ISA ORAL ENGLISH EXAM
ORAL ENGLISH EXAM
EXAMINATIONS
ISA members during the summer of 1994 discussed the possibility of creating a new set of oral English examinations. These examinations would emphasize expressive and fluent communication in English and not simply the acquisition of grammar and vocabular.
INTRODUCTION
During the summer of 1994, members of the International Schools Association in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Jacqueline McLellan of Calgary, Canada, developed a new set of oral English examinations specifically targeted towards students studying English as a second language. Based on a contemporary understanding of English acquisition, voice, speech and drama technique, the ISA Oral English Examinations emphasize expressive and fluent communication in English and not simply the acquisition of grammar and vocabulary.
These examinations are geared to developing outstanding oral communication in English. Through speaking literature, relating of personal experiences, developing organizational strategies for formal presentations, as well as learning ease of impromptu speaking, candidates gain many valuable skills. Candidates build self-confidence and learn fluency, effective delivery techniques, and artistic expression of ideas. Personality, confidence, correct pronunciation, and vocal technique are strengthened through this experience.
The ISA Oral English Examinations were used for the first time in Argentina in October 1994 and in Uruguay in 2004. The examinations have seen steady growth, and challenging objectives and goals are in place. The teachers as well as their students have been trained as to what is expected from the examinations. The fourth level of examination, Advanced, was implemented in 2002. Much progress has been made, and many students now successfully complete all four levels of the ISA exam.
The vision for the future is to promote the use of these examinations in more schools throughout the world. Currently, all examiners are Canadian with professional accreditation in English, voice, speech arts, drama, and public speaking. New examiners are being trained and standardized to meet the expected growth of the ISA Oral English Examinations.
CRITERIA OR ASSESSMENT
The purpose of these examinations is to discover how well candidates, who are learning English as a second language, can speak and understand the language within the limits of each level. What is said – content, how it is said – delivery, and willingness to share – individual characteristics, will be taken into consideration.
The following skills will be considered:
- Expressive communication of ideas in prepared work and conversation
- Vocal Variety and Support
- Quality of Sound and Inflection
- Clarity and Articulation
- Fluency
- Free of Hesitation
- Meaningful Phrasing
- Correct Pronunciation
- Appropriate Grammar and Vocabulary
- Deportment
- Confident, Pleasant Manner
- Energetic Delivery
- Poised Posture and Appearance
Each level of the ISA Oral English Examination focuses on three areas: prepared work, social conversation, and sight reading. At the advanced level, candidates are also challenged with creating and delivering an impromptu speech. The examination involves mastering the tasks set for each level.
As these examinations are not written or taped but on an in person, one-to-one basis, the personal and social interaction skills and involvement of candidates will be taken into account. It is important to note that the most successful candidates are not always the most accurate with English grammar and pronunciation. While these are important elements of the exam, the ability to expressively communicate thoughts and ideas is equally significant in the grading.
Following is a breakdown of the requirements for each level and section of the exam as well as the reasoning and benefits of each element.
EXAMINATIONS
This section outlines the four levels of examinations, and the required tasks and time limits for each. Each examination focuses on three areas: prepared work, social conversation, and sight reading. The examination should involve mastering the tasks set for each level. As these examinations are not written or taped but on a “one-to-one” basis, the personal and social interaction skills and involvement of candidates will be taken into account.
Candidates should stand for all prepared work. They may sit for the conversation portion of the examination. The sight reading should be presented standing as though to an audience. Questioning will take place at the examiner’s desk.
PRIMARY LEVEL
Examination time: 10 minutes
Candidates who sit this examination should be in the third year of English instruction.
Prepared work (60 marks)
The prepared work is learning and performing a poem. The poem chosen must be by a published author and be of literary and artistic merit. The poem must be memorized. It should be suitable to the grade level, age, experience, and personality of the candidates. This prepared work is not merely a memorization exercise but should demonstrate candidates’ ability to use the words in a lively or dramatic manner. Consequently, the poems chosen should be full of imagery and interesting words. Fun “sound” or “rhyming” poems are fine for the classroom but are poor choices for the examination.
Correct pronunciation is essential, and all word meanings should be known. The title and author’s name should be spoken. Meaning should take precedence over rhythm. The poem should not be acted out or over-gestured.
Requirements
Memorized Poem by a published author
The poem is memorized by the candidate
Of literary and artistic merit
Suitable to the grade level, age, experience, and personality of the candidate
Contains imagery and interesting words
Provides an opportunity for the candidate to use the words in a lively and dramatic manner
Rationale
Memorization is an invaluable skill that is transferable to many other areas of learning – this is not rote but a personal and individual approach for each student
Poetry provides easy access to emotion
Emotion is essential in developing a free and expressive delivery
Expressive skills are more easily accessed through poetry than through public speaking
Learning to speak poetry with meaning – not just the rhythm and rhyme – develops a deeper awareness and sensitivity to the use of language
Skills developed through speaking and exploring poetry are easily transferred to public speaking, conversation, and presentations
Good literature provides excellent examples of interesting ways of using English
Introducing good literature at a young age encourages future exploration of excellent writing and reading
Conversation (30 marks)
Candidates must participate in a short conversation led by the examiner. They should be prepared to respond to questions about the poem, as well as to converse about general topics such as family, school, hobbies, travel, and the like.
Requirements
Short conversation led by the examiner
Respond to questions about the poem
Respond to general topics such as family, school, hobbies, and travel
Rationale
Communication is an essential skill
Candidates should understand all words and ideas presented in their poem
Explaining a personal connection to a piece develops a deeper understanding of the language
Topics such as family and school are familiar and easily accessible
Sight Reading (10 marks)
Candidates will be asked to read at sight a passage of prose provided by the examiner. Consideration will be given to candidates’ ability to pronounce words, to obey punctuation, and to demonstrate an understanding of the text. Candidates will be allowed a moment to scan the selection before reading and may be asked questions following.
Requirements
Candidates will be asked to read at sight a passage of prose provided by the examiner
Candidates will be allowed a moment to scan the selection before reading and may be asked questions following
Candidate will demonstrate an understanding of the text
Consideration will be given to the candidate’s ability to pronounce words and obey punctuation
Rationale
Sight reading demonstrates comprehension of text
Accurate and engaging delivery of the text requires quick comprehension integrated with physical and vocal skills
Reading aloud with meaning and comprehension builds communication skills
Sight reading skills are easily transferable to presentations and conversations
JUNIOR LEVEL
Examination time: 12 minutes
Candidates who sit this examination should be in their fifth year of English instruction.
Prepared work (50 marks)
The prepared work is the relating of a past personal experience. This should be prepared by candidates and presented in an extemporaneous manner. The past experience should be between 3 and 4 minutes in length. It should not sound memorized, and the language should retain a sense of clarity and spontaneity. Structure of the prepared work is important, including an imaginative opening and an arresting conclusion. A simple visual aid (picture or object) may be used to enhance the presentation. However, the primary focus of assessment is on the spoken delivery.
Requirements
Past Experience | 3 – 4 minutes
Relating a past personal experience
Prepared by the candidate and presented extemporaneously
Should not sound memorized
Language retains a sense of clarity and spontaneity
Structure is important including an imaginative opening and clear conclusion
A picture or object may be included
Rationale
Relating a personal experience is an integral element of communication
This is a natural development in conversation and communication
A personal experience is immediate and easily accessible for a young speaker
The candidate develops the ability to speak English in the past tense
Expressive skills explored through speaking poetry continue to be developed
The extemporaneous delivery encourages active thought and participation in the presentation
Students display fluid thought and use of vocabulary with this presentation
It allows for a sharing of personal details
Conversation (40 marks)
Candidates must participate in a short conversation with the examiner. This conversation should arise naturally from discussion of candidates’ prepared work, and may lead into discussion of other experiences and interests.
Requirements
Short conversation with the examiner
Conversation should arise naturally from discussion of the past experience
This may lead into discussion of other experiences and interests
Rationale
Communication is an essential skill
Exploring a wider range of ideas related to the past experience allows for a familiar topic as well as encouraging engaged communication
Discussion of other experiences and interests is a natural development in communication
Sight Reading (10 marks)
Candidates will be asked to read at sight a selection of prose provided by the examiner in which narration is a key element. Consideration will be given to pronunciation, clarity, and the ability to understand and convey the meaning.
Candidates will be allowed a moment to scan the selection before reading, and may be asked questions following.
Requirements
Candidates will be asked to read at sight a passage of prose in which narration is a key element
Candidates will be allowed a moment to scan the selection before reading and may be asked questions following
Consideration will be given to pronunciation and clarity of articulation
Comprehension of the text must be evident and the meaning conveyed in the delivery
Rationale
Sight reading demonstrates comprehension of text
Accurate and engaging delivery of the text requires quick comprehension integrated with physical and vocal skills
Reading aloud with meaning and comprehension builds communication skills
Sight reading skills are easily transferable to presentations and conversations
Candidates are required to interpret the text and make decisions regarding vocal variety and delivery
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
Examination time: 15 minutes
Candidates who sit this examination should be in their eighth year of English instruction.
Prepared work (40 marks)
The prepared work is an original speech four to five minutes in length, which may be informative, persuasive, or entertaining in style. Topics may be of candidates’ choice and should be connected to their age and interests. Correct format is important and the topic should be organized and developed in a logical manner. Attention should be paid to introduction, body, conclusion, and effective use of transitions. Cards with key words may be used; however, delivery must be extemporaneous in style and not read. The speech should sound spontaneous and not memorized. Good posture and stance, facial expression, vocal production, and expressive communication of ideas should be evident. Vocabulary should be of high standard and correct pronunciation and articulation are expected.
Requirements
Extemporaneous Speech | 4 – 5 minutes
An original informative, persuasive, or entertaining speech
Topic is of candidate’s choice and should be connected to their age and interests
Prepared by the candidate and presented extemporaneously
Should not sound memorized
Cards with key words may be used
Delivery must be extemporaneous and not read
Attention should be paid to introduction, body, conclusion, and transitions
Good posture, facial expression, vocal production, and expressive communication of ideas
Vocabulary should be of a high standard
Correct pronunciation and articulation
Rationale
Candidates build on the skills explored with the past experience
The topic is of the candidate’s choice and provides a wide scope for presentation and discussion
Practical skills in researching, writing, and preparing a formal speech are developed and refined
Students learn the benefits of structure in public speaking
Extemporaneous delivery develops flexibility in thought and presentation
Integration of physical and vocal skills with research skills leads to a strong and compelling delivery
A convincing presentation depends upon good vocabulary, articulation, and pronunciation
Conversation (40 marks)
Candidates must participate in a brief conversation with the examiner, which will arise from the prepared speech, but may lead to other topics. Candidates should be able to develop conversation and be eager to share.
Requirements
Short conversation with the examiner
Conversation should arise from the prepared speech and may lead to other topics
Candidates will be able to develop the conversation
Candidates should be willing to share ideas
Rationale
Communication is an essential skill
Exploring a wider range of ideas related to the prepared speech allows for a familiar topic as well as encouraging engaged communication
Discussion of other experiences and interests is a natural development in communication
Conversation involves participation on both sides
The ability to develop the conversation and to share ideas demonstrates a strong ability to think and communicate in English
Sight Reading (20 marks)
Candidates will be asked to read at sight a selection of prose chosen by the examiner, in which dialogue exchange is a key element. Consideration will be given to pronunciation, clarity, and the ability to interpret the text. By this level, candidates should be able to lift the words off the page, and employ eye contact with the audience. Candidates will be allowed a moment to scan the selection before reading, and may be asked questions following.
Requirements
Candidates will be asked to read at sight a passage of prose in which dialogue is a key element
Candidates will be allowed a moment to scan the selection before reading and may be asked questions following
Consideration will be given to pronunciation, clarity of articulation, and the ability to interpret the text
Candidates will be able to lift the words off the page and employ eye contact with the audience
Rationale
Sight reading demonstrates comprehension of text
Accurate and engaging delivery of the text requires quick comprehension integrated with physical and vocal skills
Reading aloud with meaning and comprehension builds communication skills
Sight reading skills are easily transferable to presentations and conversations
Candidates are required to interpret the text and make decisions regarding vocal variety and delivery
Pronunciation, clarity of articulation and interpretation are necessary in all presentations
The ability to connect with the audience with eye contact and maintain a smooth flow of words demonstrates a high level of skill and understanding
ADVANCED LEVEL
Examination time: 20 minutes
Candidates who sit this examination should be in their eleventh year of English instruction.
Impromptu Speech (25 marks)
At this level, candidates will prepare and present a well-organized impromptu speech of approximately four minutes in length. Candidates will choose one topic from five which will be provided by the examiner. A preparation time of twenty minutes immediately before the examination will be given. Candidates may prepare short notes, and use them for delivery, but must not attempt to write out the talk in full, and read it. Candidates should deliver the speech in an interesting manner, expressing ideas clearly and coherently. The information given, the enthusiasm and conviction of candidates are of foremost importance. Correct pronunciation and grammar are expected, but the impromptu nature of the speech will be taken into consideration in assessment. By this level, candidates should demonstrate a well-rounded presentation, including deportment, fluency, and effective communication skills.
Requirements
Impromptu Speech | 3 minutes with 20 minutes preparation
Candidates will prepare and present a well organized impromptu speech
Candidates will choose one topic from those provided by the examiner
Preparation time of 20 minutes will be provided immediately before the examination
Short notes may be prepared and used for reference during delivery
Delivery must be extemporaneous – the speech is not to be written in full and then read out
The speech will be delivered in an interesting manner, expressing ideas clearly and coherently
Correct pronunciation, grammar, and articulation are expected; however, the impromptu nature of the speech is taken into consideration
The organization of the speech and supporting information are important considerations
Enthusiasm, vocal and facial expression, and conviction are also important considerations
Rationale
At this level candidates demonstrate a well rounded presentation including deportment, fluency, and effective communication skills
Impromptu speaking develops the ability to quickly organize and develop ideas
At this level, candidates are experienced and confident sharing thoughts and opinions in an organized and compelling manner
Excellent English skills are essential and demonstrated in the ability to order thoughts and deliver the speech with confidence
Candidates develop and display strong presentation skills including good posture and stance, vocal variety, phrasing and pause, vocal and facial expression, and eye contact
Prepared Piece (35 marks)
Candidates will be required to prepare, memorize, and present a passage of approximately 3 minutes in length. This passage should be of their own choosing and may be either a poem, a prose passage, a monologue or scene from a play, or a portion of a famous historical speech. Material chosen should be of a high enough standard to allow candidates to demonstrate a wide range of skills and expression in English and personal connection to the piece. Students are encouraged to be creative in their choices.
Requirements
Memorized Poetry, Prose, Scene | 4 minutes
Prepare, memorize, and present a passage of candidate’s choice – poem, prose passage, monologue, famous historical speech
Material should be of a high standard that allows candidate to demonstrate a wide range of English skills
Physical, vocal, and facial expression should be appropriate to the piece
Performance choices should be thoughtful and motivated from a personal connection with the piece
Students are encouraged to be creative in their choices
Vocabulary should be of a high standard
Correct pronunciation and articulation
Rationale
This should not be a new concept that has just been re-introduced for this exam
Reading, memorizing, and appreciating literature should be an integral part of learning to speak English
Skills that have been practised since the primary level will be fully integrated, internalized, and natural feeling
Knowledge of the full text from which the piece is taken broadens the candidate’s experience and appreciation for English literature
Skills developed in performing poetry, prose and drama are easily accessed and transferable to public speaking
Conversation (20 marks)
At this level, candidates are expected to converse freely and easily on a variety of topics. The discussion may arise from but not be limited to the impromptu speech. Social interaction is essential, and candidates should show eagerness to share ideas, to offer opinions, and to participate actively.
Requirements
Candidates will converse freely and easily on a variety of topics
Discussion may arise from but is not limited to the impromptu speech
Social interaction is essential
Candidates are expected to show an eagerness to share ideas, offer opinions, and actively participate
Rationale
Communication is an essential skill
Exploring a wider range of ideas related to the impromptu speech allows for engaged communication regarding an immediate experience
Candidates have an opportunity to discuss the challenges and successes of the impromptu speech
Candidates have an opportunity to discuss their interpretation, connection and understanding of their prepared work
Candidates are able to develop more complex connections
Conversation involves participation on both sides
The ability to develop the conversation and to share ideas demonstrates a strong ability to think and communicate in English
Sight Reading (20 marks)
Candidates will be asked to read at sight a passage of prose provided by the examiner. All elements of sight reading delivery should be demonstrated, including pronunciation, pause, phrasing, as well as vocal variety, eye contact, and the ability to interpret the material and bring the words to life. Candidates must recognize main ideas and be able to convey meaning and mood. Candidates will be allowed a moment to scan the selection before reading and may be asked questions following.
Requirements
Candidates will be asked to read at sight a passage of prose provided by the examiner
Candidates will be allowed a moment to scan the selection before reading and may be asked questions following
All elements of sight reading delivery should be demonstrated including correct pronunciation, pause, and phrasing
Candidates will use vocal variety and eye contact, and demonstrate the ability to interpret the material and bring the words to life
Candidates must recognize main ideas and be able to convey meaning and mood
Rationale
Sight reading demonstrates comprehension of text
Accurate and engaging delivery of the text requires quick comprehension integrated with physical and vocal skills
Reading aloud with meaning and comprehension builds communication skills
Sight reading skills are easily transferable to presentations and conversations
Candidates are required to interpret the text and make decisions regarding vocal variety and delivery
Pronunciation, clarity of articulation and interpretation are necessary in all presentations
The ability to connect with the audience with eye contact and maintain a smooth flow of words demonstrates a high level of skill and understanding
Utilizing all elements of good speech skills reveals a strong and confident presentation