Exam oral question
Oral questions are normally found in language courses and allow you to respond directly to the examiner's questions or present a prepared statement or answers.
Preparation
- The preparation for oral questions is practically the same as for any other test: see phases of revision.
- Practise speaking full answers under the conditions you will face in the exam (try and match the physical conditions, equipment, and timing as closely as possible).
Strategies for answering questions
- Make and maintain eye contact with the different examiners (in most cases there will be more than one).
- Count to 10 before answering a question; the pause will give you time to think.
- Make sure you hear the question clearly; if you don't, ask for it to be repeated.
- If you don't understand the question, ask the examiners to rephrase it.
- Make sure you speak clearly and calmly; don't rush your answer, as the examiners must be able to understand what you are saying.