Department of Spanish and Portuguese
Spanish Oral B
Teaching aimed to develop your oral and general language expression skills in the language consists of a weekly supervision with a native speaker in small groups of 2-4 students (these "Language with Oral Component" supervisions are arranged by your Director of Studies). This is your chance to converse with a native speaker on a series of topics, where the onus will be on you to speak the language and increase your fluency. The oral examination (Oral Examination B) is held in the first week of the third term (Easter Term) and consists of: (i) reading aloud a passage taken from a text chosen by the Examiners (you will be given the passage 15 minutes beforehand, to read it through and prepare for the exam); and (ii) conversation on the subject matter of the text. The examination may also include conversation on general topics. During the four teaching weeks of the Easter term, supervisors will concentrate on revising relevant grammatical points.
Please remember that World Wide Web provides you with ample opportunity to listen to authentic Spanish, even if it is only watching the News or the latest episode of your favourite soap! You will also find a wealth or resources in the MML CALL Facility and in the Language Centre. There is also the Hispanic Society in the University which will help you meet the many young native-speakers who study in Cambridge. We shall also give you advice, help, and encouragement to go on courses in Spain during the holidays. The
has a system of 'pairing up' Modern Languages students with foreign students currently studying in Cambridge for language exchange sessions. You may be able to arrange an informal language class in this way.
