TIPS FOR ACING AN ORAL EXAM

Here's a brief overview of the elements that will undoubtedly help you achieve the best possible grade on your English oral exam, in line with our expectations as English teachers for an oral presentation.

I) WHEN PRESENTING A DOCUMENT

For more details, see the article 'Survival English for the oral exam', published on February 16th, 2026 on this blog.

When presenting a document: present it in a personal and organized manner, demonstrating mastery of the subject, perspective, and tone, and ensuring the coherence of your presentation. Remember to look the examiner in the eye. Highlight the important points, relevant examples, and details. In summary, you can present your outline as follows:

a) Introduction: date and author of the document, then a general presentation of the topic, and finally an overview of the sections that will be covered in the body of your presentation.

b) Development: this part can be summarized in two parts: the first is an objective presentation of the document's content, and the second is a subjective presentation of your opinion on the document.

c) Conclusion: summarize the two parts of the presentation and, if necessary, expand on your conclusion by introducing a potentially relevant new context in the form of a question.

II) DURING YOUR INTERVIEW WITH THE EXAMINER

For more details, see the article 'How to keep 15' of presentation in front of a jury', published on July 31st, 2025 on this blog.

Argue clearly and don't hesitate to take the initiative and express your point of view. Avoid long silences that might lead the examiner to believe you are not fully in control of your presentation. Fill any silences by using English idioms to demonstrate your fluency. Be able to connect the document to other themes or elements of professional culture to support your arguments.

III) DEMONSTRATE GOOD GRAMMAR AND A BROAD VOCABULARY

For more details, see the article 'Expressions to know to succeed in your oral exam', published on August 1st, 2025 on this blog.

Speak at a brisk pace. Avoid errors that could lead to misunderstandings. Express yourself clearly. Memorize grammatical and lexical structures so you can use them perfectly in front of the examiner.

This preparation will enable you to obtain the best grades and to succeed brilliantly in your oral exams, whatever the subject.