Hello everyone!
Today’s topic is a ‘Speaking Test in a foreign language’.
Have you ever studied so hard for a speaking test and forgot everything you learned when you actually had the test? A speaking test is something that can make anyone nervous, especially when you have to perform in a foreign language. However, you can prepare for the test well if you know some tricks. Here are some tips.
Avoid-One Word Response
The important thing you must know when it comes to a speaking test is that your teacher is checking your language skills as well as how detailed your responses are. In other words, your teacher is asking questions not because they are interested in your answer.
Teachers are more interested in how much you can develop your response, so it’s important to avoid simply saying 「はい」or 「いいえ」and stop talking and wait for your teacher to ask you more questions.
Add a Reason Why
Next point is that you should add a justification after you responded to your teacher’s question. This shows your teacher that you are not simply saying 「はい」or 「いいえ」, but also that you are providing your opinion. This ensures that your responses are not one-word nor one-line.
For example,
一番好きな食べ物は何ですか。
(What’s your favourite food?)
一番好きな食べ物はラーメンです。おいしくてやすいからです。
(My favourite food is ramen. It’s because it’s tasty and cheap)
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After you added a reason that support your response, you can say 「たとえば」and then add examples (or give examples, then reasons). This adds a depth to your speech and shows your teacher that you are trying to expand your response.
If you want to try this technique, you can say something a bit general in the first line, then you can provide more specific ideas when you list examples.
いろいろな日本の食べ物がすきです。たとえば、すしやさしみです。おいしくて、体にいいからです。
(I like various Japanese foods. For example, sushi and sashimi. It’s because they are tasty and healthy.)
Use a Comparison
It is also a good idea to use a comparison and the present your interpretation / opinion. This makes your opinion more convincing and sound more engaging.
日本の食べ物は、アメリカの食べ物より体にいいです。だから、よく食べます。
Japanese food is healthier than American food. Therefore, I eat often.
Use Linking Words
As discussed above, using [Response + Reason + Example] pattern helps you give detailed responses. But if you want to go further, you can add flare by using a range of conjunctions. You can use conjunctions such as でも or しかし when you present contradicting ideas, and そして, それから, さらに to add ideas.
Conclusion
Many people feel very nervous about speaking tests. Regular practice on vocabulary and grammar is important but using the above techniques should help you approach the tests in a systematic way. じゃ、みなさんテスト頑張ってください！
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