How can I best prepare myself for the oral exam?

Often students tend to memorise vast amounts of vocabulary in the belief that it will secure them high grades. While this is very important, exam technique often falls by the wayside. Students must ensure that they have structured their answers in a cohesive way so that they not only answer the question at hand, but also demonstrate their ability to build upon more complex ideas. This is especially important given that the majority of mark schemes stipulate clear communication as a highly valued skill. In order to combat nerves, I would suggest practising the oral exam by speaking to oneself in front of a mirror. This way, the process of speaking a foreign language becomes less daunting and more a familiar and manageable task.