The Spoken Language Endorsement (International GCSE)

International GCSE English Language A has an optional Spoken Language Endorsement. It is assessed by your teacher and reported separately on your certificate: it does not affect your 9 to 1 grade.

Practise this lesson free (6 questions)

The facts

FeatureDetail
TaskA prepared oral presentation in a formal setting
QuestionsYou listen and respond to questions and feedback
LengthNo more than 10 minutes in total, including the questions and your answers
GradesPass, Merit, Distinction or Not Classified
WeightingNone: it is not part of the 150 marks for the qualification
StatusOptional: your school decides whether to enter you

What is assessed (AO6)

1. Presentation skills in a formal setting.
2. Listening and responding appropriately to spoken language, including questions and feedback.
3. Using spoken Standard English effectively.
(In the UK GCSE 1EN0 the same three skills are numbered AO7, AO8 and AO9.)

Preparing well

Choose a topic you can speak about with genuine interest.
Plan a clear shape: a hook, two or three main points with examples, and a conclusion.
Use brief cue cards, not a script, so you can look at your audience.
Practise aloud and time yourself.
Predict likely questions and plan short, developed answers. Listen to the whole question before replying.
Worked example

A classmate asks a question you had not expected. How should you respond?

  1. Pause to think rather than rushing.
  2. Answer directly, then add a reason or an example.
  3. If you are unsure, say what you do know and why.

Answer: Pause, answer the question directly in Standard English, and develop it with a reason or example.

Key idea

The 4EA1 Spoken Language Endorsement is optional: a formal presentation followed by questions, no more than 10 minutes in total, assessed on AO6 and graded Pass, Merit, Distinction or Not Classified, separately from the 9 to 1 grade.

Key words
Standard English
The form of English accepted as correct in grammar and usage, expected in formal writing and speech.
Audience
The people a text is written for. You adapt your register and content to suit them.

All GCSE and International GCSE English Language key terms and definitions →

Quick check

Try two quick questions

See if it has sunk in. Answers are marked straight away.

Extra practice

2 more questions

Try each one, then tap to check.

  1. Does the 4EA1 Spoken Language Endorsement count towards the 150 marks?

    1. No
    2. Yes, 30 marks
    3. Yes, 60 marks
    4. Yes, it replaces Paper 1
    Show the answer

    Answer: No

    It is reported separately.

  2. Which three skills does 4EA1 AO6 cover?

    1. Reading, writing and spelling
    2. Comparing, evaluating and analysing
    3. Drawing, acting and singing
    4. Presenting, listening and responding, and spoken Standard English
    Show the answer

    Answer: Presenting, listening and responding, and spoken Standard English

    AO6 covers three spoken skills.

Check you have got it

Answer 6 quick questions with instant marking. If you get one wrong, GCSE-ready shows you why and gives you another go. It is free, and you do not need an account.

Practise this lesson free (6 questions)All GCSE and International GCSE English Language lessons

Video for this lesson coming soon. Subscribe on YouTube

Sources and references

Checked by the GCSE-ready editorial team, 16 October 2026. Last updated 2 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we will fix it.