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Home > Italian > Continuers' Course > How to Approach the Exam > Advice > How to approach the exam: speaking

Preparing for the exam
In the exam
What the markers are looking for

 

Preparing for the exam

The best way to prepare for the exam is to listen to and speak Italian as much as possible. You have had lots of practice in class, speaking to both your teacher and your fellow students.

You should also get into the habit of taping your conversations under exam conditions. When you replay the tape you will be able to identify which aspects of your speaking skills require further attention e.g. intonation, sentence structure, variety of vocabulary etc.

To assist in your preparation for the exam make a summary of key words and phrases for each syllabus topic and sub-topic. Revise these lists regularly and try to incorporate some of the words and phrases into your responses. You may wish to use the speaking tasks on this web site to practise. For practice you may wish to listen to the questions asked and respond to them before viewing the scripts.

Remember that in this exam you must exchange information and opinions in response to the questions asked by the examiner. Because this is a two-way process you will need to understand the questions asked by the examiner. The best way to prepare yourself for this is to listen to Italian as much as possible. See preparing for the listening and responding exam.

In the exam

Remember that the speaking skills exam is your opportunity to display your full range of vocabulary and knowledge of Italian language structures and your ability to adapt this knowledge to different situations. The conversation will be about your personal world, for example, your life, family and friends, interests and aspirations.

This is the only chance the examiners have to assess how well you speak. You can certainly learn from past performances and past errors, but you must demonstrate the full extent of your knowledge and understanding in this section of the exam.

Keep in mind the following points.

• If you do not understand something said by the examiner you may ask for clarification. It is better to ask in Italian.
  
  
• You cannot use a dictionary in the speaking exam.
  
  
• You cannot make any written notes in the speaking exam.
  
  
• Speak clearly and try to sound confident!
  
  
• Don't spend time worrying over mistakes. It will tend to interrupt the flow of your answer. However if you do realise a mistake you can easily correct yourself.
  
  
• Communication is the main purpose. There are many ways of expressing the same idea. However, if you say nothing, no communication is achieved.
  
  
• Make your delivery sound convincing. Use appropriate intonation, emphasis and correct pronunciation.
  
  
• Make sure that your responses are appropriate to the questions asked.
  
  
• Use the appropriate form of address to the examiner, i.e. use language appropriate to the audience.
  
  
• Do not learn prepared answers by heart and recite them regardless of the question asked by the examiner.

What the markers are looking for

• Understanding of the questions asked by the examiner.
  
  
• Ability to respond and use a range of strategies to maintain communication.
  
  
• Ability to respond to questions and sustain conversation in a relevant way.
  
  
• Fluency, ability to maintain a good language flow. Try to maintain a consistent pace without pausing for too long.
  
  
• Accuracy of language e.g. correct word order etc.
  
  
• Ability to use an appropriate level of language for context, purpose and audience.
  
  
• Range and variety of vocabulary and language structures.
  
  
• Accuracy of pronunciation and intonation.
  
  
• Ability to structure, sequence and develop ideas and opinions.
  
  
• Socio-cultural knowledge and appropriateness.