Talking the talk will get exam students through their orals
WITH the pre-leaving cert exams now a distant memory, the focus for students has now turned to the oral exams, with Irish first-up next Monday.
Given that the Irish oral is worth 40% of a student’s final overall mark, Eoghan Long of the Mallow Tuition Centre told The Corkman it was important that they know exactly how to maximise their marks.
“The key to success in the orals is recognising how they are structured and knowing how to use this to give yourself the best opportunity. Our oral examiner has put together a check list for students that they can follow to help achieve the best results,” said Eoghan.
He said exam is worth a total of 240 marks, with five-marks available for the An Fáiltíu (introduction) where students give their basic details.
“The Léamh Filíochta (Poetry Reading) is worth 35-marks. This is a test of pronunciation, rhythm of speech and understanding of the poem, so it is crucial they practise reading these poems aloud on a regular basis,” said Eoghan.
“For the Picture Series, worth 80-marks, students will be asked to pick at random one Sraith Pictiúr. It’s essential they rehearse these and know them inside out. Students should learn off as many phrases as possible as it will make them more comfortable during the exam.”
He said the key to success in the Conversation element of the exam, which is worth 120-marks, is to “smile, use eye contact and speak as if you were talking to a friend.”
Eoghan said their oral examiner had also put together a lost of ‘ top-tips’,, with the words ‘practise, practise practise’ coming at the top of the list.
“Speak as much Irish as you can with your friends and family and record yourself practising the Sraith Pictiúr and Léamh Filíochta and listen back to the recording to improve your pronunciation,” said Eoghan
“The more you do then the more comfortable you’ll be during the exam and when in the exam, talk slowly, loudly and clearly,” he added.
Other handy tips include revising tenses and including the Modh Conníollach, Briathar Saor and Seanfhocal in the Sraith Pictiúr and the general conversation.
Eoghan said a key thing to keep in mind is not to panic, even if you stumble over a word or phrase.
“Just correct yourself and keep going, it shows teh examiner you are aware of your mistake. Keep talking and don’t wait for the examiner to ask you questions, offer the information so you can steer conversation in a direction that suits you,” said Eoghan.
“Finally, and perhaps most importantly, be confident that the work is done and relax going into the exam. Remember the examiner wants you to do well and is trying to give you marks,” he concluded.