Spanish Language
Core concepts
The Spanish component covers reading comprehension (gist, detail, inference, tone), vocabulary in context, grammar (ser versus estar, por versus para, preterite versus imperfect, subjunctive after expressions of wish, doubt, and emotion, reflexive verbs, object pronouns), word formation, and writing (formal email, essay, opinion piece) with correct accents.
Traps examiners set
- Ser/estar: es aburrido (he is boring) versus está aburrido (he is bored).
- Por/para: para signals purpose, destination, deadline; por signals cause, exchange, duration, means.
- Preterite versus imperfect: the imperfect sets the scene; the preterite advances the action.
- Subjunctive triggers: espero que, dudo que, es importante que require the subjunctive, not the indicative.
- Accents that change meaning: el/él, si/sí, que/qué, mas/más.
Rule of thumb
When a verb choice is uncertain, ask: is this a completed event (preterite) or a background state or habit (imperfect)? When a clause follows an expression of wish, doubt, or emotion with a change of subject, use the subjunctive.
Worked example
"Cuando era niño, vivía en Sevilla, pero un verano me mudé a Cádiz." Era and vivía describe background and habit; me mudé is the completed event. Choosing the preterite for vivía would wrongly imply a finished, bounded period.
Writing advice
Use formal openings (Estimado señor:), vary connectors (sin embargo, además, por lo tanto), and proofread accents and agreement. In comprehension items, the correct option paraphrases; an option quoting the text verbatim is often a distractor.