Section B · Set Phrase Performance
Practice & Self-Test
Skill Snap, timed exam practice, and your final Section B self-assessment
What you'll learn
- Sort all 20+ performance skills into the correct categories instantly
- Practise writing full exam answers against the clock
- Self-assess your answers against the AQA marking ladder
- Identify the areas you still need to review before the exam
You've worked through all five skill areas — now it's time to put everything together under exam conditions. This page has two challenges: Skill Snap, a fast-fire sorting game to drill your category knowledge, and Exam Countdown, where you write real timed answers and self-assess them against the marking ladder. This is as close to the real exam as it gets — use it well.
Activity 1: Skill Snap
20 performance skills. One at a time. You have 5 seconds to sort each into its correct category. Miss the timer and it counts as wrong. Can you go clear?
⚡ Skill Snap
20 skills. 5 seconds each. Sort each one into Physical, Expressive, Technical, Mental, or Safe Practice. Speed and accuracy both count.
The AQA Marking Ladder
Keep this in mind when self-assessing your Exam Countdown answers below.
L3
5–6
5–6
Detailed and explained. Names 3–4 skills with specific moments from Shift or Breathe and clear reasons why each skill was important or challenging. Uses accurate performance vocabulary throughout.
L2
3–4
3–4
Some detail. Names 2–3 skills, references some moments from the phrase but explanation is limited — the "why" is vague or absent for at least one skill.
L1
1–2
1–2
Basic. Names skills only — no specific moments from the phrase, no explanation of why they were important or tested.
0
No relevant content.
Activity 2: Exam Countdown
Two practice questions from past papers. Set the timer, write your answer, then self-assess against the checklist. Write on paper first if you prefer — then type your answer in to check it.
🕐 Practice Question 1
8:00
6 marks — allow 8 minutes
Explain how you used physical skills in your performance of the AQA set phrase.
📋 Self-Assessment Checklist — Physical Skills
Tick every box that applies to your answer. Be honest!
Your self-assessed score: —
🕐 Practice Question 2
8:00
6 marks — allow 8 minutes
Explain how you used expressive skills in your performance of the AQA set phrase.
📋 Self-Assessment Checklist — Expressive Skills
Tick every box that applies to your answer. Be honest!
Your self-assessed score: —
Exam tip: always name the phrase first
Every Section B answer must begin with "I performed the AQA set phrase Shift/Breathe." Skipping this wastes the examiner's time and makes your answer feel generic. It takes three seconds and signals immediately that you know what you're writing about.
🗂️ Section B — Final Review: 6 Key Reminders
Start every answer"I performed the AQA set phrase Shift/Breathe." — no exceptions.
L3 structureName the skill → specific moment (bar, count, movement) → why it was important or tested.
3–4 skillsFor 6 marks you need 3–4 skills, each with evidence and explanation. Not a list.
Spatial awarenessExpressive skill, not physical. This is the most common category mix-up in exams.
Physiological languageFor safe practice: "DOMS", "heart rate to resting state", "blood flow" — vague language doesn't reach L3.
No musicSet phrases are performed to metronome only. Never reference music or musicality in your answer.