SITTING SPEECH THEORY EXAMS WITH SNZ –

 SUCCESSFULLY

A 10 point plan for aspiring teachers and students

1.                  Read the syllabus.  More importantly, read the Learning Outcomes that accompany the syllabus.  The papers are set very strictly from those Outcomes so they form a checklist for examiners and candidates alike.

2.                  Take the syllabus into the exam room with you.  It has useful terms and guide-lines that will help you focus on the answer.

3.                  Read the question.  If it says “Select THREE authors whom you think typify this era” then select three and write only on them.  If it says “Select a play from the Restoration period or late 1700’s” do not select “Romeo and Juliet”.  You cannot expect to pass with that.

4.                  Plan your essay structure.  Write down the main points that are the key words for each paragraph, construct an introduction that indicates the direction of your essay, construct the conclusion that summarises those key points.

5.                  Write legibly.  Several candidates fail their theory exam because neither the marker nor the moderator can decode the handwriting.

6.                  Write in full sentences beginning with a capital letter and ending with a full-stop.

7.                  Group your ideas together in paragraphs, leaving a line in between these paragraphs.

8.                  Just as accurate pronunciation is important in practical exams, so accurate spelling is important in theory exams.  This applies particularly to speech jargon e.g. diaphragm, speech

9.                  When the question is divided into two or more parts, it is expected that the answer be equally divided also.

10.              Remember, there is now a Distinction pass level for those who show mastery of their subject area and presentation of their ideas.  There is no limit on the number of Distinction passes awarded.