Spoken Language: overview of the SQA Higher English talking and listening requirement
An overview of the SQA Higher English spoken language requirement: the internally assessed talking and listening performance recorded as achieved or not achieved, the two standards it assesses, the formats that meet it, and how to prepare for it.
Reviewed by: AI editorial process; not yet individually human-reviewed
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The spoken language requirement is the talking and listening element of SQA Higher English. It is internally assessed, recorded as "achieved" or "not achieved", and contributes no marks to your A to D grade, but it must be achieved for the overall course award. This page maps what it assesses and how to meet it.
What it assesses
The requirement is built from two standards. The first is communicating meaning: selecting relevant ideas, structuring the talk clearly, and using vocabulary, tone and register suited to your audience and purpose. The second is listening and responding: taking account of what others say, by answering questions, building on a group member's point, or rebutting an opponent in a debate.
How it is recorded
It is judged as "achieved" or "not achieved" against the standards, not marked out of a total. It contributes nothing to the A to D grade, but the course award is not granted unless it is achieved, so it cannot be skipped.
The formats that meet it
- Individual presentation. Evidences communicating easily, but build in a question-and-answer section so listening and responding is shown too.
- Group discussion. Evidences both standards naturally, because responding to others is built in.
- Debate. Evidences both standards, with rebuttal giving clear evidence of listening and responding.
How to prepare
- Choose your format with your teacher. Pick the one that lets you show both talking and listening confidently.
- Plan content and structure. Select relevant ideas and order them with a clear opening, middle and close.
- Pitch your register. Match vocabulary and tone to the audience and purpose, more formal for a presentation, more collaborative for a discussion.
- Build in interaction. Take real questions or respond actively to others, so both standards are evidenced.
For the official course specification
The SQA publishes the Higher English course specification and assessment standards, including the spoken language requirement, at sqa.org.uk. Always check the current standards and conditions before your assessment.
Sources & how we know this
- SQA Higher English Course Specification — SQA (2018)