A Complete Guide to A-Level German Individual Research Project (IRP)

Introduction to the IRP

One of the most unique and rewarding elements of A-level German is the Individual Research Project (IRP), a student-driven research task that forms part of the speaking exam. In this component (Paper 3), you will deliver a two-minute presentation in German on a topic of your choice, followed by a discussion (Q&A) with the examiner for around 6–10 minutes, making the total IRP section roughly 8–12 minutes long. The IRP allows you to explore a subject that genuinely interests you, related to the German-speaking world, and showcase both your language skills and your research findings. For example, you might investigate a historical event like German reunification, a social issue such as migration in Germany, a piece of literature or film, or any cultural topic – as long as it ties into Germany or another German-speaking country.

Both AQA and Edexcel include the IRP as a key part of their A-level German speaking exams. In fact, the speaking exam (Paper 3) is worth 30% of the A-level, so performing well in the IRP is crucial. The exam boards expect you to initiate and conduct independent research on your chosen topic, using sources in German, and to analyse and summarise your findings for presentation and discussion. AQA and Edexcel have very similar IRP formats: in AQA, you give your 2-minute presentation followed by ~9–10 minutes of debate, while Edexcel’s speaking exam is structured likewise (the discussion may be led by your teacher-examiner, but is still recorded and marked externally). Both boards require that your IRP topic relates to a German-speaking country and is not the same work of literature or film that you studied for your written essay. In other words, you cannot do your IRP on Das Leben der Anderen if that’s your set film for Paper 2 – you’ll need to choose something different. The IRP is your chance to demonstrate cultural knowledge (AO4) and speaking skills in an area that you’ve personally researched, so examiners will be looking at not just your German fluency, but also the depth of insight and evidence you can bring to the conversation.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to excel in your A-level German IRP – from choosing a winning topic, to researching effectively, writing a sharp two-minute presentation, and preparing for the examiner’s questions. The tone is academic but approachable, so both students and parents can understand what’s involved. By the end, you should feel confident about tackling the IRP – and remember, you don’t have to do it alone. If you find you need extra support at any stage, our expert A-level German tutors and courses are available to help guide you. Now, let’s dive in!

How to prepare for the IRP in A-level German

How to Choose a Suitable Topic

Choosing the right topic is the critical first step of a successful IRP. The key is to pick a subject that is meaningful and engaging to you personally, and also meets the exam requirements. You’ll be spending months researching and talking about this topic, so it should be something you find genuinely interesting and are passionate about. Ask yourself: What aspect of the German-speaking world am I curious about? It could be a historical period, a famous figure, a cultural phenomenon, a social issue, a region, or an artistic work – there are countless possibilities.

When brainstorming topics, keep in mind a few guidelines from the exam boards:

• It must relate to the German-speaking world. This sounds obvious, but it’s worth stating clearly. Your project should focus on Germany, Austria, Switzerland or another German-speaking community, in some cultural, historical, or social context. For example, investigating the fall of the Berlin Wall and die Wiedervereinigung (German reunification) in 1990 is a great historical topic with German context. On the other hand, a general project about climate change would be too broad and not specifically tied to Germany – but you could narrow it to Germany’s Energiewende policy (energy transition) to give it a German focus. Always frame your idea around its relevance to German-speaking society.

• Avoid overlap with set texts/films. As mentioned, examiners don’t allow you to base the IRP on the same literary text or film you’re studying for your Paper 2 essays. This is to ensure you explore new ground. So if your class novel is Der Vorleser, don’t choose Der Vorleser for your IRP. It’s fine to choose another novel or film – many students do wonderful IRPs on German literature or cinema – just not the exact one from the syllabus. Similarly, if a classmate or another student at your school has the same general topic, you should make sure your specific focus and title are distinct. Each student’s IRP must be unique in approach.

• Make it focused, but not too narrow. A good IRP topic has a clear focus that can be covered in a 2-minute presentation and a 10-minute discussion. If it’s too broad (“The entirety of World War II”), you’ll struggle to cover enough depth in the time and risk superficial coverage. If it’s too narrow (“One day in the life of a single Berlin tour guide”), you might find there isn’t enough to discuss or research. Try to find a happy medium: for example, “The impact of Turkish immigration on Berlin’s culture” – this is focused on a specific aspect (Turkish diaspora in Berlin) but still rich enough to discuss history, society, personal stories, etc. You will later divide your project into 3–4 subtopics (your research headings), so consider a topic that naturally breaks into a few key aspects.

• Ensure availability of sources. Before you commit, do a quick preliminary search to see if there are sufficient resources on your topic in German (and some in English for background). If you cannot find at least a few articles, documentaries, or books on it, you may need to broaden the scope. For instance, you might not find much on a very recent event or an obscure local issue, whereas something like “Angela Merkel’s refugee policy in 2015” will have lots of German-language commentary and analysis available.

To spark some ideas, here are examples of IRP topics that students have successfully done or could do, spanning various themes:

• German Literature: e.g. analysing a renowned author or book (one student examined the themes of “Der Reisende” by Ulrich Alexander Boschwitz – a novel about pre-WWII German youth). Others have looked at Bertolt Brecht’s theatre or the poetry of Goethe.

• History and Politics: e.g. exploring a significant event or figure. German reunification (1990), the division of Berlin, Angela Merkel’s leadership, or the rise of the Green Party are rich topics. You could study a key date like 13 August 1961 (Berlin Wall construction) or a political movement in Austria or Switzerland.

• Society and Social Issues: e.g. immigration in Germany, the integration of Turkish-German communities, East-West differences in modern Germany, the evolving role of women in German society, attitudes toward environmentalism (like Germany’s recycling culture or energy policies). A student in the past chose Abtreibung (abortion) in Germany as an IRP topic, examining the legal and social debates.

• Arts and Culture: e.g. focusing on an artist, musical movement, or film. A great example is studying Kraftwerk – the pioneering German electronic music band – looking at their history, musical style and cultural influence. Or you might investigate Neues Deutsches Kino (New German Cinema) in the 1970s, or the architectural legacy of the Bauhaus movement.

• German Language and Linguistics: e.g. dialects in German-speaking countries, the influence of English on contemporary German (Denglish), or how German is taught and learned in schools (perhaps comparing Germany’s approach to foreign language education).

In short, pick a topic that excites you, meets the criteria (German-related, new to you, with available research material), and has enough depth for analysis. Run your idea by your teacher early to get approval. Once you have your topic, you can craft a title or research question that encapsulates what you’ll investigate. For example: “Die Rolle der Wende: How the fall of the Berlin Wall shaped modern German society” or “Kraftwerk’s Influence on Electronic Music and German Cultural Identity.” A clear, focused title will guide the rest of your project.

Research and Resources

With your topic chosen, it’s time to delve into research. The IRP is meant to assess your ability to work independently as a researcher in the target language, so thorough research is absolutely essential. Here’s how to approach gathering information and resources for a high-quality project:

• Use a variety of sources: Aim to consult multiple types of sources to get a well-rounded understanding. These can include books or e-books, newspaper articles, academic journals, reputable websites, documentaries or interviews, and even surveys or personal interviews if accessible. Diversifying your sources will impress examiners and give you richer material to discuss. For instance, if your topic is German reunification, you might read a history book chapter, analyse news articles from 1990, watch a German documentary with firsthand accounts, and review recent statistics on East-West economic differences. Each source will add a new perspective.

• Prioritise German-language sources: Both AQA and Edexcel expect you to incorporate resources in German (not just English translations or summaries). In fact, when you formally submit your IRP preparation sheet to the exam board, you must provide a list of the sources you used, and it’s ideal to have a mix of German and English sources (with an emphasis on German). Using German sources demonstrates that you’ve engaged with authentic material and will provide you with relevant vocabulary and facts to use in your presentation. Good places to look include German news outlets (e.g. Tagesschau, Die Zeit, Deutsche Welle), official websites or reports (government or NGOs related to your topic), and literature or film in the original German if you are analyzing a work. Even social media or YouTube interviews can be useful if they are from credible channels (for example, an interview with an author or politician). Remember to note down publication details for each source as you go, so you can cite them and list them later.

• Also consult English sources for context: It’s perfectly okay to use some English-language sources, and in some cases it’s very helpful, especially for understanding context or complex background information. Just be sure to translate or put key information into your own German words when you use it in your project. English sources might include academic analyses or historical overviews that aren’t available in German. For example, if researching a topic like the Bauhaus art movement, an English scholarly article could provide a solid foundation, which you then supplement with German articles or museum websites for specific details and German terminology. The bottom line is: show that you have engaged with material in German, but use English sources as needed to deepen your understanding.

• Identify 3–4 main research areas (headings): Early in your research, try to categorise your findings into a few major subtopics – these will likely become your official IRP headings. As part of your IRP preparation, you are required to submit three to four main research headings (Schwerpunkte) along with your title and summary. Think of these as the key angles or aspects of your topic. For example, suppose your project is on “Sachsen – Zwischen Tradition, Wandel und Innovation” (Saxony – between tradition, change and innovation). In that case, your headings might be: 1) Geography and economic structure of Saxony, 2) Cultural significance (e.g. Chemnitz 2025 European Capital of Culture), 3) Political developments and voting patterns, 4) Demographic challenges and migration. Each heading represents a slice of your topic that you will research and include in your presentation. Defining them now helps ensure you cover all aspects in your research and prevents you from going off on tangents. It also means you’ll be prepared for questions on any of those subtopics. Examiners will base their questions on these headings and the content you present – not on random areas outside your project. So having clear headings keeps both you and the examiner focused.

• Keep your research organised: As you gather information, keep good notes. It often helps to create a document or notebook divided by your 3–4 headings. Under each heading, compile the relevant facts, stats, examples, and even short quotes (in German) that you might use. Note which source each piece of information comes from. This will make it much easier later when writing your presentation and citing sources if needed. Some students also create vocabulary lists for each subtopic (German terms and their English meanings) – an excellent idea to boost your topic-specific vocabulary.

• Evaluate and select reliable sources: Use your critical thinking. Not everything on the internet is reliable or suitable for an academic project. Avoid using random blogs or forums unless authored by a known expert. Wikipedia can be a helpful starting point for general orientation, but do not rely on Wikipedia as a primary source in your IRP – examiners frown upon it. Instead, use it to find references or get basic facts, then verify those facts in better sources. Aim for a mix of scholarly and media sources: for instance, a university research paper (for depth), a piece from Tagesschau.de or Deutschlandfunk (for up-to-date info or statistics), and perhaps a cultural website or interview for anecdotal evidence. If your topic is very recent (e.g. something in the last year or two), you might rely more on news and magazine articles; if it’s historical, you might lean on history books or documentaries.

• Look for opposing viewpoints if applicable: For issues or debates (migration, renewable energy, etc.), try to understand multiple perspectives. German sources might have different viewpoints (e.g. an article from Die Welt vs. one from taz on the same issue). Being aware of these will prepare you for exam questions like “Gibt es kontroverse Meinungen zu diesem Thema?” (Are there controversial opinions on this topic?). You don’t necessarily have to include all viewpoints in your 2-minute speech, but you should know they exist in case you’re asked.

• Keep track of statistics and examples: Numbers and examples are your friends in an IRP. They make your content concrete and impressive. If you come across a compelling statistic – say, “35% of Saxony’s voters supported the XYZ party in 2024”, or “Germany received X number of immigrants in 2015” – note it down along with its source. Likewise, specific examples (a case study, a notable person’s quote, a particular event date) will enrich your presentation and responses. Just ensure you understand them and can express them in German.

• Prepare the required summary and bibliography: Lastly, remember that closer to the oral exam date, you’ll need to submit an IRP summary (in German) and your list of sources to the examiner/exam board. The summary is usually just a short paragraph in German outlining what your project is about and possibly why you chose it. Don’t write this in a rush; it should reflect the content of your presentation and hit the main points. It’s also good practice for writing concisely in German. The source list should include all key sources you used (you don’t need to list every single article if you used many, but the main ones, especially German ones). Check your exam board’s guidelines for the format. AQA, for example, provides an IRP form where you fill in the title, summary, headings, and sources. Completing this form carefully is important – examiners read it before your exam to formulate questions, and they will stick to what you’ve outlined. So a well-crafted summary and clear headings can actually guide the exam in your favor.

In summary, invest significant time in research. It not only prepares you for the presentation, but it’s the foundation that will give you confidence and material during the Q&A. The more informed you are, the more you’ll truly have something to say (beyond memorised lines) – which is exactly what the examiners want to see.

Writing the Two-Minute Presentation

Writing your IRP presentation is a balancing act: you have just two minutes (around 280–300 words of spoken German) to summarise your research and spark a conversation. That’s not a lot of time, so every sentence counts. The presentation (sometimes called the monologue or exposé) is not meant to include every detail you found; rather, it should provide a structured overview of your topic and cover each of your main headings briefly but clearly. Think of it as the trailer for a movie: it gives the highlights and makes the listener want to learn more, without giving away the entire plot.

Here are some guidelines for structuring and writing a high-scoring IRP presentation:

• Follow a clear structure: A well-organised presentation typically has a short introduction, a body, and a conclusion. In the introduction, state your topic and why you chose it. This could be 2-3 sentences where you introduce the subject and perhaps a personal motivation (“Ich habe dieses Thema gewählt, weil…”). Next, in the body, present the key points of each of your research headings in a logical order. You might devote a sentence or two to each subtopic. Use linking phrases to ensure it flows (e.g. “Erstens… Zweitens… Darüber hinaus…”). Finally, have a brief conclusion or wrap-up. This might be a one-sentence summary of what you learned or an interesting concluding fact or even an open question. For example: "Abschließend lässt sich sagen, dass dieses Thema zeigt, wie sehr …" or "Insgesamt habe ich festgestellt, dass …". A coherent structure helps the examiner follow your presentation and sets up the discussion.

• Include the essentials (and only the essentials): In two minutes, you should prioritise information. Focus on the most important findings or insights from your research for each heading. It’s highly effective to include one or two specific facts or examples per heading to give substance to the discussion. For instance, if one of your headings is the economic impact of reunification, mention a concrete statistic like “Die Arbeitslosigkeit in Ostdeutschland sank von X% (1995) auf Y% (2010)” or cite a key development (perhaps "…hat zur Ansiedlung von High-Tech-Firmen in Dresden geführt"). These details act as evidence of your research. Additionally, mentioning a source or a name can add credibility (e.g. "Laut einer Studie des Bundesinstituts …"). However, don’t overload your speech with too many numbers or references – pick the juiciest ones. You want to show off knowledge without drowning the listener in data.

• Stick to your headings: As noted, ensure every part of your presentation corresponds to one of the research headings you submitted. If something you planned to say doesn’t clearly fit under a heading, consider cutting it out. This is important because examiners have been instructed to ask about what you present and your listed headings – if you wander off-topic, you invite questions on areas you may not have prepared for. Staying focused on your defined subtopics keeps the Q&A predictable and relevant. It’s fine to hint at interesting points you can expand on later in discussion (that’s actually a smart tactic), but make sure it’s still within scope.

• What to avoid: There are a few common pitfalls in presentations. Don’t waste time on irrelevant background or definitions that aren’t needed. The examiner and listeners are generally educated on basic concepts; for example, if you’re presenting on Angela Merkel’s refugee policy, you don’t need to start by explaining what the EU is. Jump into the specifics of your topic quickly. Also, avoid overly generalised statements or clichés – saying "Deutschland ist ein Land mit reicher Geschichte und Kultur…" is too broad and doesn’t actually say anything about your specific project. Every sentence should add value. Another thing to avoid is sounding like you memorised a pre-written essay full of complex phrases that you wouldn’t normally use. While, of course, you will practice and likely memorise much of your presentation (which is expected), you want it to sound natural and in your own words. Examiners can tell if a student is regurgitating sentences from an academic article that they perhaps don’t fully grasp. It’s better to use clear, concise German that you can deliver confidently, rather than convoluted prose. And finally, do not go over the time limit – if you exceed 2 minutes, the examiner will cut you off (often exactly at 2:00 or a few seconds over). This could mean you don’t get to say your conclusion or important final point. So make sure your draft is about 280 words or whatever you can comfortably say in 1:50, leaving a tiny buffer.

• Make it sound like a mini TED Talk: You’re essentially giving a mini lecture on something you have become an expert in. Approach it with enthusiasm and clarity. Imagine you are explaining your research to an interested friend or a school assembly – it should be informative but also engaging. Vary your tone, use a few expressive phrases, and show that you find the topic interesting. If you’re genuinely interested, that will come through in your voice and make the examiner more interested too. As one tutor put it, think of your IRP presentation as a mini TED Talk – concise, well-organised, and showcasing your personal insight. You want to demonstrate that you have studied reliable sources, identified key issues, and can summarise your findings in your own words using precise German. That’s a recipe for a top band score.

• Use signposting and transitions: Guide the listener through your talk. Use phrases like “Zunächst möchte ich über X sprechen…”, “Dann komme ich zu Y,” and “Abschließend lässt sich feststellen…” These transitions not only improve the structure, but they also give you tiny pauses to catch your breath and help the examiner follow along. Well-placed linking words and varied sentence structures will also tick the box for a range of vocabulary and grammar (for example, throw in a passive construction or a subjunctive phrase if you can do so naturally).

• Revise and refine the language: Once you have a draft of your presentation, refine the German. Check for any grammar mistakes or awkward phrasing. Aim to incorporate some advanced structures or idiomatic expressions to show off your language level, but only if you’re comfortable using them correctly. Quality matters more than quantity; a well-phrased sentence with a correctly used subjunctive (e.g. “Man könnte argumentieren, dass…”) can impress. Make sure verb conjugations, adjective endings, and word order (especially with subordinating conjunctions) are all correct – this will be noted in your marks for accuracy (AO3). If possible, ask your German teacher or tutor to review your script and point out any errors or suggest more native-like phrasing.

• Practice for delivery, not just content: Writing the speech is one thing – delivering it is another. Practice reading it out loud many times until you are comfortable and can almost do it from memory (you are allowed to use up to 35 words of notes on a cue card for AQA, and a similar brief prompt for Edexcel, but you shouldn’t be reading full sentences). Work on your pronunciation, intonation, and speed. Two minutes is short – you don’t want to speak so fast that it’s hard to follow, but you also can’t afford long pauses. Practising will help you find the right pace. Ensure you can pronounce all the German names or terms in your presentation confidently (mispronouncing key words might confuse the examiner or detract from the impression). If you struggle with any sentence while practising – maybe it’s a tongue-twister or you consistently stumble – consider rephrasing it in simpler words. On exam day, you want to sound smooth and self-assured.

To summarise this section, here’s a quick “Do and Don’t” list for the IRP presentation:

✅ DO include:

• A brief intro stating your topic and why you chose it (personal interest)

• The most important points for each of your 3–4 headings (one by one, logically ordered)

• Specific examples, facts, or statistics from your research to support each point

• A short concluding sentence or insight tying it all together

• Signpost language to organize your talk (erstens, zweitens, abschließend, etc.)

• Passion and interest in your voice – show you find the topic worthwhile!

❌ AVOID:

• Irrelevant background info or overly broad statements that don’t directly relate to your topic. (Get to the point quickly.)

• Cramming in every detail you found – prioritise quality over quantity.

• Overuse of memorised “set phrases” or complex quotes that you wouldn’t normally say. (It should sound like you, not like a Wikipedia article.)

• Unsubstantiated opinions or sweeping claims without evidence. (If you make a claim, have a fact or example to back it up, or phrase it clearly as your opinion.)

• Exceeding two minutes. (Practice to ensure you finish on time, comfortably.)

If you craft your presentation following these guidelines, you’ll set yourself up for a strong performance. You will have clearly communicated the essence of your project and hopefully intrigued the examiner about some of your points, which means they’ll have plenty of material to ask you in the next phase.

Anticipating and Preparing for the Q&A

After your presentation, the exam moves into the discussion phase – this is where the examiner (or teacher-examiner, in some cases) will ask you questions about your topic, and you have an extended back-and-forth conversation. This Q&A typically lasts between 6 and 9 minutes (AQA expects about 9–10 minutes, Edexcel around 5–6 minutes for the card plus 5–6 for the IRP, totalling ~12 minutes for speaking). While the format is essentially a friendly interview about your research, it can feel daunting: you have to think on your feet in German. The good news is that because the questions will be based on what you covered in your presentation and the headings you provided, you can predict many of them and prepare accordingly.

Here’s how to get ready for the IRP discussion and ace the Q&A with confidence:

• Put yourself in the examiner’s shoes: A simple but effective exercise is to imagine you are the examiner listening to your 2-minute presentation – what questions would naturally come to mind? Examiners are trained to ask questions that elaborate on points you mentioned, clarify things, or challenge you to analyse further. Common question types include:

  • Detail or explanation questions: “Können Sie mehr darüber erzählen, warum/ wie …?” – They might pick up on a statement you made and ask you to explain further. For example, if you said a statistic or mentioned an event, they could ask “Warum ist das so wichtig?” (Why is that so important?) or “Wie kam es dazu?” (How did that come about?). Make sure you can explain the causes and significance of the facts in your presentation.

  • Opinion and evaluation questions: “Was denken Sie über …?” or “Wie beurteilen Sie …?” – They will often seek your personal analysis or opinion on the issue. For instance, “Was ist Ihre Meinung dazu, wie erfolgreich die Wiedervereinigung gewesen ist?” Don’t be afraid to give your view – just support it with reasoning (ideally referencing your research). They might also ask if you agree with something or what you would suggest in a situation, to gauge your ability to think critically in German.

  • Comparative or generalization questions: “Ist das überall so, oder gibt es Unterschiede?” – Examiners might probe to see if you can compare different aspects or avoid over-generalising. For example, “Sie haben über die Ost-West Kluft gesprochen – gilt das für ganz Deutschland oder nur bestimmte Regionen?” Be prepared to clarify scope and mention exceptions.

  • “What if” or hypothetical questions: sometimes to push you a bit: “Was wären die Folgen, wenn …?” (What would be the consequences if…?) – e.g. “Was wäre passiert, wenn die DDR sich nicht vereinigt hätte?” These test your ability to speculate using the conditional tense (a chance to shine with the subjunctive II in German).

  • Follow-up on sources: Occasionally, especially if you mention a source or quote, the examiner might ask, “Woher wissen Sie das?” (How do you know that?) or “Wo haben Sie das gefunden?” – a gentle check that you researched properly. It helps to be able to reference, in German, something like "Ich habe einen Artikel in der Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung gelesen, in dem stand, dass…".

  Essentially, expect around 8–10 questions in total, covering all your headings. Some might be very straightforward factual ones, others more open-ended.

• Prepare flexible answers (not scripts): Based on the above, you should write out or outline answers to likely questions as part of your prep. A great technique is to literally jot down 8–10 potential questions (in German) that the examiner could ask, touching each of your subtopics. For each question, prepare a bullet-point answer or a short paragraph in German with the information you’d include in your response. This is effectively extra research notes formed as answers. Make sure these answers draw on your research – include an example or stat if relevant, or mention something you didn’t have time to say in your presentation. However, and this is crucial, do NOT memorise these answers word-for-word as rigid scripts. The goal is to have ideas and vocabulary at the ready, but you want to deliver your answers spontaneously in the exam. Examiners reward spontaneity and natural interaction; if you recite a rehearsed mini-essay in response to each question, it will sound unnatural and may cost you marks for communication and spontaneity. Instead, practice answering the questions in different ways each time you rehearse. Know the key points you’d mention, but be comfortable phrasing them in various ways. This will make you far more adaptable if the examiner’s question isn’t exactly how you predicted.

• Practice active listening and turn-taking: During the actual exam discussion, listen carefully to the examiner’s question so you answer what is asked. If you’re unsure you understood, you can politely ask for clarification or for them to repeat (e.g. “Könnten Sie die Frage noch einmal anders formulieren?”). It’s better to clarify than to go off on a tangent. When answering, try to speak in full, coherent sentences – not just one-word answers – to show your speaking ability. At the same time, avoid monologuing for too long in one go. Think of it as a conversation: it’s fine to speak for a little while in response (maybe a few sentences, even a short paragraph), but then let the examiner interject or ask a follow-up. They might have a list of questions to get through, and if you go on and on, they might cut in. Practice a rhythm of giving a substantial answer, then pausing to see if the examiner has more questions.

• Use strategies to handle the unexpected: No matter how well you prepare, there might be a question that surprises you. Don’t panic. A couple of strategies can help:

  • Stall for time with a phrase: If you need a moment to gather your thoughts, use a stalling expression in German. For example, “Das ist eine interessante Frage…”, “Darüber muss ich kurz nachdenken…”, or “Also, wie soll ich das erklären…?” These are natural phrases that buy you a few seconds and show you’re engaging with the question. Just avoid overusing them for every single question.

  • If you don’t know, pivot: Sometimes, you simply might not know the answer to a very specific question. It’s okay to admit partial knowledge, but try to pivot to something related that you do know. For example, if asked a question that stumps you, you could say, “Ich bin mir nicht ganz sicher, aber ich weiß, dass…” and then relate it to something you have learned. This way, you’re still responding with relevant info. For instance, “Ich habe keine genauen Zahlen dazu, aber meines Wissens nach …” and share an approximate idea. This is much better than awkward silence. Remember, the examiner isn’t expecting you to know absolutely everything – they want to see how you handle a conversation about what you have studied.

  • Stay calm and polite: If a question is challenging or you feel yourself getting flustered, take a breath. It’s perfectly fine to request clarification in German if you didn’t catch a word (e.g. “Entschuldigung, könnten Sie das Wort X erklären?”). Also, maintain a polite register (use Sie to address the examiner, say “bitte” and “danke” if appropriate). This creates a good impression as a confident communicator.

• Emphasise analysis and opinion: One of the assessment objectives (AO4) is about analytical and evaluative language – basically, showing you can discuss issues thoughtfully, not just regurgitate facts. So in your answers, especially to “why” or “what do you think” questions, make sure you express some analysis or insight. Use phrases that indicate cause/effect or weighing of ideas: “Der Grund dafür ist, dass …”, “Das führt dazu, dass …”, “Meiner Meinung nach ist das entscheidend, weil …”, “Ein Vorteil davon ist…, ein Nachteil wäre jedoch…”. Even though it’s a conversation, including such phrases will demonstrate a higher level of discourse. It’s great to have a couple of these connective phrases in your toolkit.

• Practice, practice, practice (with someone if possible): The best way to prepare for the speaking discussion is to simulate it. Ideally, get a partner – a classmate, teacher or tutor – to act as the examiner and ask you a range of questions. Do this multiple times. Each time, vary the questions and practice giving answers without looking at notes. This will build your fluency and confidence. If you don’t have someone available, practice in front of a mirror or record yourself. Even thinking through answers to potential questions in German while in the shower or on the bus can help, oddly enough. The goal is to reach a point where discussing your IRP topic in German feels almost second-nature. You know your content so well that you could talk about it all day – the exam is just a structured opportunity to do so for 10 minutes. The more you practice speaking about it, the more spontaneous you will actually sound, because you’ll be used to explaining things in different ways.

• Don’t memorise, but do memorise (selectively): This sounds contradictory, but here’s what it means: Don’t memorise full answers; do memorise useful vocabulary. Ensure you have at your command the key German terms related to your topic, as well as some high-level vocabulary or phrases that might impress. For example, if your topic is the Bauhaus movement, you should comfortably know words like “Gestaltung” (design), “Architektur”, “Kunstbewegung”, etc., as well as important names and titles in German. Memorize any tricky dates, names or figures that you plan to cite. Also, memorise your opening lines of the presentation and perhaps your concluding line, since those are the ones you want to deliver perfectly. For the Q&A, memorise perhaps the structure of a few answers – like the logical flow of points – but not a verbatim script. This way, you’re prepared but still flexible.

• Show off your German skills: During the discussion, it’s not just about what you know – it’s also about how you communicate. So seize opportunities to demonstrate advanced speaking skills. Use varied sentence structures (throw in a relative clause or a passive where appropriate). If you can use subjunctive or conditional when hypothesizing (e.g. “Hätte die DDR die Wende nicht erlebt, dann …”), that’s fantastic. Use connectors to make your speech cohesive (“Allerdings”, “Trotzdem”, “Zum Beispiel”). Also, respond naturally to the examiner: it’s okay to show a bit of reaction like “Das stimmt” (that’s true) or “Interessant, darüber habe ich noch nicht nachgedacht” in response to a question, as long as you then attempt an answer. It will feel more like a real conversation. And of course, aim for good pronunciation and clarity. If you’ve practised, this should be fine – speak clearly, not too fast, and enunciate German sounds (like those Umlaute ä, ö, ü) as well as you can. Small slips are okay; just correct yourself briefly if you make an obvious mistake (self-correction shows presence of mind).

• Be mindful of timing: The examiner is keeping track of the time and will wrap up the exam once the allotted minutes are done. You don’t have to do this, but you should be aware not to launch into an extremely long story when the exam is almost over. Typically, they will ensure they’ve covered all your headings with at least one question each. If time is nearly up and there’s something you really wanted to mention but haven’t had the chance, sometimes the examiner will ask at the end if there’s anything else you’d like to add (especially if the conversation has stalled). If you get that opportunity and you have a great nugget of information you prepared but didn’t discuss, go for it briefly. Otherwise, it’s okay to say "Ich glaube, wir haben alles Wichtige besprochen, danke."

Finally, remember that the Q&A is where you can truly shine as a fluent speaker. It’s normal to be a bit nervous, but try to embrace it as a conversation about something you’re now an expert in. You want to show off what you learned. When well prepared, many students actually enjoy this part the most – it’s a chance to engage in an intelligent discussion in German, almost like you would in university. Examiners often appreciate when students lead the conversation a bit with interesting points (it makes their job more enjoyable too!). So be confident: you’ve researched your topic inside-out, you’ve thought about the questions, and you’re ready to have a chat about it.

Top tip: In your prep, it may help to practice with someone knowledgeable, like an experienced tutor. One-to-one practice sessions with an A-level German tutor can provide invaluable feedback and realistic mock questions. A tutor can pinpoint areas where you need more vocabulary or where your answers could dig deeper, and help you practice staying spontaneous. (At Olesen Tuition, for instance, tutors often conduct mock IRP orals to build student confidence.) Working with a supportive expert can simulate the pressure of the real exam and make the actual day feel much easier by comparison.

Final Tips and Common Pitfalls

As you finalise your preparation for the A-level German IRP, keep in mind these final pieces of advice and be wary of common pitfalls that many students encounter:

Final Tips for Success:

• Stick closely to your IRP plan: Base everything on your approved headings and the content you prepared – they are your roadmap during the exam. By staying within those boundaries, you ensure the discussion remains in familiar territory and you won’t be caught off-guard.

• Build your argument on evidence: Examiners are impressed by facts and examples, so whenever possible, support your statements with something concrete from your research (a statistic, a historical event, a quote). This shows depth of knowledge. Avoid making claims that you can’t back up. Even in your opinions, referencing evidence (“Meiner Meinung nach war die Wiedervereinigung erfolgreich, weil die Arbeitslosigkeit sich halbiert hat in den folgenden 10 Jahren.”) makes your argument stronger.

• Demonstrate spontaneity and fluency: Engage with the examiner’s questions naturally. Use interactive phrases (like acknowledging a point or subtly correcting a misunderstanding). The speaking mark schemes typically reward spontaneity – the ability to speak unrehearsed and maintain a flow. So, even though you have prepared, aim to sound as if you’re formulating thoughts in real time (to a degree). A fluent conversation with good back-and-forth is the ideal outcome.

• Practice under exam conditions: By the time of the exam, you should have done multiple full run-throughs – from delivering your 2-minute presentation to answering 8-10 minutes of questions without stopping. Time these sessions. This helps build stamina and confidence. If possible, record one of your practice runs; listening back can be eye-opening to catch where you hesitate or if your speech is clear. Also practice in front of someone who can give you feedback on both content and language. The more you simulate the exam, the less intimidating it will feel on the day.

• Mind the details: Small things can make a difference. For example, make sure you know the correct pronunciation of key German names/words in your topic (if you mispronounce “Bauhaus” or “Chemnitz” consistently, it can be jarring). Also, double-check any numbers or facts you plan to mention – accuracy matters. If you say “in den 80er Jahren” but it was actually 1991, that could lead to confusion. Having a few dates or figures slightly off isn’t the end of the world, but try to be precise where you can.

• Take care of yourself before the exam: Get a good night’s sleep, eat a little something for energy, and do some light warm-up speaking in the morning (even just talking to yourself or doing tongue twisters in German) to get your brain in gear. Anxiety can affect fluency, so employ some relaxation techniques if you feel very nervous (deep breathing, positive visualisation of success, etc.). Remember that the examiners are not there to trip you up; they want you to do well. They will normally smile and nod, and give you a chance to correct yourself if you make a minor mistake. So approach the exam with a confident mindset: you are about to teach the examiner something interesting for 10 minutes!

• Highlight your passion and knowledge: Let your interest in the topic shine through. If you sound engaged and enthusiastic (even just through tone of voice or choice of words), it makes a great impression. You are essentially the “expert” on your chosen project in that exam room – after all, you’ve spent considerable time researching it. Embrace that role. If you have put in the work, you can be confident that you likely know far more about your specific topic than the examiner does, which can be empowering. Share your insights proudly.

• Have a clear closure: If the examiner indicates the exam is ending, end on a polite and positive note. You might not have control over this, but if given the chance, a final statement like "Vielen Dank, dass ich mein Thema vorstellen durfte" or simply a smile and “Danke schön” at the end of the speaking test leaves a good final impression. It shows you handled the exam with poise and courtesy.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid:

• Procrastinating on the IRP: Because the IRP is an independent project, some students delay getting started. This is dangerous – a rushed IRP leads to superficial research and panicked memorisation. Avoid the trap of last-minute preparation. Start early, pick your topic in advance, and work on it steadily (e.g. dedicate an hour or two each week to IRP research throughout the term). Spreading out the work will make it more manageable and actually more enjoyable.

• Choosing a topic you’re not truly interested in: Sometimes students pick something because it “sounds impressive” rather than something they love. This often backfires – you might find it tedious to research, or struggle to speak about it with enthusiasm. Don’t choose a topic just because you think it’s what examiners want to hear. They don’t have preconceptions of a “right” topic. It’s much better to pick, say, a niche music genre you genuinely enjoy than a high-brow historical topic you actually find boring. Interest shows in your voice and depth of research.

• Being too generic or broad: A pitfall is not narrowing your focus enough. If your presentation is very generic, the examiner’s questions might go in unpredictable directions. For example, if you say "Ich habe über die deutsche Geschichte recherchiert…" without specifying, you could be asked about literally anything in German history. Instead, make sure your project has a sharp focus (e.g. "die Wirtschaftswunder-Jahre in Westdeutschland 1950-60") so the scope of questions is limited and you appear knowledgeable. Vague projects tend to score lower because they lack depth.

• Over-reliance on memorisation: We’ve emphasised this, but it’s worth repeating: do not script every answer and memorise it word-for-word. One, it’s obvious to the examiner when an answer is pre-learned (the intonation and pacing often give it away). Two, if you forget a line or the question is phrased differently, your memory can freeze, leading to awkward pauses. And three, you risk not actually listening to the question because you’re too busy recalling your script. Instead, memorise bullet points and terminology, and practice improvising around those points. This way, you’ll sound more spontaneous and fluent, which is exactly what the examiners want.

• Insufficient German practice: Some students do a lot of reading and writing for the IRP, but not enough speaking in German about it. Then they freeze up in the oral exam despite knowing their stuff. To avoid this, speak regularly as part of your prep. Even if it’s talking to yourself, articulating thoughts in German helps transfer passive knowledge into active ability. It’s a pitfall to assume “I’ll be fine on the day because I wrote a great script” – you need to speak it out loud many times beforehand.

• Ignoring feedback or not seeking help: The IRP is independent, but that doesn’t mean you can’t seek guidance. A pitfall is working in a bubble and not having anyone listen to your presentation or mock Q&A until the real exam. Try to get feedback from a teacher or tutor on your project idea, on your presentation draft, and even do a trial run of the speaking. They might catch errors or give suggestions that improve your performance. If you’re enrolled in A-level German tuition or a revision course, make use of that support – for example, Olesen Tuition offers one-to-one IRP preparation and intensive revision courses where an expert can coach you on fine-tuning your content and delivery. Don’t hesitate to use such resources (they can be a game-changer in boosting your confidence and polishing your skills).

• Information overload: Another common issue is trying to include too much information. Remember, quality over quantity. If you overstuff your presentation, you’ll speak too fast or run out of time. If you over-research without focusing, you might confuse yourself or stray off topic. Be selective with what you include in the exam itself – stick to key points that support your analysis. All that extra research you did is great for making you an expert (and to draw on in Q&A if needed), but you don’t have to say it all. Avoid the pitfall of turning your presentation into a data dump.

• Weak pronunciation or intonation due to nerves: It’s natural to be nervous, but be mindful that if you whisper or rush, it can be hard for the examiner to catch what you’re saying, and they can only mark what they hear clearly. One pitfall is forgetting to articulate because you’re anxious. Combat this by practising with a focus on pronunciation and maybe doing some breathing exercises before the exam for calmness. Speak up, speak clearly, and if you make a mistake, just correct it and continue – don’t dwell on it.

• Not managing the conversation flow: Some students either clam up (short answers that force the examiner to do all the work) or go on monologues (not letting the examiner get a word in). Either extreme can hurt your interaction score. Aim for a balanced conversation. If you realise you answered a question too briefly and the examiner is looking at you expectantly, try to add more detail to avoid awkward silence. Conversely, if you find yourself talking for over a minute straight in the discussion, it might be time to pause and let them ask a follow-up. Being aware of the flow will make it feel more natural.

By keeping these tips in mind and avoiding the pitfalls, you put yourself in an excellent position to score highly on the IRP. This project is as much about strategy and preparation as it is about language ability. If you’ve done the work – chosen a topic wisely, researched diligently, prepared a structured presentation, and practised speaking – you should trust in your preparation and go into the exam room with confidence.

Final thought: The IRP is a chance to enjoy using your German to talk about something that matters to you. It can actually be fun to impress the examiner with your knowledge and to have a meaningful conversation in a foreign language. It’s a unique experience in academic exams – almost like a mini academic defence, but in German! Embrace it as a challenge and a learning experience. When results day comes, you’ll not only have a great score (hopefully), but also the satisfaction that you became a young expert on your chosen topic and discussed it in fluent German – a real achievement.

Viel Erfolg beim IRP – best of luck with your IRP! Du schaffst das! (You’ve got this!)

(And remember, if you ever need guidance along the way – from refining your topic to practising speaking – Olesen Tuition’s A-level German tutors are here to help, whether through one-on-one coaching or dedicated revision courses. Sometimes a bit of expert support can make all the difference in achieving those top A results.)*

On our blog, you'll find helpful posts on all of the A-level German papers, such as how to get an A* in the A-level speaking exam more generally, how to write excellent A-level German essays, A-level German revision guides on Goodbye Lenin, Das Leben der Anderen, Der Besuch der alten Dame and Der Vorleser.

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