Preparing for Oral...

Dear 3B,

your SA1 oral assessment will be coming in a few weeks' time.

It will consist of :

A. Reading (5m)

B. Picture Discussion (10m)

So, here are some tips for you to prepare for it...

(A) Reading

(You will be given a short passage to read. )

The first time you look at the passage, take your time to silently read through and understand the passage.

Following that,

1. Take note of PUNCTUATION - a comma means you should pause for a short while, while a full stop means there should be a longer pause.

   2. Take note of dialogues and the mood.

       For example,

      He asked patiently "Why didn't you do this?"

                               VS

      He screamed  "Why didn't you do this!"

    

    Although the dialogues are the same, the tone is not. So, understand the tone and expression and read it    accordingly.

When you START READING,

1. Voice Level (Loud enough for someone to hear you)

You may have practiced really well but if the examiner is not able to hear you, it's difficult to reward you for  your effort. So, be audible - be heard!

2. Read calmly and fluently.

    No one gets extra points for being the fastest to read!

Sometimes, when we read too fast, we start to skip words or add words that are not in the passage.

So, read patiently and pause at the appropriate moments.

2. Pronunciation

- Read each word CLEARLY. Do not "swallow" or mumble your way through.

- If you come across a word that is too long or difficult to read, Don't worry!

   BREAK IT DOWN into syllables and READ IT!

E.g.         "Integrity" - "In/ter/grity"

               "Innovation" - "In/no/va/tion"

3. Be expressive.

If I were to speak to you in the same tone (no expression, no emphasis on certain words, no "highs" and "lows" in my voice)  for even 15 minutes , most of you would doze off!

So, use your voice to show emotions and expressions APPROPRIATELY.

CAUTION : Do not go to the other extreme and start maintaining a HIGH voice for every word - it becomes too dramatic!

(B) Picture Discussion

(A picture will be given to you and you have to describe the picture and share your thoughts on it)

This is the first year that this is included in your oral. But fret not, I'm sure all of you will do a great job! Our school has come up with a good strategy to help you with your discussion and this strategy is known as the SPARES strategy!

• Setting - Where is this place? Elaborate
• People - Talk about the people in the picture and describe them.
• Action - Explain what the people are doing.
• Reason - Give a reason for their action.
• Emotion - Describe the emotion or feelings of the peopl. Explain why they are feeling this way.
• Suggest - Give your opinion on whether a situation in the picture is right or wrong.  Share what else can be done and how the situation can be improved.

Be organised when you are discussing your picture. State clearly which part of the picture you are talking about.

E.g In the centre of the picture,

      At the bottom right(-hand) corner...

      At the bottom left(-hand) corner...

      At the top left (-hand) corner...

      At the top right(- hand) corner ... 

Now... I know you are just raring to go and start practicing!

Go ahead to the Oral Buddy on our MConline portal and choose any practice and try it out. Ask your parents/siblings to give you feedback.

We'll be going through the strategies mentioned here in class as well- so if you are feeling lost, not to worry...

Your friends and I are here for you !

Enjoy your weekend!

Love,
Ms Priya :)