2023 O’LEVELS ORAL ENGLISH 1184 DAY 8: ORAL QUESTION (TEAMWORK)

 

Video: Candidates were shown a 1-min video of a group of youngsters playing a ball sport.

How to tackle the Oral Planned Response Question:

For planned response, students must present a 2-minute response (usually this means two PEEL Paragraphs) to answer the question. You can refer to your written notes. Use 5Ws and 1H when you are brainstorming for answers. Be certain to answer the prompt, identify keywords and present your thoughts confidently. Refer to our earlier post on O’levels 1184 Planned Response Format

Planned Response Question:

“Do you think the activity shown in the video has any value? Why or why not?” 

Suggested Approach

Candidates need to briefly state how the video shows participants playing ball sports which involve games and activities that revolve around using a ball as a central element. Candidates can illustrate how these activities can promote physical fitness, skill development, teamwork, social interaction, and overall well-being especially during times of stress. 

Others may argue that they feel the activity lacks value because they may lack a personal interest and may not see the appeal or value in participating in the activity. Candidates may add that such  contact sports can be violent or how it lacks intellectual value due to their own experiences. 

Note: You should address the examiner’s question directly and focus on building two PEEL paragraphs and relate the video (briefly) to the question. The two points for your answers should not be too similar and it should have personal observations / examples. The planned response is around two mins long. (2 PEEL 1 adjective + explain with evidence)

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Spoken Interaction (Teamwork)

  1. Are there opportunities for you to learn to work with others? 

Suggested Approach: Candidates can start their opinion clearly and briefly explaining the avenues available to them to collaborate with others. From classroom projects, CCA to outdoor camps adventures, candidates can cite how they worked together with others such as they collaborate on projects like making videos for literature project or working together to volunteer at a home doing cleaning or similar activity.  

Important Note: You should use strong expressions, provide examples / own personal experience to substantiate your points. Do not get flustered if oral examiners ask you additional questions. 

2) Do you think schools should focus more on team or individual achievements? Why do you say so? 

Suggested Approach: 

State your stand clearly. 

Candidates should note that question is asking about what schools should focus on. For those in support of team achievements, candidates can cite examples of how focusing on team achievements benefit the school as a greater whole and how it builds towards values like a more supportive, caring society, nurturing students who focus more on collective good.

On the flip side, those in favour of individual achievements can argue that schools should dedicate more emphasis on individual achievements because in doing so, they recognises and values the unique strengths, talents, and efforts of each and every student. By acknowledging individual accomplishments, it will boosts students’ self-esteem and confidence. Candidates can explain how this mirrors the roles of schools and how school is a place where it  nurtures the unique talents of each student and empowers them to be their authentic selves hence individual achievements should take precedence. 

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2023 O’LEVELS ORAL ENGLISH DAY 3: ORAL QUESTION (ENVIRONMENT /NEIGHBOURHOOD)

Video: Candidates were shown a 1-min of Marina Barrage, which some may know as a place of recreation. The rooftop park part of the dam is especially popular with families as they spend time there picnicking and kite flying or simply taking in the stunning sunsets.

How to tackle the Oral Planned Response Question:

For planned response, students must present a 2-minute response (usually this means two PEEL Paragraphs) to answer the question. You can refer to your written notes. Use 5Ws and 1H when you are brainstorming for answers. Be certain to answer the prompt, identify keywords and present your thoughts confidently. Refer to our earlier post on O’levels 1184 Planned Response Format

Planned Response Question:

“Should there be more of such open spaces in Singapore?” Why or Why not? 

Suggested Approach

Candidates must pay attention to the setting and think where/what is this place/event and what’s going on? Candidates can consider the advantages of having such greenery in a modern city like Singapore where we are often called a concrete jungle. Through sharing of their own personal experiences such as how these open spaces and greenery provide areas for candidates to do recreational activities, exercise, and relaxation, contributing to a healthier and more vibrant lifestyle.

For instance, candidates can express their own preferences for such open spaces as it allows them to step away from their devices or take a break from the monotony of their student lives/studies and go outdoors or how it helps them to reduce stress, anxiety. Others may recount learning journeys they had to green spaces such as Botanic Gardens and how they enjoyed it immensely.  

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Note: You should address the examiner’s question directly and focus on building two PEEL paragraphs and relate the video (briefly) to the question. The two points for your answers should not be too similar and it should have personal observations / examples. The planned response is around two mins long. (2 PEEL 1 adjective + explain with evidence)

Spoken Interaction (Neighbourhood)

  1. What suggestions can you give to improve your neighbourhood? 

Suggested Approach: Candidates can start with briefly explaining where/what kind of neighbourhood they reside in. Possible ideas include having more cycling paths or existing footpaths  to be widened so as to create more space for walking and cycling. Candidates can mention how they feel that more cycling paths will allow them to travel to school safely, reduce morning / peak hours congestion and how these improvements will promote walking and cycling promotes physical activity and a sense of community.

Other candidates may feel strongly that their neighbourhood can have more facilities for youths such as study rooms at void decks, parks with features that appeal to young people, such as skate parks, outdoor fitness equipment, and spaces for creative expression and art installations.

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Important Note: You should use strong vocabulary, provide examples / own personal experience to substantiate your points. Do not get flustered if oral examiners ask you additional questions. 

Green spaces play a role in climate change resilience by absorbing carbon dioxide and providing shade, helping Singapore adapt to the impacts of climate change.

2) Do you agree that it is important to have greenery in your environment?

Suggested Approach: 

State your stand clearly. 

Candidates should first point out that in an increasingly urbanized world, cities like Singapore face numerous challenges, including pollution, mental health issues, and declining biodiversity due to urbanisation. Amidst these challenges, the importance of greenery in cities cannot be overstated. Green spaces, such as parks, gardens, and trees, play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for urban dwellers and society as a whole.

For well considered responses, candidates need to point out that Singapore is a land-scarce nation, allocating space for greenery may be challenging (citing the zoning of Bukit Brown and Dover Forest in Ulu Pandan for residential use. Candidates of the opposing view may cite how while greenery / nature is an important buffer against climate change, Singapore being a small nation had to make difficult trade-offs because of its size and to ensure future generations had a place to live. 

Want to improve your grades? Get professional help now. Reach out to our team of professional and highly experienced tutors for 1 to 1 Private Tuition to help you get the distinction you deserve. Contact us today.

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Looking for more FREE oral notes and oral practice questions? How about free testpapers for practice? How do you answer a O’Levels Oral Planned Response Question? Show your support for us by subscribing to our youtube channels as we work towards providing free quality notes for you.

Subscribe to our channel for exclusive videos, see below for oral tips like commonly mispronounced words by Singaporeans

 

 

 

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