This introduction covers Read-Aloud — Paper 2 Task 2 within Read-aloud and follow-up questions for GCSE French. Revise Read-aloud and follow-up questions in Speaking: Role-Play, Read-Aloud and Photo Card for GCSE French with 15 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 1 of 4 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
🔊 Read-Aloud — Paper 2 Task 2
The read-aloud task is brand new in AQA 8652 — it did not exist in the old GCSE French specification. You read a short French passage of around 50 words aloud while the examiner records you. Five marks are available: pronunciation and communication. This task rewards students who have practised French sounds specifically. It is one of the most coachable tasks on the entire paper.
Practice questions for Read-aloud and follow-up questions
How many marks is the read-aloud task worth in total on the AQA GCSE French speaking exam?
Which of the following words has a SILENT final consonant when spoken aloud?
Quick recall flashcards
How do you pronounce the French 'r'?
The French 'r' is made at the BACK of the throat (not rolled like Spanish or tapped like English).
Think of a soft gargling sound.
Practise with: rouge, regarder, restaurant, Paris.
A strong English 'r' is the most noticeable foreign accent marker — getting this right makes a big difference.
What is the read-aloud task on Paper 2?
Task 2 on the speaking exam.
You read a short passage aloud in French (approx. 35 words at Foundation).
Marked on pronunciation and fluency (intonation, natural pace, hesitations).
Then the examiner asks follow-up questions about the passage topic.
10 marks total (4 read-aloud + 6 follow-up questions).