Hot Phase in 10th Grade – Exam Preparation

In order to achieve excellent results in the IGSCE exam and not be too nervous, we simulated and practiced conversational and presentation skills in different ways in the German as Additional Language (GAL) lessons.  

One such activity was conversational speed dating. Students had the opportunity to formulate and ask questions, and to discuss everyday themes such as food, clothing, music, and celebrations with other learners. In doing so, students have to use different tenses as well as complex sentence structures. The teacher makes sure that the conversation runs fluently and gives suggestions for a successful chat. The informal atmosphere means fun for the students, because they can act creatively, spontaneously and become more confident with each partner; by doing so, they get to know each other even better. Because of this training, students become more secure in their conversations and it provides a certain routine for the real examination situations.

Presentations are also practised in GAL lessons, in preparation for the oral exam. Students choose different themes from different topic areas (e.g. internet addiction as part of the subject Media) and inform themselves via online research and articles. As a next step students prepare an outline for their topic. How to draw up an outline and choose a format, is a component of the GAL curriculum. The outline is intended to serve as a guideline for the examiner as well as for the candidate. After intense practice at home, students present their two minute long presentation in front of the class. Teacher and students ask questions and give feedback afterwards.  This isn’t just great preparation for the oral exam; presenting ones ideas and projects is good practice for life.   

Role-playing is always a popular exercise, in which students are able to simulate little situations, such as going shopping in a bakery, a conversation in a lost and found office or on the phone applying for a job.  

Olga Murina and Katja Jacobi

Secondary German Foreign Language Teachers

Zeen is a next generation WordPress theme. It’s powerful, beautifully designed and comes with everything you need to engage your visitors and increase conversions.