Arabic AS Level explained

The Arabic AS level is just one exam paper, which you have 2 hours 45 minutes to complete. There is no speaking or listening element to the qualification.

The paper is called Unit 1 Understanding and Written Response in Arabic.
There are 3 sections, each testing different skills within written Arabic:

* Section A: Reading (35 marks)
You are presented with a few short Arabic-language texts, and are asked to answer, in Arabic, several comprehension questions, and language related questions, such as giving synonyms and paraphrasing sentences (30 marks).

You also have to fill in the vowels (vocalisation) on one paragraph of text (5 marks).

* Section B: Translation of a passage from Arabic into English (9 marks).

* Section C: Essay. Write a 220-270 word passage in Arabic, in response to a short Arabic-language stimulus and related bullet points (46 marks).

The whole paper is structured around the following topics, and you are advised to prepare for the exam by reading and learning vocabulary according to these topics.
 
Youth culture and concerns
* Music and fashion
* Technology (eg MP3/blogs/mobile phones/internet/games)
* Relationships (family/friendships and peer pressure)
* Drink, drugs, sex

Lifestyle: health and fitness
* Sport and exercise
* Food and diet
* Health issues (eg smoking, skin cancer, health services)

The world around us: travel, tourism, environmental issues and the Arabic-speaking world
* Tourist information, travel and transport
* Weather (eg natural disasters, climate change)
* Pollution and recycling

Education and employment
* Education (schooling and higher education)
* Education policy and student issues
* The world of work (eg the changing work scene, job opportunities
and unemployment)

Not many schools offer Arabic AS level to their students, but if you are willing to study alone or with a private tutor, you can enter as an external candidate.

There is only one exam board for Arabic - Edexcel. You can find more details of the GCE A Level (AS and A2) and download sample exam papers on their website.