Oral examination (Sprechen)
What Sprechen tests
The oral examination checks whether you can communicate independently in English, not whether you have memorised a speech. It usually has a monologue part (presenting a topic or picture) and an interaction part (role play, decision-making or discussion with a partner or the examiner). Assessors listen for task achievement, fluency, pronunciation, range and accuracy of vocabulary and grammar, and interaction strategies such as turn-taking, asking for clarification and responding to what the other person says.
Core rules
- Prepare keyword notes, not full sentences. If you read a script, your intonation and eye contact suffer.
- Structure the monologue: introduce the topic, give two or three main points with examples, then conclude with an opinion or a question.
- Use signposting: First of all…, Another thing is…, What I find most important is…, To sum up…
- In interaction, react before you reply: That’s a good point, but…, I see what you mean; however…
- If you do not understand, ask: Sorry, could you repeat that? or Do you mean …? Do not stay silent.
- Paraphrase when a word is missing: It’s a kind of…, It’s used for…
Worked example
Prompt: Talk about a place you enjoy visiting. Weak answer: ‘I like the park. It is nice. There are trees.’ - short, repetitive, no development. Stronger answer: ‘The place I’d like to talk about is a small park near my home. I go there almost every weekend because it’s quiet and I can meet friends. What I like most is the lake - in summer you can rent a boat. The only downside is that it gets crowded on Sundays. Overall, it’s my favourite place to switch off.’ Reasoning: It names the place, gives reasons and an example, adds a drawback for balance, and closes with a summary. The vocabulary is simple but precise, and the linking words make it easy to follow.
Traps
- Giving one-word or one-sentence answers. Extend with a reason or an example.
- Memorised language that does not fit the question. Examiners notice.
- Ignoring your partner in the interaction part. A dialogue needs questions and responses.
- Speaking too quietly or too fast. Clear pronunciation matters more than a native accent.
- Panicking at an unknown word and stopping. Use a paraphrase and continue.