3.1 Themes

The specification covers three distinct themes. These themes apply to all four question papers.

Passages in the Listening and Reading assessments will be set in the context of the target language countries and communities. In the Speaking and Writing assessments, students will be able to respond according to their own interests and experiences.

The texts and tasks set for the assessments will be based on the prescribed vocabulary list in Appendix 2 and the prescribed grammar in Section 3.2.

It is not intended that the themes and topics will be specifically referenced in all assessment tasks. Students will be expected to use the prescribed vocabulary and grammar across a range of contexts and assessment tasks.

3.1.1 Theme 1: People and lifestyle

Theme 1 covers the following three topics:

  • Topic 1: Identity and relationships with others
  • Topic 2: Healthy living and lifestyle
  • Topic 3: Education and work

Theme 2 covers the following three topics:

  • Topic 1: Free-time activities
  • Topic 2: Customs, festivals and celebrations
  • Topic 3: Celebrity culture

3.1.3 Theme 3: Communication and the world around us

Theme 3 covers the following three topics:

  • Topic 1: Travel and tourism, including places of interest
  • Topic 2: Media and technology
  • Topic 3: The environment and where people live