Okay, apologies for not writing for almost 2 years.
English (syllabus 1127) is a very important subject we take throughout our school days, and we need it to be able to communicate fluently with others, so here are some notes with regards to the oral examinations. This section consists of three different components -
reading aloud, picture discussion, and conversation. The total marks is 40, and takes up 20% of the whole subject.
Here are the objectives of the oral examination, based on the updated syllabus set by the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB) for those taking their 'O' levels in 2011,
#01. Reading aloud (12 marks) :
(i) Pronunciation and Articulation: read a passage with good pronunciation and clear articulation
(ii) Rhythm and Fluency: read with appropriate rhythm and stress to achieve a well-paced, fluent rendering of passage
(iii) Expressiveness: read with appropriate variation of pitch and tone in order to convey the information, ideas and feelings in a passage
#02. Picture Discussion (12 marks):
(i) Interpretation and explanation: interpret and explain the situations in the picture with supporting details.
(ii) Language: use a range of appropriate vocabulary and structures to complete the task
(iii) Coherence: develop ideas in a clear and coherent manner
4 easy steps to score in picture discussion -
1. Look at the location or surrounding environment: always choose the one which you can explain with evidences from the picture, example the attire or facilities.
2. Deduce what the people are doing and explain your answer.
3. Look at the faces of the people in the picture: Choose two of the most outstanding people in the picture and not only describe the physical appearance of these two people, but also describe their emotions and thinking based on the action. (Infer!)
4. Social Implications: What impacts would it have in the future? This can be said within 3 or 4 sentences. Example: active citizenship - take care of the less fortunate in the society and start young so that it becomes a habit as they grow up.. Develop in them a sense of compassion for fellow people.
#03. Conversation (16 marks):
(i) Personal Response: give a personal response to the theme of picture and the passage
(ii) Clarity of Expression: express himself/herself clearly and succinctly in a conversation using appropriate vocabulary and structures
(iii) Engagement in Conversation: discuss issues that arise with the Examiner stemming from the picture and the passage
Always take note for conversation, you are talking to a person, not making a speech. So use proper English, but at the same time, don't sound too formal, or it will not be a conversation and more like a speech.
From, weishi.