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How To Approach the Exam:
Listening
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 practise. Take every opportunity to listen to Italian in a variety of contexts.
You can listen to tapes which accompany course books, videos, past exam cassettes, Italian radio and SBS Italian news.
Don't be afraid to replay a section if you don't understand it. Remember that in the exam you will hear each item twice. Note down new words that are repeated - if you don't know the meaning, look them up in the dictionary.
Students often have difficulty understanding words that have been borrowed from English. If you hear a word you don't recognise, write it down and see if it resembles an English word.
Listen actively. Get into the habit of listening for gist and specific information. Practise making notes while listening.
Revise your lists of key words and phrases for each topic. Don't forget basics from earlier years.
Learn to recognise the context in which language is used and get the main idea before becoming lost in details.
Students who score the highest marks in this section are those who are well prepared in terms of vocabulary recognition and exam technique.
In the exam
- Read the question for each item before the text is
spoken on the tape. You can underline key words. Try to
predict what might be said.
- During the first reading try to understand the overall
message.
- Take notes in either Italian or English. Use the space
on the exam paper for notes.
- During the second reading try to catch any details you
missed the first time.
- After the second reading process all the information
and write your answer clearly. Include all relevant details
required to answer the question asked. Do not contradict
anything you have written earlier. Check that your answer
makes sense and avoid ambiguity in your answers.
- Be guided by the number of lines provided in the answer
spaces. This will give you an idea about the amount of
information to be included in each answer.
- If you have any spare time you can go back to an
earlier item but don't dwell on it. It is better to
prepare for the coming item rather than lose concentration
and get stuck on a previous item.
- At the end of the exam you can fill in any missing
details and make any changes. Don't leave anything out
- you cannot be given any marks for blank spaces. Attempt
all questions.
- Make sure that you write legibly. If you need to make
changes cross out - liquid paper takes too long to dry.
- Write your answers in blue or black pen. Do not use a pencil.
What the markers are looking for
Markers will use the listening and responding exam to assess how well you analyse, process and respond to spoken Italian.
You will be expected to identify:
- general information
- main points
- specific details.
You could be required to summarise and interpret information and justify your answer with reference to the spoken text.
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