Have you ever felt like English is a subject that you cannot prepare for? There isn’t a set list of topics to study for, unlike subjects like Mathematics and Chemistry where there is only one answer to a question. Contrary to popular belief, there are methods that you can apply in order to excel in the O Level English examinations, no matter what your level of command of the English language is. Yes, you read that right! So, let’s dive into the 5 tips to help you in your Secondary English Oral Exams.
Looking to excel in your O Level English oral exams? Discover the top 5 tips that can help you improve your performance, regardless of your English language proficiency level. Find effective methods to prepare and succeed in your Secondary English Oral Exam.
Collate a Bank of Information
There are topics which are commonly tested across the English papers. If you have done a quick analysis of past year papers and ten-year series, you can do a trend-spotting of themes, such as technology, public transportation, friendship, traditions and so on. You can create your personal list of information for each theme which you can use in essays and oral responses. The idea is that you should have a reasonable list of topics to work with, and religiously memorise these examples such that you can apply them at your fingertips!
See Things From the Author’s Point of View
When reading a text, apart from deciphering the information, you should also understand the author’s perspective. What does the author want to convey? Why did the author use a specific phrase? How does the author want readers to react? By asking yourself these questions, it will help you not only to comprehend texts, but also answer the questions. This applies to the Visual Text and the short answer questions in Paper 2. The next time you come across a poster at the bus stop, or see an article online, try doing these steps while analysing it. You will be surprised how easily you can understand texts better!
Exploit the Marking Rubrics
Your teachers would have given you the marking rubrics for each component of the English paper. You need to fully understand what examiners are looking for as they grade your papers. The O Level examiners are trained to look for certain words and answer structures that they will definitely mark up. By understanding the marking rubrics, you will be able to craft your answers and essays so that it caters to what examiners are looking for. Remember, work smarter, not harder.
Familiarise Yourself With Answering Techniques & Essay Structures
You should already know that there are questions that appear across the paper 2 comprehension passages. These include ‘irony’, ‘author’s attitude’, ‘language used’ and more. Take the time to write out the required answer structure for each question type and remember to use it correctly. This will aid in answering the questions with ease. Similarly, write out the essay structure required for each essay type, so that when you sit for the paper, you know exactly what to plan without having to think of what each paragraph should be about.
Practise, Practise, Practise!
This is a method as old as time that applies to any craft you master. It is no different for the O Level English paper. You can practise previously done papers without referring, and check your answers against the correct ones. This way, you will know if you have digested what your teachers have taught. You can also do new essay questions, but use the same examples you have memorised and tweak your topic sentences to the new question.
Last of all, confidence is key. By mastering the techniques mentioned above, you can sit for the O Level English papers without chewing your nails off. Prepare ahead of time so that you are sure of yourself. Good luck!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Teacher Gi-Yen graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology and has more than 6 years of experience in the private education sector, specialising in teaching English. Over the years, she has built a strong rapport with students who see her as an approachable and efficient mentor. Her students have shown great improvements in their grades, with multiple students scoring As in the national examinations. They have also developed a more positive and confident attitude towards the subject and are better equipped with examination skills. Her Primary 6 students have advanced to reputable secondary schools like Dunman High School and Nanyang Girls’ High School.
