LARGS ACADEMY MODERN LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT

National 4 and National 5 Explained

Topics covered in both National 4 and 5The topics for N4 and N5 are the same but the difference is in the level of language used.Topics are as follows:SocietyLearningEmployabilityCulture

National 4 Modern LanguagesThree assessed UnitsUnderstanding LanguageUsing LanguageAdded Value UnitPass or FailNo grades are awarded for this qualification

Using LanguageFor this Unit, learners will be required to provide evidence of their talking and writing skills by: using straightforward spoken language in at least two

conversations using straightforward written language in at least two

activities

Understanding LanguageFor this Unit, learners will be required to provide evidence of their reading and listening skills by: showing understanding of at least two straightforward

written texts showing understanding of at least two straightforward

spoken texts

Added Value UnitFor this Unit, learners will be required to provide evidence of their reading and talking skills by: selecting relevant information from at least two written

texts making an oral presentation in the modern language

using these texts as a stimulus responding appropriately to questions in the modern

language on the same topic

National 5 Modern LanguagesTwo assessed UnitsUnderstanding LanguageUsing LanguageThese form the internally assessed part of the courseNational 5 has a Course (external) Assessment

Understanding LanguageFor this Unit, learners will be required to provide evidence of their reading and listening skills by: showing understanding of at least one detailed written

text which they read and answer questions in Englishshowing understanding of at least one detailed spoken

text which they listen to and answer questions in English

Using LanguageFor this Unit, learners will be required to provide evidence of their talking and writing skills by: using detailed spoken language in at least one

conversation lasting between 2-3 minutes using detailed written language in at least one activity.

This is around 120-150 words in length

Course AssessmentThe Course assessment is the external exam The structure of this Course assessment is as follows: Component 1 — question paper 1: reading and

writing 50 marks question paper 2 : listening 20 marks Component 2 —performance: talking 30 marks Total marks 100 marks

Component 1 Paper 1This paper assesses the skills of Reading and WritingThe Reading paper is worth 30 marks and the format is 3

texts worth 10 marks each in which candidates have to answer a mix of open and supported questions. An open question may be phrased ‘mention any two things.’ a supported question may ask the candidate to tick the correct box.

WritingThe writing is now assessed on the day of the examThis is worth 20 marks and is an application for a job in

the country where the Modern Language is spokenCandidates are expected to produce a piece of writing of

around 120-150 words in length.

Information to be included in the Writing paperName, Age, Where you live.School/College/Education experience until nowSkills/Interests you have which make you right for the jobRelated work ExperienceCandidates will then have to respond to 2 unpredictable

bullet points.

Component 1 Paper 2This is the Listening paper and is in 2 partsIn part 1 candidates will listen to a monologue and

answer questions in English worth 10 marksIn part 2 candidates will listen to a conversation and

answer questions in English worth 20 marks

Component 2 TalkingThis is what was formerly known as the speaking

assessmentCandidates will speak about a chosen topic for 1 minuteThey will then engage in a conversation with their

teacher which must cover at least one other topic area and should last approximately 3 minutes

This performance will be recorded

GradingNational 5 is graded A – DGrade D is a PASS at National 5Pupils must pass the Unit (Internal) assessments in order

to be presented for the Course (external) assessment

Compensatory AwardIf a pupils is presented at National 5 but does not achieve

this, a compensatory National 4 will be awarded provided that the pupil has passed the National 4 Added Value Unit

In the Modern Languages Faculty we are giving every pupil the opportunity to sit the National 4 Added Value Unit at the start of S4