Oral text-types refers to the type of text designated for HKDSE SBA component. There are two kinds of oral text-types, individual presentation and group interaction.
See Also
Simple present tense | EF United KingdomUnderstanding And Using First, Second, And Third Person Points of ViewThird Person: Explanation and ExamplesConnections: Fiction: Point of ViewIndividual Presentation
- Individual speaker presents ideas or information over a sustained period (3-5 minutes)
- May be quite informal, depending on task and audience
- Requires comparatively long turns, hence requires a more explicit structure
- May be followed by questions or comments from the audience (some questions / comments do not form part of the assessment, but it provides students with more opportunities to interact with others / exchange ideas, which can encourage assessment for learning)
To view an individual presentation promoting a film called Amelie. The student tries to promote the film by showing her classmates pictures related to the film as well as describing the most interesting part of it. Note how she manages to maintain a clear structure without relying too heavily on any notes.
To view an individual presentation in which the student gives a self-introduction for a University admission interview. Note how he organizes and communicates his ideas.
To view an individual presentation in which the student introduces the sport of volleyball, using a PowerPoint to support her points. Note how she engages the audience with her voice and communication strategies.
To view an individual presentation in which the student recommends a theme song to promote peace at a school event. Note how the student is able to express simple ideas relatively clearly.
Group Interaction
- An exchange of short turns or dialogue between two or more speakers (e.g. 8-12 minutes for a group of 4)
- Comparatively short turns, hence needs less explicit structuring
- Usually quite informal
- Needs attention to turn-taking skills and planning of how to initiate, maintain and control the interaction through making suggestions, asking questions and expansion of ideas
To view a group interaction from Tsang Shiu Tim Secondary School. After watching a film called Forrest Gump, students were asked to choose a gift for a character in the film. Note how their interaction is very natural and informal.
To view a group interaction from Yung Yau Secondary School. Students were asked to plan an Exercise Day for their school. Note how their interaction is also very natural and spontaneous – the students seem to be really enjoying the activity and talking to each other.
To view a group interaction from Jockey Club Ti-I College. Students were asked to discuss some of the plays they had watched and to give suggestions to make the plays become more presentable.
For effective communication, both text-types also require the following skills:
- Capacity to speak intelligibly and reasonably fluently with suitable intonation, volume and stress, using pauses and body language such as eye contact appropriately and effectively
- Range of vocabulary and language patterns that are accurate and varied
- Some use of technical terminology to support meaning but specialized jargon should be avoided
- Some use of formulaic language when appropriate for structuring (but overuse of set phrases is discouraged)
- Language that is natural and interactive, not memorised or read aloud
To view Prof Chris Davison talking about the need for natural and authentic language without too much jargon.
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