The "Secret" to a Successful English Oral Exam

The oral exam is one of the mandatory requirements in the process of assessing English courses at Dai Nam University. Although the exam only lasts 5-7 minutes, it is one of the challenges for most students, and for many students, it is the part of the exam that scares them the most. The following article will give you some suggestions so that you can prepare best to be confident during the English oral exam.

• Listen to English as much as possible. Listening a lot will help you improve your speaking ability. You can listen to songs, movies, TV series, short videos.
• Speak English in class. If you speak English regularly in class, you will find the English speaking test easier.
• Speak slowly. Before you speak, think carefully about what you are going to say and speak more slowly than usual.
• Use words and phrases that you are sure are correct.
• If you don't know a word, think of another way to say what you want to say. For example, if you know the word “expensive,” but can't remember the word “cheap,” you could say:
  It's not expensive.
  It's a good price.
  It's not a lot of money.
• Listen to yourself as you speak. If you hear a mistake, correct it. Even native speakers make mistakes and correct them all the time.
• Look at the examiner's face and eyes as you speak to see if they understand you. If not, rephrase your statement.
• If you don't ask the question the examiner asks, don't be afraid to ask them again.
• “Could you repeat that, please?”
• Always say something, don't just say “Yes” or “No”. Explain your answer with a reason.

For example: Yes, I agree because…

• If you can choose a topic or question, choose one you know.
• Speak clearly so that the examiner can hear you. If you find this difficult, practice with a friend. Stand at opposite ends of a room and talk to each other in English. Or talk to each other in English on your computer.
• What can you do to prepare for the exam? Ask your teacher. For example, questions about personal information. Prepare what to say at home and practice with a friend, in front of a mirror, or record yourself on your phone or computer.
• This is your chance to show the examiner what you know. Use the best language and pronunciation you can.
• Remember that everyone gets nervous during exams. So take a deep breath before the exam and try to relax.

(Compiled from https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org)

Faculty of Foreign Languages - Dai Nam University