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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’.

Last updated 4 months ago