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Exam advice: speaking
About the exam
Preparing for the exam
In the exam
What the markers are looking for
About the exam
The speaking section of the exam is worth 20 marks.
The examination consists of a general conversation between the student and the examiner. The conversation will be on topics relating to your personal world, e.g. your life, family and friends, interests and aspirations.
You will be required to demonstrate your ability to carry out an effective conversation in Chinese.
Preparing for the exam
The best way to prepare for the exam is to practise. Take every opportunity to speak in Chinese in a variety of contexts.
Make sure that you familiarise yourself with all the topics listed under the theme The Individual in the syllabus.
Familiarise yourself with phrases and structures that are used regularly in a conversation. Draw up a list of useful vocabulary and structures for each topic.
Draw up a list of possible questions you may be asked during a conversation on each topic and practise giving answers to these questions.
In the exam
Feel confident when you go in for your exam.
Try to carry out a conversation in Chinese with the examiner to the best of your ability.
If you do not understand a question asked, do not be afraid to ask for it to be repeated.
If you do not know a key word, use another word or paraphrase to maintain the flow of your conversation.
If you cannot remember a phrase, or some specific information, change it to something else that you know. Do not get stuck on phrase(s) or information that you cannot recall.
Make your delivery convincing. Use appropriate intonation, emphasis and correct pronunciation.
Give as much information as you can for every question asked.
What the markers are looking for
The markers will take into account the extent to which you demonstrate:
- capacity to maintain a conversation (comprehension, communication strategies)
- relevance and depth of treatment of information, opinions, comment
- clarity of expression (pronunciation, intonation, stress)
- accuracy of vocabulary and sentence structures
- variety and appropriateness of vocabulary and sentence structures
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