Speaking assessments Exam techniques
Some Level 3 Languages modules have speaking End of Module Assessments (EMAs).
The EMA is an individual interactive speaking test with an assessor or your tutor where you'll give a short, online presentation on your written project and then take part in a discussion about your project. Always check your module materials for the specific instructions you need.
Tips for preparing
- Use the language to talk to yourself as often as you can about the topics or topic required.
- Use bullet points for content and structure so as not to rely too heavily on a written text making your presentation sound more natural and spontaneous.
- Learn ready-made expressions that will help you to interact spontaneously and contribute in a focused way, such as phrases that help you to agree or disagree, intervene politely or invite others to speak.
- Prepare some 'holding expressions' such as 'in my opinion' or 'let me see' to allow you to take time to plan a little more in your head.
- Make and listen to a recording of yourself practising with others or speaking aloud.
- Have at least one or two practice runs of the presentation.
Further reading
The Revising for exams booklet has a section on speaking assessments and Success with Languages, The Open University, 2005, Routledge, which you'll find in the OU Library, expands on all these ideas, especially in Chapter 9, ‘Assessment’.
