Understand the optional legacy Speaking component
Prepare for the presentation, discussion and conversation in the optional, separately endorsed Speaking component.
Section 2026-P3 · Optional Speaking component · presentation, discussion and conversation
Exam scope and assessment notes
These are original StudyForA examples and practice, not Cambridge questions, recordings, mark schemes or grades. Review by a qualified Hindi teacher is pending; Hindi-language accuracy and naturalness must be checked before this material is described as publication-ready. Browser speech synthesis is supplemental only, not Cambridge audio: the voice and pronunciation may vary and do not simulate the exam recordings. Writing and speaking feedback is self-review, not official assessment; StudyForA does not award the Cambridge speaking endorsement.
Before you begin
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
What should follow a short prepared presentation?
What you will learn
- Recognise the three stages of the legacy Speaking test.
- Plan a short presentation and respond to follow-up questions.
- Understand centre assessment and separate endorsement.
Know what the component includes
The optional Speaking component lasts approximately 10–12 minutes and carries 60 marks. It includes a two- to three-minute presentation, a short discussion about that presentation and a general conversation.
The centre assesses the test and Cambridge externally moderates it. The speaking grade is separately endorsed from 1 (high) to 5 (low) and does not contribute to the overall grade.
Practise communication, not grade prediction
Organise a familiar topic with facts and an opinion, then practise answering a related follow-up naturally.
A private recording is only a self-review aid. StudyForA does not assess or award the Cambridge endorsement. The revised 2027–2029 syllabus has no Speaking component.
Sources for this lesson
- Cambridge IGCSE Hindi as a Second Language 0549 subject page
- 0549 syllabus for exams in 2023–2025
- 0549 syllabus update for exams in 2023–2025
- 0549 syllabus for exams in 2026 · Version 2
- 0549 syllabus update for exams in 2026
- 0549 syllabus for exams in 2027–2029 · Version 2
- 0549 syllabus update for exams in 2027–2029
Pause and explain
Does the legacy Speaking endorsement contribute to the overall qualification grade?
Worked example
Presentation topic: «मेरा पसंदीदा त्योहार» (My favourite festival). What three points could form a clear talk?
Show the worked solution
- Name the festival.
- Describe an activity or tradition.
- Explain why it matters to you.
Answer A clear talk names the festival, develops a relevant detail and gives a personal reason. This is practice planning, not an official mark scheme.
Try a topic test
Choose Easy, Normal or Difficult. Save your answers and open worked review after finishing.
Test this topic →From guided practice to a new situation
Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
Plan a short talk about a school activity you enjoy.
Give me a hint
Include the activity, one detail and a reason.
Compare my reasoning
- Name the activity.
- Describe when or how you take part.
- Give a personal reason.
Example: «मुझे विद्यालय का संगीत कार्यक्रम पसंद है। मैं दोस्तों के साथ गाना गाती हूँ। इससे मुझे आत्मविश्वास मिलता है।» (I like the school music event. I sing with friends. It gives me confidence.)
Look for these in your work
- Stays on topic
- Adds a concrete detail
- Explains a personal view
After your presentation, an examiner asks what you would improve about the activity. Suggest one change and explain its benefit.
Give me a hint
Answer the follow-up directly and develop the suggestion.
Compare my reasoning
- Name one realistic change.
- Explain who it would help.
- Link the benefit to the activity.
Example: «कार्यक्रम में अधिक अभ्यास का समय होना चाहिए। इससे सभी विद्यार्थियों को अपनी प्रस्तुति तैयार करने का अवसर मिलेगा।» (There should be more rehearsal time. This would give all students a chance to prepare.)
Look for these in your work
- Responds to the question
- Suggests a realistic change
- Explains the benefit
A general conversation asks whether students should help choose school events. Give a view, a reason and a possible concern.
Give me a hint
Balance an opinion with a relevant qualification.
Compare my reasoning
- State your view.
- Give a reason.
- Add one practical concern.
Example: «विद्यार्थियों को कार्यक्रम चुनने में भाग लेना चाहिए क्योंकि वे अपनी रुचियाँ बता सकते हैं। हालाँकि, समय और खर्च का भी ध्यान रखना होगा।» (Students should help choose events because they can share their interests. However, time and cost also need consideration.)
Look for these in your work
- Gives a view
- Supports it
- Adds a relevant qualification
Common mistakes
- Assuming the optional component changes the overall written grade
- Memorising a talk without preparing to discuss it
- Treating self-recording as moderated assessment
What can you explain now?
Does the legacy Speaking endorsement contribute to the overall qualification grade?
Compare with the explanation
No
It is reported separately from the overall grade.
After trying it yourself, choose your next review. This is your self-assessment.
Your review choice appears on Today. Sign in to sync it across devices.
Make it stick
Explain one decision that helped you: recognise the three stages of the legacy speaking test.
If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.