Speaking Verse and Prose
Qualification Suite
Communication
Levels
Entry Level, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3
Regulatory Status
Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA Regulation
Assessment Format
Available in-person and online
About the exam
Speaking Verse and Prose develops a range of lifelong skills – from speaking clearly and using voice projection, to improving memorisation, and building an understanding of poetry and prose that supports studies in English literature.
As they progress through the levels, learners interact deeply with the texts, responding with imagination and using body language and expression to engage an audience. At Level 3, learners delve into sonnets and explore the life, work and influence of writers such as William Shakespeare.
Type of exam:
Solo
Time allowance:
10 minutes
The exam involves:
- Performing two verses from memory
- Answering questions related to the performance
For full details, use the Communication Graded Exams Syllabus (published 2024).
Type of exam:
Solo
Time allowance:
10 minutes
The exam involves:
- Performing two verses from memory
- Answering questions about the performance
For full details, use the Communication Graded Exams Syllabus (2024).
Type of exam:
Solo
Time allowance:
15 minutes
The exam involves:
- Performing one piece of verse and one piece of prose from memory
- Answering questions related to their performances
For full details, use the Communication Graded Exams Syllabus (2024).
Type of exam:
Solo
Time allowance:
Grade 4: 15 minutes
Grade 5: 20 minutes
The exam involves:
- Performing one piece of verse and one piece of prose from memory
- Reading at sight a previously unseen text
- Answering questions related to their performances
For full details, use the Communication Graded Exams Syllabus (2024).
Type of exam:
Solo
Time allowance:
25 minutes
The exam involves:
- Performing one piece of verse and one piece of prose
- Sight-reading a text
- Answering questions about techniques uses in the performance for breathing, voice, and basic speech production
For full details, use the Communication Graded Exams Syllabus (2024).
Type of exam:
Solo
Time allowance:
Grade 7: 30 minutes
Grade 8: 35 minutes
The exam involves:
- Performing one piece of verse and one piece of prose
- Sight-reading a text
- Performing one sonnet (non-Shakespeare at Grade 7 and Shakespeare at Grade 8)
- Answering questions related to their performances
For full details, use the Communication Graded Exams Syllabus (2024).
