How to Ace the IB Oral
You will need to present a topic that you have studied and will need to have some expertise in a 4 to 5 minute presentation. This presentation should be culturally relevant & specific. You should also have a strong point of view be ready to answer questions spontaneously. This should NOT be a memorized speech but you should rehearse the presentation so that you sound like you know what you’re talking about. You can have a few note cards that may have quotes, statistics & points you want to remember to make but you cannot read your presentation or even sound like you’re reading them. Throw in a few natural pauses & verbal tics if necessary – don’t be afraid to repeat something for emphasis or comprehension. Sound relaxed & at ease as if you’re at the dinner table having a discussion with your parents or friends.
After your initial presentation, you will be asked questions that either challenge your assertion or allow you to clarify a point or provide more information. This is a time for you to show off – use the subjunctive or a compound tense – throw in those conversational tics so you sound more at ease & natural. The questions will last another 3 to 5 minutes and will then lead into 3 to 5 minutes of questions about yourself, your future & your opinions about normal everyday conversational topics. Again, take the opportunity to show off a little – use that Pluperfect or Subjunctive tense – have fun and relax. That’s it. You’ve aced it.
