AQA A-LEVEL SPANISH PAPER 1 Actual Exam
2026/2027 – Complete Questions and Answers
with Detailed Rationales – Pass Guaranteed -
A+ Graded
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SECTION 1: LISTENING – SOCIAL ISSUES & TRENDS Q1 – Q9
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Question 1 of 50
You are listening to a radio interview with a 22-year-old university student from Madrid
named Lucía, who is discussing the challenges young people face when trying to rent
their first flat in the city centre. She mentions that she has been searching for three
months and has attended over twenty viewings. What is the main reason Lucía gives for
the difficulty she is experiencing?
A. Landlords frequently demand excessive guarantees and upfront payments that most
students cannot afford. ✓ CORRECT
B. The student population in Madrid has decreased significantly over the past five years.
C. Most young people prefer to live in shared houses rather than renting alone.
D. The public transport system makes commuting from the suburbs unreliable and
expensive.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lucía explicitly criticizes the financial barriers imposed by landlords, such as
requiring several months' rent in advance and parental guarantees, which are beyond
the means of most students. Option B contradicts the interview, as she actually notes
that demand has increased. Option C is incorrect because she expresses a desire to live
independently, not in shared accommodation.
,Question 2 of 50
You hear a podcast episode featuring a sociologist from Barcelona analysing the
decline in traditional family meals among Spanish households. She presents data from
a recent study involving 500 families across Catalonia. According to the sociologist,
what is the primary cause of this decline?
A. The rising cost of fresh food in Spanish supermarkets has made home cooking
unaffordable.
B. Inconsistent work schedules and longer commuting times prevent family members
from eating together. ✓ CORRECT
C. Spanish families have lost interest in traditional cuisine and prefer fast food
restaurants.
D. Schools now provide evening meals, reducing the need for families to cook at home.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The sociologist identifies fragmented work patterns and extended commutes
as the key factor disrupting the traditional horario de comida. Option A is tempting
because food prices are mentioned, but only as a secondary concern. Option C
misrepresents her argument, as she stresses that families still value traditional meals
when they can share them.
Question 3 of 50
You are listening to a news report about a new government initiative in Andalucía aimed
at reducing youth unemployment. The report includes interviews with a 19-year-old
apprentice named Manuel and his employer. What does Manuel identify as the most
valuable aspect of the programme?
A. The financial bonus he receives at the end of each month for perfect attendance.
B. The opportunity to study at university without paying tuition fees.
C. The combination of practical workplace experience with formal vocational
qualifications. ✓ CORRECT
D. The guarantee of a permanent contract with the same company after six months.
,Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Manuel emphasizes that the dual training model allows him to apply
classroom theory directly in a real work environment, which he finds far more engaging
than studying alone. Option A is incorrect because no attendance bonus is mentioned.
Option D is incorrect because the report explicitly states that permanent contracts are
not guaranteed.
Question 4 of 50
You hear a radio discussion about the impact of tourism on local communities in the
Canary Islands. A resident named Rosa, aged 45, describes how her neighbourhood in
Tenerife has changed over the past decade. What is Rosa's main concern regarding the
effects of tourism?
A. The increase in crime rates linked to tourist nightlife in the area.
B. The closure of traditional shops that have been replaced by souvenir stalls.
C. The noise from late-night bars and clubs disturbing residents' sleep.
D. The rising cost of housing that has forced many local families to move inland. ✓
CORRECT
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rosa focuses on the gentrification of her neighbourhood, explaining that
property prices have risen so sharply that young local families can no longer afford to
live there. Option B is mentioned briefly but is not her primary concern. Option C
describes a common issue in tourist areas but is not discussed in this particular
interview.
Question 5 of 50
You are listening to a recorded conversation between two friends, Elena and Carlos,
discussing their experiences with social media. Elena, 17, admits to spending over four
, hours a day on her phone. What conclusion does Carlos draw about the effect of social
media on their generation?
A. It creates unrealistic expectations about lifestyle and appearance that affect
self-esteem. ✓ CORRECT
B. It has completely replaced face-to-face friendships among young people in Spain.
C. It provides better educational resources than schools can offer.
D. It is the most effective way to organise political protests and demonstrations.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Carlos argues that constant exposure to curated images of other people's
lives leads to unhealthy comparisons and anxiety about one's own appearance and
achievements. Option B is too extreme; he acknowledges that offline friendships still
exist. Option D is not discussed in their conversation.
Question 6 of 50
You hear a documentary segment about the ageing population in rural Galicia. An
82-year-old farmer named Don Ramón talks about life in his village, where most young
people have left for the cities. What solution does Don Ramón propose to address the
problem of rural depopulation?
A. Building a large shopping centre to attract tourists and create jobs.
B. Offering incentives for young families to return, such as affordable housing and
agricultural grants. ✓ CORRECT
C. Closing the local school and transporting children to the nearest town.
D. Increasing taxes on urban properties to discourage city living.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Don Ramón argues that without practical support for housing and farming,
young people will continue to leave regardless of emotional attachment to the village.
Option A contradicts his values, as he fears tourism would destroy the traditional
2026/2027 – Complete Questions and Answers
with Detailed Rationales – Pass Guaranteed -
A+ Graded
══════════════════════════════════════
SECTION 1: LISTENING – SOCIAL ISSUES & TRENDS Q1 – Q9
══════════════════════════════════════
Question 1 of 50
You are listening to a radio interview with a 22-year-old university student from Madrid
named Lucía, who is discussing the challenges young people face when trying to rent
their first flat in the city centre. She mentions that she has been searching for three
months and has attended over twenty viewings. What is the main reason Lucía gives for
the difficulty she is experiencing?
A. Landlords frequently demand excessive guarantees and upfront payments that most
students cannot afford. ✓ CORRECT
B. The student population in Madrid has decreased significantly over the past five years.
C. Most young people prefer to live in shared houses rather than renting alone.
D. The public transport system makes commuting from the suburbs unreliable and
expensive.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lucía explicitly criticizes the financial barriers imposed by landlords, such as
requiring several months' rent in advance and parental guarantees, which are beyond
the means of most students. Option B contradicts the interview, as she actually notes
that demand has increased. Option C is incorrect because she expresses a desire to live
independently, not in shared accommodation.
,Question 2 of 50
You hear a podcast episode featuring a sociologist from Barcelona analysing the
decline in traditional family meals among Spanish households. She presents data from
a recent study involving 500 families across Catalonia. According to the sociologist,
what is the primary cause of this decline?
A. The rising cost of fresh food in Spanish supermarkets has made home cooking
unaffordable.
B. Inconsistent work schedules and longer commuting times prevent family members
from eating together. ✓ CORRECT
C. Spanish families have lost interest in traditional cuisine and prefer fast food
restaurants.
D. Schools now provide evening meals, reducing the need for families to cook at home.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The sociologist identifies fragmented work patterns and extended commutes
as the key factor disrupting the traditional horario de comida. Option A is tempting
because food prices are mentioned, but only as a secondary concern. Option C
misrepresents her argument, as she stresses that families still value traditional meals
when they can share them.
Question 3 of 50
You are listening to a news report about a new government initiative in Andalucía aimed
at reducing youth unemployment. The report includes interviews with a 19-year-old
apprentice named Manuel and his employer. What does Manuel identify as the most
valuable aspect of the programme?
A. The financial bonus he receives at the end of each month for perfect attendance.
B. The opportunity to study at university without paying tuition fees.
C. The combination of practical workplace experience with formal vocational
qualifications. ✓ CORRECT
D. The guarantee of a permanent contract with the same company after six months.
,Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Manuel emphasizes that the dual training model allows him to apply
classroom theory directly in a real work environment, which he finds far more engaging
than studying alone. Option A is incorrect because no attendance bonus is mentioned.
Option D is incorrect because the report explicitly states that permanent contracts are
not guaranteed.
Question 4 of 50
You hear a radio discussion about the impact of tourism on local communities in the
Canary Islands. A resident named Rosa, aged 45, describes how her neighbourhood in
Tenerife has changed over the past decade. What is Rosa's main concern regarding the
effects of tourism?
A. The increase in crime rates linked to tourist nightlife in the area.
B. The closure of traditional shops that have been replaced by souvenir stalls.
C. The noise from late-night bars and clubs disturbing residents' sleep.
D. The rising cost of housing that has forced many local families to move inland. ✓
CORRECT
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rosa focuses on the gentrification of her neighbourhood, explaining that
property prices have risen so sharply that young local families can no longer afford to
live there. Option B is mentioned briefly but is not her primary concern. Option C
describes a common issue in tourist areas but is not discussed in this particular
interview.
Question 5 of 50
You are listening to a recorded conversation between two friends, Elena and Carlos,
discussing their experiences with social media. Elena, 17, admits to spending over four
, hours a day on her phone. What conclusion does Carlos draw about the effect of social
media on their generation?
A. It creates unrealistic expectations about lifestyle and appearance that affect
self-esteem. ✓ CORRECT
B. It has completely replaced face-to-face friendships among young people in Spain.
C. It provides better educational resources than schools can offer.
D. It is the most effective way to organise political protests and demonstrations.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Carlos argues that constant exposure to curated images of other people's
lives leads to unhealthy comparisons and anxiety about one's own appearance and
achievements. Option B is too extreme; he acknowledges that offline friendships still
exist. Option D is not discussed in their conversation.
Question 6 of 50
You hear a documentary segment about the ageing population in rural Galicia. An
82-year-old farmer named Don Ramón talks about life in his village, where most young
people have left for the cities. What solution does Don Ramón propose to address the
problem of rural depopulation?
A. Building a large shopping centre to attract tourists and create jobs.
B. Offering incentives for young families to return, such as affordable housing and
agricultural grants. ✓ CORRECT
C. Closing the local school and transporting children to the nearest town.
D. Increasing taxes on urban properties to discourage city living.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Don Ramón argues that without practical support for housing and farming,
young people will continue to leave regardless of emotional attachment to the village.
Option A contradicts his values, as he fears tourism would destroy the traditional
