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100+ Free Wales GCSE Core Cymraeg Practice Questions

Prepare for the Made-for-Wales GCSE Core Cymraeg (WJEC) exam with instant access — no signup required.

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Wales GCSE Core Cymraeg Exam

3040CS

WJEC qualification reference code

WJEC GCSE Core Cymraeg subject page

4 × 25%

Unit weightings (two NEAs + two written exams)

WJEC GCSE Core Cymraeg specification summary of assessment

1h 30m

Duration of each reading and writing examination (Units 3 and 4)

WJEC GCSE Core Cymraeg specification

A*–G

Wales GCSE grading scale (untiered)

WJEC specification grading and awarding section

£46.80

Full single-award centre entry fee

WJEC Entry Fees 2025/26 and 2026/27 (Core Cymraeg linear)

Sept 2025

First teaching

WJEC / Qualifications Wales Made-for-Wales rollout

Summer 2027

First award opportunity

WJEC GCSE Core Cymraeg specification

Cymraeg

Official assessment language

WJEC specification / Qualifications Wales approval criteria

WJEC Made-for-Wales GCSE Core Cymraeg (3040CS): linear A*–G GCSE, first teaching Sept 2025, first award 2027. Four equal 25% units — two speaking/listening NEAs and two 1h30 reading/writing exams in Cymraeg. Centre fee £46.80. Free practice here is an English MCQ study adaptation with Welsh retained in language items.

Sample Wales GCSE Core Cymraeg Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Wales GCSE Core Cymraeg exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is Made-for-Wales GCSE Core Cymraeg (WJEC) primarily designed as?
A.A Core Cymraeg communicative GCSE for Curriculum for Wales learners
B.The same qualification as GCSE Cymraeg Language and Literature
C.A Welsh for Adults evening course certificate only
D.An England-only 9–1 GCSE modern language
Explanation: WJEC GCSE Core Cymraeg (3040CS) is the Made-for-Wales Core Cymraeg GCSE for Curriculum for Wales, first teaching September 2025. It is distinct from Cymraeg Language and Literature awards and from Welsh for Adults.
2What is the WJEC qualification reference code for GCSE Core Cymraeg?
A.3040CS
B.3460QS
C.3020QS
D.C00/4968/1 only
Explanation: WJEC lists Qual Code 3040CS for GCSE Core Cymraeg. C00/4968/1 is the Qualifications Wales approval number, not the entry code. 3460QS is Computer Science; 3020QS is legacy Welsh Second Language.
3How many equally weighted units make up GCSE Core Cymraeg?
A.Four units at 25% each
B.Two units at 50% each
C.Three units at roughly 33% each
D.One linear paper worth 100%
Explanation: The specification has four units, each 25%: two speaking-and-listening NEAs (Units 1–2) and two reading-and-writing examinations (Units 3–4).
4What is the official assessment language for GCSE Core Cymraeg?
A.Cymraeg (Welsh)
B.English only
C.English or French by choice
D.Latin
Explanation: Official assessment is conducted in Cymraeg. This OpenExamPrep bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation with Welsh retained in language items — not an official bilingual paper.
5Which pair correctly describes Units 1 and 2?
A.Non-examination assessments of speaking and listening
B.On-screen programming exams in Python
C.Multiple-choice only papers marked online
D.Optional coursework portfolios with no speaking
Explanation: Units 1 and 2 are centre-marked, WJEC-moderated NEAs assessing speaking and listening with WJEC stimuli.
6In Unit 1 (Responding to a Visual Stimulus), which skill weighting is correct?
A.Listening 15% and speaking 10% of the qualification
B.Speaking 20% and listening 5%
C.Reading 12% and writing 13%
D.Listening 25% only with no speaking
Explanation: Unit 1 contributes 25% overall with listening weighted at 15% and speaking at 10%. Unit 2 reverses the speaking/listening balance (speaking 20%, listening 5%).
7How long is each of Units 3 and 4 (reading and writing examinations)?
A.1 hour 30 minutes each
B.45 minutes each
C.3 hours combined as one paper
D.15 minutes each
Explanation: Units 3 and 4 are each written examinations of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (100 marks each, 25% each), set and marked by WJEC.
8Which grading scale applies to Made-for-Wales GCSE Core Cymraeg?
A.A*–G (with U unclassified)
B.9–1, as used by England’s awarding bodies
C.A*A*–GG, the paired double-award scale
D.Pass, Merit or Distinction
Explanation: WJEC reports the qualification on the Wales GCSE A*–G scale (A* highest). Results below the minimum standard are U. It is not tiered into Foundation/Higher papers.
9Are candidates allowed to use dictionaries in GCSE Core Cymraeg assessments?
A.No — dictionaries are not permitted in any part of the assessment
B.Yes — bilingual dictionaries in all units
C.Yes — only in Unit 4 literature
D.Yes — electronic translators during NEA prep
Explanation: The specification states learners are not permitted to use dictionaries or any other resources in any part of the assessment, including NEA preparation.
10Which three broad themes underpin learning and stimuli in Core Cymraeg?
A.Cynefin, Identity, and Culture
B.Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics
C.Listening only, Reading only, and Silent study
D.England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland only
Explanation: The specification bases language learning on three broad themes: Cynefin, Identity and Culture, reflected in NEA stimuli and course content.

About the Wales GCSE Core Cymraeg Exam

Made-for-Wales GCSE Core Cymraeg (WJEC qual code 3040CS) is the Curriculum for Wales Core Cymraeg qualification for first teaching September 2025 and first award summer 2027. It develops listening, speaking, reading and writing in Cymraeg across the broad themes Cynefin, Identity and Culture, with equal overall weighting of understanding/response (AO1) and expression/communication (AO2). Assessment is linear and untiered: two centre-marked, WJEC-moderated speaking-and-listening NEAs and two 1-hour-30-minute reading-and-writing examinations. Grades use the Wales A*–G scale. It is distinct from Welsh for Adults courses and from GCSE Cymraeg Language and Literature. This OpenExamPrep bank is an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation of vocabulary, grammar (including mutations), reading choices, communication strategies and cultural awareness — not a past paper or oral exam substitute.

Assessment

Linear, untiered single-award GCSE (qual code 3040CS; approval C00/4968/1). Unit 1 NEA 25% (listening 15% / speaking 10%); Unit 2 NEA 25% (listening 5% / speaking 20%); Unit 3 written exam 25% (~1h 30m); Unit 4 written exam 25% (~1h 30m). Themes: Cynefin, Identity, Culture. AO1 (understand and respond) and AO2 (expression and communication) each 50% overall. First teaching September 2025; first award summer 2027. Not available to centres in England.

Time Limit

Unit 1 NEA: pair ~6–8 min or group ~8–10 min (+ ~10 min prep); Unit 2 NEA: similar discussion length (+ 10 min prep); Units 3 and 4: 1 hour 30 minutes each

Passing Score

A*–G overall grade (Wales GCSE scale; U unclassified)

Exam Fee

£46.80 centre entry fee for the full single-award Made-for-Wales GCSE Core Cymraeg (WJEC 2025/26 and 2026/27 fee lists). Paid by the school/centre — learners do not typically pay a separate public exam fee. (WJEC (regulated by Qualifications Wales))

Wales GCSE Core Cymraeg Exam Content Outline

25%

Unit 1 — Visual stimulus NEA (speaking & listening)

Watch/listen to a WJEC visual stimulus; pair or group discussion and extended theme talk. Listening weighted higher than speaking in this unit.

25%

Unit 2 — Various sources NEA (speaking & listening)

Respond to mixed sources (images, facts, graphs); discuss and justify opinions. Speaking weighted higher than listening in this unit.

25%

Unit 3 — Reading & writing exam (Preparing for the Future)

1h 30m WJEC paper: reading comprehension, purposeful writing and translation-related skills for education and work-related contexts.

25%

Unit 4 — Reading & writing exam (Literature and Creative)

1h 30m WJEC paper: literature response to a series set text plus creative, persuasive and analytical writing tasks.

Core

Language elements & themes

Mutations (soft, nasal, aspirate), tenses, gender, adjectives, prepositions, high-frequency vocabulary; themes Cynefin, Identity and Culture; diverse Welsh citizenship contexts.

How to Pass the Wales GCSE Core Cymraeg Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: A*–G overall grade (Wales GCSE scale; U unclassified)
  • Assessment: Linear, untiered single-award GCSE (qual code 3040CS; approval C00/4968/1). Unit 1 NEA 25% (listening 15% / speaking 10%); Unit 2 NEA 25% (listening 5% / speaking 20%); Unit 3 written exam 25% (~1h 30m); Unit 4 written exam 25% (~1h 30m). Themes: Cynefin, Identity, Culture. AO1 (understand and respond) and AO2 (expression and communication) each 50% overall. First teaching September 2025; first award summer 2027. Not available to centres in England.
  • Time limit: Unit 1 NEA: pair ~6–8 min or group ~8–10 min (+ ~10 min prep); Unit 2 NEA: similar discussion length (+ 10 min prep); Units 3 and 4: 1 hour 30 minutes each
  • Exam fee: £46.80 centre entry fee for the full single-award Made-for-Wales GCSE Core Cymraeg (WJEC 2025/26 and 2026/27 fee lists). Paid by the school/centre — learners do not typically pay a separate public exam fee.

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Wales GCSE Core Cymraeg Study Tips from Top Performers

1Build a personal phrase bank for Cynefin, Identity and Culture — opinions, reasons and linking words for NEA discussion
2Drill the most common soft, nasal and aspirate mutations after prepositions, possessives and particles until they feel automatic
3Practise pair talk under timed conditions (6–10 minutes) using images, short clips and fact sheets as stimuli
4Read short authentic Welsh texts daily and summarise the main idea in both Cymraeg and English (translanguaging skill)
5For Units 3–4 style work, plan paragraphs before writing and leave time to proofread mutations, verb forms and agreements
6Use this MCQ bank for vocabulary, grammar and strategy checks — then transfer learning into real speaking and writing practice

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Made-for-Wales GCSE Core Cymraeg?

It is the WJEC GCSE (qual code 3040CS) designed for Curriculum for Wales Core Cymraeg learners, regulated by Qualifications Wales. First teaching is September 2025 and first award is summer 2027. It is not available to centres in England and is not the same as GCSE Cymraeg Language and Literature or Welsh for Adults.

How is GCSE Core Cymraeg assessed?

Four units at 25% each: Unit 1 NEA speaking and listening (visual stimulus), Unit 2 NEA speaking and listening (various sources), Unit 3 reading and writing exam (1h 30m), Unit 4 reading and writing exam including literature and creative tasks (1h 30m). Official assessment is in Cymraeg. Dictionaries are not allowed.

What grades can you get?

Wales GCSEs for this suite use the A*–G scale (A* highest; G lowest pass; U unclassified). Core Cymraeg is not tiered into Foundation/Higher papers.

How much does entry cost?

WJEC lists a £46.80 full qualification centre entry fee for linear Made-for-Wales single-award GCSEs including Core Cymraeg (2025/26 and 2026/27 fee documents). Schools/centres pay WJEC; learners usually do not pay a separate public exam fee.

Is this practice bank the real exam format?

No. Official Core Cymraeg uses speaking/listening NEAs and written reading/writing papers in Cymraeg — not multiple-choice. This free bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation that keeps Welsh vocabulary and phrases where language skill is tested, with explanations in English.

How does Core Cymraeg differ from Cymraeg Language and Literature?

Core Cymraeg focuses on confident communicative use of Cymraeg for social and workplace contexts under the Core Cymraeg construct. Cymraeg Language and Literature (single or double award) is a separate Made-for-Wales pathway with different content, assessment design and entry codes.