Oral examinations: L1, L2 and History or Geography through L2
Domain 2 - Oral examinations: L1, L2 and History or Geography through L2
The oral component consists of three papers. Every candidate is examined orally in L1 and L2, and in one subject taught through L2 - History or Geography. The oral is not a memory test: it assesses whether you can select relevant knowledge, analyse a document or text, organise a short argument, and defend it in the language of the examination. In L1/L2 the stimulus is usually a text from the syllabus; in History/Geography through L2 it is a document, map, graph or image linked to the programme.
Core rules and concepts
- You normally draw a topic, prepare for about 20 minutes, then present for around 10 minutes and answer questions. Use the preparation time to plan a three-part structure: context, analysis, conclusion.
- For a text: identify author, date, genre, audience and purpose; explain two or three significant features; relate them to the question.
- For a History document: apply origin, purpose, content, context and reliability. Do not simply summarise; weigh the source.
- For Geography: identify the pattern or process in the document, give evidence from it, then explain with accurate terminology.
- In L2, fluency matters, but so does precise vocabulary. Use connectives and subject-specific terms; avoid reading a prepared answer.
- The question-and-answer phase is assessed. Listen, respond directly, and justify your point with evidence.
Worked example
History through L2. A short extract from the Treaty of Versailles is placed before you. Question: “How useful is this extract for understanding German reactions to the treaty?” A weak answer summarises the clauses. A strong answer: (1) identifies the extract as part of the treaty, dated 1919, produced by the victorious powers; (2) explains that it shows the terms imposed, including territorial and military restrictions; (3) notes that it is useful for the terms but limited for German reactions because it is not a German source; (4) concludes that it must be paired with a German newspaper, memoir or Reichstag debate to judge reaction. That structure - origin, content, limitation, corroboration - earns analysis marks.
Traps that cost marks
- Describing the document without answering the exact question.
- Ignoring the second part of a two-part question.
- Using impressive vocabulary inaccurately.
- Running out of time because the presentation is too long.
- Becoming defensive in questions instead of conceding and refining.