SAMPLE OF PARTS B AND C OF AN ORAL EXAM

Part A consists of a series of questions about different aspects of the candidates’

lives and seeks to elicit impromptu (spontaneous) speech. (3-4 minutes)

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PART B: Set stories (7 minutes)

Examiner: Now, I will ask you some questions about the stories, all right?

(Ask each student 3 or 4 of the following questions. NOTE: Finish with one
candidate before you start with the other: this will help the assessor make a more
accurate evaluation of their performance.)

The Story of an Hour (Kate Chopin)1

1) What does the main character hear as the story begins?

2) Who tell Louise the news?
3) How does Louise react to the news?
4) What happens to Louise when she finds herself alone in her room?
5) Are there any indications in the story that Mr. Mallard was a bad husband?
6) If Mr. Mallard was not a bad husband and he loved his wife, why is she happy
that he is dead?
7) Can you explain how Louise’s moment of illumination happens?
8) How is Louise different when she comes out of her bedroom?
9) What happens as Louise is coming down the stairs and how does she react?
10) How do the doctors explain what happened?
11) What is the irony in this ending?
12) The main character’s first name, Louise, appears in the story for the first time
when her sister is talking to her through her bedroom door. Do you think this has
any significance?

PART C: Two-way discussion. (4 minutes)

Examiner: Now, I’d like to discuss something between yourselves but please speak
so that we can hear you, all right? You have about four minutes for this, so don’t
worry if I interrupt you.
(Choose a question from the list)

1) The story was written in 1894, a time when women were considerably less
powerful than they are today. Do you think the events in the story could happen
nowadays? Why/not?
2) Do you think women are still less powerful than men in today’s society?
3) Is it possible to be or feel free when we have a partner – a husband/wife or a
boyfriend/ girlfriend?

Examiner: Well, that is the end of your exam. Thank you.

1
A copy of the story is available at Copy 6.