More tips for the oral exams

Next week you'll have to do your oral exams. Probably you are already getting prepared for it but I'd like to give you some ideas to make it easier.

 

• Try to listen to some English everyday (music, news, films, radio, etc.); pay attention to the pronunciation and try to imitate some parts of the texts. Some songs are fantastic!

 

• Prepare different topics but don’t attempt to memorize everything because the moment you forget a word, then you’ll get stuck. Repeat the speech some times, making changes and trying to improve what you didn’t do well the previous time. If you know very well what you’re talking about, you won’t have any problem to improvise in case it’s necessary.

 

• Prepare some new vocabulary for each topic and use some of the new structures you studied this course. It will be a positive!

 

• Record your speech and listen to it later. Make sure you spot the mistakes and write them down. Next time you record it, pay special attention to these mistakes.

 

• Check the pronunciation of the words you don’t know. Don’t trust your logics. Remember that pronunciation rules in English have nothing to do with the Spanish ones.

 

• If you have a very strong Spanish accent, try to imitate Spanish people mocking English accent. It works!

 

• Don't speak too fast and pay attention not only to the right pronunciation but also to the accuracy: speak correctly. The exam is NOT a speed competition.

 

• For the individual topic you have just about 2 minutes to plan it and you'll have to speak about 4-5'. You should start with a brief introduction about the topic chosen, then only the ideas they propose (no time for more) and then a good conclusion. Connect the different parts with appropriate connectors and make sure you have covered all the points given.

 

• As for the dialogue you have to keep  a "spontaneous and natural" conversation with your partner for about 6-7 minutes. Use the techniques you have learnt to agree or disagree; interrupt each other in a polite way; express your point providing examples or supporting your partner's idea, etc. Don't do individual speeches because that's not the aim of the exercise. Just hold a discussion for some minutes.  

• Avoid repetitions of vocaburaly or structures. The more varied, the livelier.

 

• If possible, practise with your partner; it'll help you be more confident the day of the exam.

Keep calm and try to do your best. I'm sure you'll do a great job.
See you soon!