AS & A2 Speaking Test: Suggested Topics and areas to focus upon.

·  Students should use the full 3/ 4 minutes

·  Students should speak naturally and at a reasonable pace. (don’t rush through it)

·  Check your pro-forma outline regularly( a copy of the pro-forma should be given to the examiner)

·  You can write some extra notes on the note paper provided but don’t make copious notes that end up confusing you.

Look at the following mark bands A03 represents marks for the level of language you use A04 represents marks for originality and relevance to the target language society i.e. Ireland.

Band / Presentation
AO3 Performance Descriptors /

Marks

4 / The candidate has an excellent command of idiom and vocabulary appropriate to this level. There are very few grammatical errors even where more complex language is used. Pronunciation and intonation are excellent / 7-8
3 / The candidate has a very good command of idiom and vocabulary. There may be a few grammatical errors where more complex language is used. Pronunciation and intonation are very good / 5-6
2 / The candidate has a fair command of idiom and vocabulary, but control may be inconsistent. Grammatical errors may be more frequent. Pronunciation and intonation are good. / 3-4
1 / The candidate has little or no command of idiom and vocabulary. There are frequent errors and inconsistent control of basic structures. Pronunciation and intonation are poor. / 0-3
Band /

Presentation

AO4 Performance Descriptors / Marks
5 / The candidate displays a very thorough knowledge, appropriate to this level, of key aspects of the chosen AS/ A2 topic. Detailed knowledge, views and insights are presented clearly, logically and confidently. There is clear evidence of originality and ability to express points of view on the chosen aspects of the target language society / 9-10
4 / The candidate displays a very good degree of knowledge of the topic and is able to focus appropriately on certain aspects. There are some general insights into aspects of the target language society and good evidence of originality and ability to express points of view. / 7-8
3 / The candidate displays good knowledge of the topic and is able to focus on some aspects. There is adequate evidence of insights into the target language society and of originality and ability to express points of view. / 5-6
2 / The candidate displays limited knowledge of the topic and there is a lack of focus. There is limited evidence of insight and originality or ability to express points of view. / 3-4
1 / The candidate displays little or no knowledge of the topic and there is a distinct lack of focus. There is little or no evidence of insight and originality or ability to express points of view / 0-2

It is of utmost importance that students focus on the higher mark bands and know exactly what the examiner is looking out for:

·  i.e. Excellent command of idiom ( seanfhocail etc)

·  Very few grammatical errors( know your tenses!)

·  Pronunciation is excellent( practice how you deliver your presentation-speak clearly and confidently)

·  Your presentation should be original but connected with the AS & A2 topics and Contexts for Learning

·  Try to tell the examiner something new. Give information, statistics and data to back up your opinions

·  Give your opinions and points of view regularly.

Ideas for Presentations

·  Ag ól go ciallmhar

·  Páirc an Chrócaigh

·  Déagóirí ag bráth ar dhrugaí

·  Iompar frithshóisialta na héirinn

·  Níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin

·  Turasóireacht na héireann

·  Déagoirí le postanna páirt aimseartha

·  Tabhacht na foirne áitiúla

·  Athraith móra sna cluichí gaelacha

·  An cosc ar an thobac

·  Foireann “Shasanach” na héirinn

·  Fadhb na ndrugaí I néirinn

·  An Gaelscolaíocht

·  Acht Teanga don Tuaisceart

·  Ciníochas in éirinn

·  An Lucht Siúil

·  Íomha daoine óga agus feinimeán mainliacht cosmaideach

·  Féinmharú

·  Fadhbanna meacháin i measc daoine óga in éirinn

·  Spraoithiomáint.