Exams

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Type: Vocabulary
Topic:
Level:
Originally published on June 5, 2023
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Discussing exams can be an excellent conversation topic for ESL learners looking to enhance their English proficiency.

Engaging in conversations about exams allows learners to share their personal experiences, study strategies and challenges they face. This provides valuable opportunities to practice using vocabulary, grammar and conversation skills.

Instructions:
Go through the vocabulary below with your students and ask them to try and use this vocabaulry where possible when discussing the different conversation questions.

Why Do We Do Exams

Exams play a vital role in education for several reasons. Firstly, they serve as a means to assess students’ understanding of the material taught, ensuring that learning goals are met. Exams also encourage students to review and consolidate their knowledge, aiding in better retention, as well as helping identify areas where students may need additional support.

Exams can also foster a sense of responsibility and healthy competition, motivating students to strive for their best performance. Ultimately, exams prepare students for future challenges by evaluating their readiness and ability to handle pressure.

Useful Vocabulary

Try and use the following vocabulary when answering the question. Click to look up the definition in the dictionary

  • knuckle down (phrasal verb)
  • study (verb)
  • difficulty (noun)
  • preparation (noun)
  • vital (adjective)
  • effectively (adverb)

Conversation Questions

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  • Did you struggle with exams at school?
  • Do you think exams accurately measure a student's knowledge and abilities? Why or why not?
  • How do you usually prepare for exams? Do you have any study techniques or strategies that work well for you?
  • Have you ever experienced exam-related stress? How do you cope with it?
  • Should exams be the primary method of evaluating students' academic performance, or are there better alternatives?
  • How do you think exams could be improved to better evaluate students?
  • If exams were replaced with continuous assessment methods, do you think it would be better for evaluating students' abilities?
  • Should exams focus more on practical skills rather than theoretical knowledge?
  • Do you enjoy the competitive aspect of exams? Why or why not?
  • What one piece of advice would you give someone preparing for an exam?
  • What's the most difficult exam you've ever taken?

Keep The Conversation Going!

Check out a different level conversation about "Should (Recommendations)". Or why not try another conversation based on Vocabulary ?
Gregory
This conversation topic was prepared by Gregory

Gregory is a qualified TEFL teacher who has been teaching English as a Foreign Language (ESL) for over a decade. He has taught in-person classes in Spain and to English learners around the world online.