5 Tips to Ace Your Oral Exam: Speak Clearly and Shine!

Walter Education
Aug 15
2 min read

Are you getting ready for your English oral exam? Whether you’re reading a passage or discussing a picture, clear pronunciation and expressive reading can make all the difference!

In this post, we’ll share five fun and easy tips to help you sound confident, avoid mumbling, and impress your examiner.

In oral exams, clarity and expression matter just as much as accuracy.

Here’s why:

✅ Better Understanding

– Clear pronunciation helps examiners grasp your words without confusion.

✅ Higher Fluency Scores

– Proper stress and intonation make your speech sound natural and confident.

✅ Engaging Delivery

– Expressive reading (changing tone for characters, emphasizing key words) shows comprehension and keeps listeners interested.

✅ Avoiding Penalties

– Correct ‘th’ sounds, word endings, and pauses prevent miscommunication.

Good speech isn’t just about words—it’s how you deliver them! 🎤✨

1. Word Stress – Emphasize Key Words

Stress nouns, verbs, and adjectives for clarity.
Example: "The sun shines brightly."
Exercise: Underline stressed words in practice passages.

2. ‘th’ Sounds – Avoid Common Errors

Voiced ‘th’ (this, that) vs. Unvoiced ‘th’ (think, thumb).
Mistake: Saying "dis" instead of "this."
Fix: Practice with tongue between teeth.

3. Word Endings – Don’t Drop Them!

Clearly pronounce -ed, -s, -ing (e.g., "walked," "runs," "jumping").
Mistake: "She walk to school" (missing -ed).

4. Voice Modulation – Bring Characters to Life

Change tone, pitch, and pace for dialogue.
Example: High voice for a child, deep voice for a giant.

5. Common Exam Mistakes to Avoid

Speaking Too Fast → Slurred words, unclear pronunciation.
Monotone Reading → Lacks expression, sounds robotic.
Ignoring Punctuation → No pauses at commas/full stops.
Mispronouncing Common Words → "Clothes" as "close," "asked" as "ast."
Skipping Word Endings → "I live in London" instead of "I live in London."