ORAL EXAM
 

One of the goals of French 106 is to develop students' ability to talk about daily life now and in the past, and about cultural information learned in class. In order to evaluate how successfully you have achieved this objective, we will test your ability to communicate your ideas and opinions using the procedure outlined below. Information for scheduling your interview will be distributed in class.
 

A. Procedure:

You will interact with a student you have previously chosen as your partner. Your instructor will listen, take notes and ask some questions.  The interview will last about 10 - 12 minutes.  Each student will receive his/her individual grade.

B. Sign-up:

Oral exams will take place either in a classroom or in the instructor's office as indicated on the sign-up sheet. You and your partner will sign-up for a time slot. Write in your full names. Be sure to note the date, time, and location on your calendar since it is imperative that you arrive on time. A missed interview will be rescheduled only in case of confirmed emergency. (See the attendance policy on the syllabus).

C. Format:

The oral exam will consist of three parts: narration in present time, narration in past time and talking about the near future.

In addition, students should discuss at least three different themes or topics from the semester.  Each student must:
1. show depth and mastery of vocabulary for at least three separate themes using a variety of vocabulary and expressions
2. use a variety of verbs in a combination of past tenses
3. use a variety of verbs in the present tense
4. use two verbs in near future time.

Possible themes:  Weather and leisure activities, travel, human relationships, invitations, asking for advice and making suggestions, discussing the readings or film presented in class during the semester.

Structures:  present tense, past tenses, near future, object pronouns, qui, que to link ideas, adjectives

D. Evaluation:

In evaluating your oral exam, we will consider the following:

1. Content and Vocabulary (amount of information conveyed)

2. Structures and accuracy (manner in which the information is conveyed)

3. Fluency

4. Comprehension, comprehensibility and pronunciation

E. Preparation:

1.  Choose your partner.
2.  Choose the three themes or topics you will discuss and brainstorm or make a list of appropriate vocabulary for each theme.  The more vocabulary, the better.
3.  Write your script.
4.  Proofread your script.
5.  Make sure that each student will have discussed three different topics.
6.  Make sure that each student will have used a variety of verbs in the various time frames.
7.  Practice, practice, practice.

Preparation with your partner is essential for success.  No notes may be used during your oral exam.

                                                                                                                          Bonne chance!