How translation is marked
There are two translations on both boards: from Spanish into English at the end of the reading paper, and from English into Spanish in the writing paper. Translation means getting the meaning across naturally, not copying word for word.
AQA (8692)
Spanish to English
| Tier | Where | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Paper 3 (Reading), Section B | Sentences, at least 35 words of Spanish |
| Higher | Paper 3 (Reading), Section B | Sentences, at least 50 words of Spanish |
10 marks.
- In the sample papers: five sentences, 2 marks each, one mark for each key idea
- Translation means an appropriate and sufficient rendering of the meaning, not a word-for-word copy
- Other natural wordings are accepted, but the wrong tense is rejected (a past event translated as present or future)
English to Spanish
| Tier | Where | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Paper 4 (Writing), Question 4 | Sentences, at least 35 words |
| Higher | Paper 4 (Writing), Question 1 | Sentences, at least 50 words |
10 marks.
- Meaning (5 marks): the translation is split into 15 elements, and each one a Spanish speaker would understand without the English gets a tick (13-15 ticks: 5 marks; 10-12: 4; 7-9: 3; 4-6: 2; 1-3: 1)
- Vocabulary and grammar (5 marks): judged across the whole translation
- Verbs in the wrong tense or person are not credited
- A gap counts as a very inaccurate attempt, so always write something
Accents: Occasional missing accents and small spelling slips don't stop a top mark; accents that change the meaning (esta / está) count against you.
Pearson Edexcel (1SP1)
Spanish to English
| Tier | Where | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Paper 3 (Reading), Section B | Five sentences |
| Higher | Paper 3 (Reading), Section B | A paragraph (about 55 words in the sample paper) |
10 marks.
- Marked as a whole for how well the meaning is transferred (9-10 marks: fully and appropriately)
- Marks are lost for incorrect or omitted words, inexact syntax and incorrect tenses
- Any appropriate alternative wording is rewarded
English to Spanish
| Tier | Where | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Paper 4 (Writing), Question 4 | Five sentences, in increasing difficulty |
| Higher | Paper 4 (Writing), Question 3 | A short paragraph (about 55 words in the sample paper) |
10 marks.
- Meaning (6 marks): how appropriately the meaning is transferred; any appropriate wording is rewarded
- Accuracy (4 marks): vocabulary and grammatical structures
- Wrong tenses and wrong verb formation are major errors
- The paper advises about 10 minutes for the translation
Accents: Missing accents, gender and agreement slips are minor errors: they cost accuracy marks only when they add up.
Translation practice
Choose your board, tier and direction. Write your translation of each sentence in its own box, then check. Each sentence is split into parts: every part you get across is ticked, and for the others you get a "check this part" hint and the versions we accept. Small slips (a missing accent, a wrong ending) are pointed out but still count, as they would in the exam, unless they change the meaning.
AQA Foundation, English to Spanish: set 1 Home and family
Translate the following sentences into Spanish. (37 words; AQA sets at least 35)
I live in a small house near the park.
My sister has long brown hair.
We often eat together in the kitchen.
My parents are very kind and patient.
Yesterday I helped my mother in the garden.
Show one model translation
- Vivo en una casa pequeña cerca del parque.
- Mi hermana tiene el pelo largo y castaño.
- A menudo comemos juntos en la cocina.
- Mis padres son muy amables y pacientes.
- Ayer ayudé a mi madre en el jardín.
One natural version. Other wordings are accepted: the checker lists them part by part.
AQA Foundation, English to Spanish: set 2 Free time and my town
Translate the following sentences into Spanish. (37 words; AQA sets at least 35)
I like to play tennis with my friends.
There is a big park in my town.
On Saturdays we go to the cinema.
My favourite programme is interesting but long.
Last weekend I watched a football match.
Show one model translation
- Me gusta jugar al tenis con mis amigos.
- Hay un parque grande en mi pueblo.
- Los sábados vamos al cine.
- Mi programa favorito es interesante pero largo.
- El fin de semana pasado vi un partido de fútbol.
One natural version. Other wordings are accepted: the checker lists them part by part.
AQA Higher, English to Spanish: set 1 School and future plans
Translate the following sentences into Spanish. (53 words; AQA sets at least 50)
Last year I went on a school trip to London.
We visited several museums, but it rained all day.
When I was younger, I used to walk to school.
Now I have to get up earlier because the bus leaves at seven.
In the future I would like to study history at university.
Show one model translation
- El año pasado fui de excursión con el instituto a Londres.
- Visitamos varios museos, pero llovió todo el día.
- Cuando era más pequeño, iba andando al colegio.
- Ahora tengo que levantarme más temprano porque el autobús sale a las siete.
- En el futuro me gustaría estudiar historia en la universidad.
One natural version. Other wordings are accepted: the checker lists them part by part.
AQA Higher, English to Spanish: set 2 Technology and the environment
Translate the following sentences into Spanish. (50 words; AQA sets at least 50)
My friends spend too much time on their phones.
I think that social media can be very dangerous for young people.
Yesterday my brother and I decided to recycle more.
We have just bought a new bike for my mother.
If we use less plastic, the planet will be cleaner.
Show one model translation
- Mis amigos pasan demasiado tiempo con el móvil.
- Creo que las redes sociales pueden ser muy peligrosas para los jóvenes.
- Ayer mi hermano y yo decidimos reciclar más.
- Acabamos de comprar una bicicleta nueva para mi madre.
- Si usamos menos plástico, el planeta estará más limpio.
One natural version. Other wordings are accepted: the checker lists them part by part.
Pearson Edexcel Foundation, English to Spanish: set 1 Me and my week
Translate the following sentences into Spanish. (34 words)
I have a small dog.
My school is near my house.
On Mondays I play basketball with my friends.
My sister likes horror films.
Last summer we stayed in a hotel near the beach.
Show one model translation
- Tengo un perro pequeño.
- Mi instituto está cerca de mi casa.
- Los lunes juego al baloncesto con mis amigos.
- A mi hermana le gustan las películas de terror.
- El verano pasado nos quedamos en un hotel cerca de la playa.
One natural version. Other wordings are accepted: the checker lists them part by part.
Pearson Edexcel Foundation, English to Spanish: set 2 Family and food
Translate the following sentences into Spanish. (36 words)
My mother is very funny.
I live in a flat in Leeds.
We usually eat fish on Fridays.
I don't like maths because it is difficult.
Yesterday I went to the cinema and watched a comedy.
Show one model translation
- Mi madre es muy divertida.
- Vivo en un piso en Leeds.
- Normalmente comemos pescado los viernes.
- No me gustan las matemáticas porque son difíciles.
- Ayer fui al cine y vi una comedia.
One natural version. Other wordings are accepted: the checker lists them part by part.
Pearson Edexcel Higher, English to Spanish: set 1 Holidays
Translate the paragraph into Spanish. (52 words)
Every summer my family and I go to the mountains. We always stay in a small village where there aren't many tourists. Last year my brother and I climbed a mountain, but it was very hard. Next year I would like to go with my friends because it will be more fun.
Sentence 1: Every summer my family and I go to the mountains.
Sentence 2: We always stay in a small village where there aren't many tourists.
Sentence 3: Last year my brother and I climbed a mountain, but it was very hard.
Sentence 4: Next year I would like to go with my friends because it will be more fun.
Show one model translation
- Todos los veranos mi familia y yo vamos a la montaña.
- Siempre nos quedamos en un pueblo pequeño donde no hay muchos turistas.
- El año pasado mi hermano y yo subimos una montaña, pero fue muy duro.
- El año que viene me gustaría ir con mis amigos porque será más divertido.
One natural version. Other wordings are accepted: the checker lists them part by part.
Pearson Edexcel Higher, English to Spanish: set 2 Languages and travel
Translate the paragraph into Spanish. (53 words)
I have been learning Spanish for four years. In my opinion, it is important to speak other languages. Last month I went to Seville with my class and we spoke with Spanish students. It was difficult at first, but they were very patient. When I am older, I would like to work abroad.
Sentence 1: I have been learning Spanish for four years.
Sentence 2: In my opinion, it is important to speak other languages.
Sentence 3: Last month I went to Seville with my class and we spoke with Spanish students.
Sentence 4: It was difficult at first, but they were very patient.
Sentence 5: When I am older, I would like to work abroad.
Show one model translation
- Aprendo español desde hace cuatro años.
- En mi opinión, es importante hablar otros idiomas.
- El mes pasado fui a Sevilla con mi clase y hablamos con estudiantes españoles.
- Al principio fue difícil, pero fueron muy pacientes.
- Cuando sea mayor, me gustaría trabajar en el extranjero.
One natural version. Other wordings are accepted: the checker lists them part by part.
AQA Foundation, Spanish to English: set 1 School
Translate the following sentences into English. (39 words; AQA sets at least 35)
Mi instituto es moderno y tiene muchas aulas.
Me encanta el dibujo porque el profesor es muy simpático.
No me gusta llevar uniforme.
Ayer comí un bocadillo en el patio.
El año que viene voy a estudiar dos idiomas.
AQA Foundation, Spanish to English: set 2 Holidays and my town
Translate the following sentences into English. (42 words; AQA sets at least 35)
En verano voy a la playa con mi familia.
Mi ciudad es tranquila, pero no hay mucho que hacer.
Siempre compro recuerdos para mis amigos.
El año pasado fuimos a Italia en avión.
Me gustaría visitar Madrid porque es una ciudad bonita.
AQA Higher, Spanish to English: set 1 Family and home
Translate the following sentences into English. (54 words; AQA sets at least 50)
Mi hermana mayor trabaja en un hospital desde hace dos años.
Antes de salir, siempre ayudo a mis padres a limpiar la casa.
Cuando era pequeño, me peleaba a menudo con mi primo.
Acabamos de mudarnos a un piso cerca del centro.
Mis abuelos dicen que la vida era más tranquila en el pasado.
AQA Higher, Spanish to English: set 2 Free time and plans
Translate the following sentences into English. (50 words; AQA sets at least 50)
Mi mejor amiga estudia chino desde hace dos años.
Deberíamos usar menos el coche para proteger el medio ambiente.
El sábado pasado mi equipo perdió el partido y fue una pena.
Mis padres no me dejan salir con mis amigos entre semana.
Cuando sea mayor, quiero viajar por toda Sudamérica.
Pearson Edexcel Foundation, Spanish to English: set 1 My family
Translate the following sentences into English. (41 words)
Me gusta leer en mi dormitorio.
Mi padre trabaja en un banco.
Los domingos comemos con mis abuelos.
Ayer mi hermana y yo jugamos al fútbol en el parque.
El fin de semana que viene vamos a visitar a mis tíos.
Pearson Edexcel Foundation, Spanish to English: set 2 Where I live
Translate the following sentences into English. (40 words)
Mi casa tiene un jardín bonito.
Normalmente voy al instituto a pie.
En el centro hay muchas tiendas y un cine.
Mi amigo Juan es alto y tiene los ojos azules.
El verano pasado fui a Escocia y llovió mucho.
Pearson Edexcel Higher, Spanish to English: set 1 My neighbourhood
Translate the paragraph into English. (54 words)
Me llamo Lucía y vivo en Madrid con mi madre. Hace dos años nos mudamos a un piso más grande. Lo que más me gusta de mi barrio es el parque, donde paso las tardes con mis amigos. El año que viene voy a empezar a trabajar en una tienda, aunque prefiero seguir estudiando.
Sentence 1: Me llamo Lucía y vivo en Madrid con mi madre.
Sentence 2: Hace dos años nos mudamos a un piso más grande.
Sentence 3: Lo que más me gusta de mi barrio es el parque, donde paso las tardes con mis amigos.
Sentence 4: El año que viene voy a empezar a trabajar en una tienda, aunque prefiero seguir estudiando.
Pearson Edexcel Higher, Spanish to English: set 2 Healthy living
Translate the paragraph into English. (53 words)
Para llevar una vida sana, intento comer bien y hacer ejercicio. Antes comía mucha comida basura, pero ahora prefiero la fruta. La semana pasada participé en una carrera benéfica con mi tío. Fue agotador, pero conseguimos mucho dinero para el hospital. Me gustaría correr una maratón algún día, si tengo tiempo para entrenar.
Sentence 1: Para llevar una vida sana, intento comer bien y hacer ejercicio.
Sentence 2: Antes comía mucha comida basura, pero ahora prefiero la fruta.
Sentence 3: La semana pasada participé en una carrera benéfica con mi tío.
Sentence 4: Fue agotador, pero conseguimos mucho dinero para el hospital.
Sentence 5: Me gustaría correr una maratón algún día, si tengo tiempo para entrenar.
Practice sets written for this site in each board's format, using GCSE vocabulary. The checker is a guide: it accepts the versions we've listed and common slips, so a correct answer worded in another way may be marked as not found. Read the hint and judge for yourself.
Common traps
The checker links each slip to one of these. Most marks are lost on the same few points.
Ser or estar
Ser for what someone or something is like, jobs and nationality; estar for where things are and for moods and states.
Mi madre es médica. Mi pueblo está cerca de la costa.
Ser vs estar →Gender and agreement
Adjectives match their noun: una casa pequeña, los ojos azules. Watch the irregular ones: el programa, el día, la mano.
Mi programa favorito es largo.
Adjective agreement →Por or para
Para for purpose (para proteger) and for who something is for (para mi madre); por for through, along and exchange.
Es un regalo para mi madre.
Por vs para →Gustar
The verb agrees with the thing liked: me gusta el tenis, me gustan las películas. "She likes" is le gusta.
A mi hermana le gustan las películas de terror.
Gustar and similar verbs →Preterite or imperfect
Preterite for single finished actions (ayer fui); imperfect for "used to", descriptions and background (cuando era pequeño, iba a pie).
Cuando era pequeño, iba andando al colegio.
Preterite vs imperfect →False friends
Words that look like English but aren't: instituto (school), simpático (nice), gastar (spend money, not time), recuerdo (souvenir).
Mis amigos pasan demasiado tiempo con el móvil.
False friends →Sources
Exam details checked 18 October 2026 against the official specifications, sample papers and mark schemes. Papers can change, so check your teacher's information for your exam year.
- AQA GCSE Spanish (8692) specificationVersion 1.3, September 2025
- AQA GCSE Spanish support and resources (specimen papers, vocabulary)
- AQA sample Foundation reading paper (8692/RF)
- AQA sample Foundation reading mark scheme
- AQA sample Higher reading paper (8692/RH)
- AQA sample Higher reading mark scheme
- Pearson Edexcel GCSE Spanish (1SP1) qualification page
- Pearson Edexcel specification (PDF)Issue 2, May 2025
- Pearson Edexcel sample assessment materials (PDF)Issue 3, August 2025
Translation facts: AQA 8692 specification v1.3, sections 2, 4.6 and 4.7; AQA 8692 sample assessment material: Paper 3 Reading and Paper 4 Writing question papers and mark schemes (8692/RF, 8692/RH, 8692/WF, 8692/WH); Pearson Edexcel 1SP1 specification Issue 2, Papers 3 and 4; Pearson Edexcel sample assessment materials Issue 3: Paper 3 and Paper 4 question papers and mark schemes (Foundation and Higher).
More GCSE practice: writing tasks and sounds and dictation. Back to GCSE Spanish.