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This two-sided chatty mat is available in Word format for easy edit (latest update 11/03/2025) is a learning aid aimed at preparing KS4 students for their GCSE Russian speaking exam: Task 2 - Picture Description/Picture Based Task of the EDEXCEL specification (teaching from September 2017, first certification from 2019).

It is based on the information provided in the GCSE RUSSIAN Sample Assessment Materials Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9 - 1) in Russian (1RU0).

The learning aid is aimed at helping students structure their description of a picture (People, Location, Activity) in a methodical way so that when it comes to their exam they have a structure they can rely on.

The resource offers a very clear structure, range of vocabulary for possible picture scenarios, as well as possible examiner questions (taken from the Sample Assessment Materials + occasional language tweak for fluidity) with possible answers.

A Few Ideas/Suggestions on How to Use This Resource

1. Adapt the Resource – Before introducing this resource to your students, you may wish to tweak it to better suit their needs.

2. Introduce and Expand Vocabulary – Go through the vocabulary with your students, identifying and labeling unfamiliar words in their native language. This can be done section by section or for the entire table, depending on your students and circumstances. Encourage them to add any additional relevant vocabulary!

3. Model Photo Descriptions – Demonstrate how to describe a photo, either yourself or together with students. Use PLA (People, Location, Action) and the acronym WhoWheRAC (Who, Where, Relationship, Appearance, Location) to guide their descriptions of people.

4. Encourage Regular Practice – Give students frequent opportunities to describe photos using the resource. An effective approach is to describe multiple photos in one single session, as this reinforces structured descriptions, boosts confidence and enhances motivation.

5. Incorporate Written Practice – If feasible, get students to write a photo description as homework using the resource as a guide.
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