Tackling Primary School Oral Examination

Contrary to the belief that oral exam is only reading, here are some details going into oral examination.

ORAL EXAMINATION > 15 MARKS

Section 1 : Reading Aloud ( 5 marks )

What the testers will be observing...

• PRONUNCIATION
  • A way in which words are pronounced in reference to the correct manner
• ARTICULATION
  • An ability to express fluently and coherently (in speech)
  • Ensure separate sounds and words are clear
• RHYTHM
  • Measure flow of words; well paced
• FLUENCY
  • Quick... easy... and flowing expression; not to fast and not too slow
• EXPRESSIVENESS
  • Expressing words and phrases with quality intonation of voice
  • Ability to use appropriate pitch to convey ideas and feelings

Section 2 : Picture Discussion ( 5 marks )

What the testers will be observing...

• ABILITY TO TALK ON A GIVEN PICTURE
  • Giving an introduction...
  • Good Morning, Teacher... (Not Good Morning 'Cher...)
  • This picture shows a... OR
  • This picture depicts a scene from a ...
  • ... restaurant, a mall, a library, a canteen (etc)
• Tips:
  • Try to talk about the picture, from a sweeping glance from left to right
    • On my left... there are two cyclists cycling along the path...
    • Behind them... are two children on tricycles...
  • Proper use of prepositions follows on throughout the picture discussion
    • For example, beside the girl or above them or in between the trees (etc)
  • DO NOT point to the pictures.
  • ALWAYS USE present tense.
  • AVOID using "I see..." (some testers deduct marks for this...)

Section 3: Conversation ( 5 marks )

What the testers will be observing...

• ENGAGEMENT IN CONVERSATION
  • Ability to interact with the tester with personal responses to a given topic.
  • Almost (usually) the picture given will be similar to the one in Section 2
  • Not really so much of right or wrong context here but more to be able to handle a meaningful and nonchalant conversation with the tester on the picture given.
• Example..
  • This is a picture of a clinic.
  • There are many patients waiting outside at the reception area.
  • I go to a clinic with my parents when I fall ill.
  • The doctor will check all his patients in the doctor's room.
  • ... and so o

The above is to share a sample page from a book i bought for my children, to aid in the preparation for oral examination. It is easily available at your nearest Popular bookstore. I highly recommend it. Easy to understand pictures and provides good oral passage reading practise. Plus questions (for parents to help prompt) on picture discussion, when the child is seemingly stuck ie. don't know what else to say... Unfortunately, i forgot to upload the book's cover. Wait up, ya. I'll do it in the afternoon, after my owl day snooze...

Cheerios.