Memorise the structure · Keep it simple · Think like an editor
Your job is not to share opinions.
"My classmates haven't read the text. Help them understand it quickly and clearly."
What the examiner is looking for
Understanding the text
Explaining it clearly
The 4-step structure
Tell listeners what the text is about. One clear sentence is enough.
Focus on key arguments, important facts, causes and effects, or recommendations. Skip every detail that isn't essential to the story.
This is where marks are won. Simplify, paraphrase, give examples — show that you truly understand what you're transmitting.
Land the plane with one sentence. The listener should leave knowing the core message.
Reading strategies
On your paper: Keywords · Statistics · Causes · Consequences · Recommendations
Skip: very specific examples · repeated ideas · unnecessary names or dates
Use keywords, arrows, and symbols. Example: social media → pressure · teens vulnerable · unrealistic standards · solutions: critical thinking. This helps you speak naturally, not read robotically.
"What must stay so the audience understands the story?"
Translate meaning → explanation, not sentence → sentence. This creates natural English.
More useful language
When you get stuck
Common mistakes to avoid
Examiners want mediation, not reading. Use your own words.
You have about 2 minutes. Prioritise central ideas, key arguments, major conclusions.
Avoid "I think…", "In my opinion…", "I agree/disagree…" unless the task asks for it.
If listeners get lost, marks drop. Use connectors constantly.
Mini template — adapt to any text