefit from having a tutor, especially for speaking practice and exam technique. A qualified tutor helps identify areas for improvement and refine performance.

How early should I start preparing?
Start at least six to nine months before your exam. Gradual, consistent practice is more effective than short, intense sessions close to the exam date.

Can I take IGCSE Spanish as a private candidate?
Yes. The Edexcel board allows private enrolment, while Cambridge exams usually require registration through a school that offers IGCSE.