Paper 4 Oral Communication of the new O Level Syllabus 1184 consists of two thematically related sections. The duration of Paper 4 is approximately 20 minutes, including 10 minutes of preparation. Oral Component accounts for 20% of the total O Level English Paper.
Here are some tips to help you score well in your oral exam.
Acquire knowledge from numerous sources.
When students lack the necessary knowledge and comprehension of a topic, it will be difficult for them to compose deliberate and comprehensive responses. As a result, they may be unable to develop their concepts effectively or engage the Examiners meaningfully. This can negatively affect their examination performance.
Students can gain knowledge by reading widely and from a variety of sources. This may involve perusing books, periodicals, and articles. These sources provide comprehensive coverage of various subjects and can aid students in gaining a deeper understanding of those subjects. For instance, books can provide an exhaustive overview of the subject matter, whereas articles and periodicals can shed light on current events and recent advancements in a particular field.
Additionally, watching videos or documentaries can provide students with a visual representation of a topic, aiding their comprehension. This can be particularly beneficial for students who learn best visually. Those seeking a fresh viewpoint on a familiar topic can also benefit from viewing videos and documentaries.
Use personal experiences in elaboration.
Lack of elaboration is a common difficulty for students.
Students can overcome this issue by incorporating personal experiences into their responses. Using personal experiences can enhance the engagement and relatability of a response. This can be accomplished by using specific incidents or real-world examples to demonstrate the student’s comprehension of the topic. These personal experiences can also lend a distinct perspective to the response and help the student stand out from the competition.
When using personal experiences, it is essential to ensure that they are pertinent to the topic. Additionally, students should be able to articulate how they relate to the larger issue. In addition, it will be advantageous to use specific details and evocative language to bring the experience to life and make it more memorable for the Examiner (and earn more points!).
Practise, practise, practise!
Reading widely is insufficient preparation for the oral examination, nor is knowing that personal experiences should be included in the responses. To be truly effective, students must actively engage with the examination topics they will discuss. This implies that they must engage in critical thinking about a topic and evaluate a variety of perspectives and opinions. Additionally, they must be able to articulate their thoughts and ideas clearly and concisely. By practising the PEEL structure, students can organise their thoughts and establish a strong, well-supported response or argument.
Students can additionally practise with a companion or in front of a mirror. Students can better comprehend their delivery and acquire confidence in their ability to speak in front of others through this activity. Students can receive feedback on their speaking skills and make the necessary modifications to enhance their performance through this method of practice. The more they practice, the more confident they will feel during the actual examination. This can result in a more fruitful performance and an improved outcome overall.
Practise under exam conditions.
Practising is undoubtedly an effective method for preparing for the oral exam; however, students must ensure that they simulate exam conditions during practice. Similar to taking practice exams, students can pace themselves and practise under similar conditions. This includes setting a timer during practice sessions, particularly during the 10-minute preparation period and the 2-minute limit for Planned Response. This will help them become more familiar with the time constraints of the actual exam by simulating its conditions. It will also give them the confidence required to perform well on the exam.
