the bfi oral examination in terminale
start
what to expect on exam day
general principles
The exam
Introduction and arguments
The questioning
The selectionprocess
The exam room
Preliminary comments
general principles
start
general principles
exam structure
The list The oral examination is based on 10 Key issues and 10 Key terms. There will be a set of four approved lists of Key issues and schools will be asked to select one of these lists for use with their candidates. The 10 Key
terms are common to all schools in France. The list is made up of 5 KI in history and 5 KI in geography. The same applies for KT.
next
general principles
exam structure
The list The list is released to students some time before school holidays in April. Oral exams usually take place end of May/beginning of June. Official lists cannot be used for practice orals: you have to train with other lists.
next
general principles
exam structure
The list As official lists cannot be used for practice orals - that would be "coaching" - you have to prepare on your own! since the written exam usually takes place some days before the orals, preparing for your oral also helps you studying for the written.
next
general principles
the approved key content list
an example of key issues
5 in history, 5 in geography. KI can relate to a chapter studied either in English OR in French! Typical phrasing: "How far do you agree", "Assess", "How successfully", "Discuss", "Evaluate", etc. Pretty similar to an essay question.
reflect
general principles
the approved key content list
an example of key TERMs
5 in history, 5 in geography. KI can relate to a chapter studied either in English OR in French! Only consists in key concepts, events, actors, etc. studied in class.
reflect
general principles
exam structure
The structure select your KI and KT. Prepare your oral during 20min in the prep room. Present your answer to the KI in 5 minutes - English only of course! Answer 5 min of questions about the KI. Answer 5 min of questions about the KT. Total duration: 15 min.
next
what to expect on exam day
The selection process
start
what to expect on exam day
the selection process
Watch the following video and describe the selection process.
what to expect on exam day
the selection process
A set of 15 cards on the table. 10 green cards face down, numbers from 1-10: KI 5 white cards face down, letters from A-E: KT select a green card: that will be your KI. If you select a green card between 1-5: history; between 6-10: geography. Then select a white card: that will be your KT. Note: if your KI is in history, your KT will be in geography, and vice versa.
next
what to expect on exam day
the selection process
WARNING! DO NOT: - Ask if you can pick the ones you prefer. - Ask if you can choose again if you dislike what you selected. - Manifest joy or desperation: keep a cool head!
next
what to expect on exam day
The exam room
start
what to expect on exam day
the exam room
Diagram of a typical exam room
You are likely to take the exam in another high school. There are always 2 examiners: HG teachers from other schools you don't know. There might be a Cambridge Inspector in the room: very unlikely, but he/she is here to observe the examiners, not you! :)
reflect
what to expect on exam day
Preliminary comments
start
what to expect on exam day
preliminary comments
Watch the following video and describe the preliminary comments given by the examiner.
what to expect on exam day
preliminary comments
When a candidate enters the room at the beginning of the oral, one teacher-examiner should introduce himself/herself, the other teacher-examiner, and any others attending, by name. He/she should make a point of adding, if there is an Inspector present, "Don't worry, Dr. X is here to check on us, not on you" (or words to that effect).
next
what to expect on exam day
preliminary comments
Preliminary comments should help to put the candidate at ease and, where possible, give a sense of a relaxed atmosphere. The candidate should be addressed by his/her first name throughout. Examiners should maintain a friendly demeanour, serving candidates
water if requested. A clock must be placed in each examination room and must be visible both to examiners and the candidate.
next
what to expect on exam day
preliminary comments
Teacher-examiners must give the same instructions and information to each candidate. They must explain to each candidate how the oral will be conducted, with special reference to the amount of time that will be devoted to each part of the oral. When you have 1 min left to present you KI, the examiners are supposed to give you a quick warning to let you know how much time is remaining. Acknowledgement of student (eye contact etc)
next
the exam
Introduction and arguments
next
the exam
introduction and arguments
Watch the following video and explain what should an introduction do.
the exam
introduction and arguments
What should an introduction do?
Use words from the Q to “engage”.
Give a sense of what your overall response is
Outline the factors you are going to talk about
Do NOT go into detail in your introduction because, well, it’s an introduction.
next
the exam
introduction and arguments
Watch the following video and identify: 1) What is the first argument 2) What historical evidence is used to support the argument 3) How precise is the historical evidence
the exam
introduction and arguments
What is the first argument?
"First of all, I do agree the USA is responsible for the fact that there was intense tensions between the USA and the USSR through Truman and Stalin…especially because Truman didn’t trust Stalin.”
next
the exam
introduction and arguments
What is the first argument?
"First of all, I do agree the USA is responsible for the fact that there was intense tensions between the USA and the USSR through Truman and Stalin…especially because Truman didn’t trust Stalin.” --> Ideological differences, though not very analytical
next
the exam
introduction and arguments
How to put it better?
"Truman’s attitude towards the USSR was crucial to the start of the Cold War.”
“Truman’s mistrust of the USSR and Stalin made the start of the Cold War much more likely.”
--> Much more analytical
next
the exam
introduction and arguments
What historical evidence is used to support the argument? Detail on how Truman and the West felt threatened about Communist ideology at the 1945 Potsdam conference; stalin's 1946 speech. How precise is it? some specific events/actors are mentioned, but not always clearly related to the question.
next
the exam
introduction and arguments
In a nutshell... 1) state clearly your argument in the first line 2) use historical/geographical evidence 3) Explain fully the argument you are presenting i.e. why this idea really relates to the key issue
next
the exam
The questioning
next
the exam
the questioning
Typical starting first question “I’m just going to pick up on the last thing you said…” --> "easy" question Qs that follow up, ask students for precision.
Big Picture Qs blended with more open questions to allow the student to show off what they know.
If you feel questions are becoming harder: usually a good sign, the jury thinks you are able to take it :)
next
the exam
the marking scheme
The marking scheme used for the oral exam is the same we use in class for exposés.
the exam
the marking scheme
student in the mock exam got a 15/20. A mix of "good" and "satisfactory". Able to demonstrate good knowledge, sometimes lacking accuracy, not always well-connected to the key issue in a demonstrative way. Good level of expression although some mistakes and you can tell she is not a native speaker.
next
You've done a wonderful job!
FIND ME ON PRONOTE!
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Oral exam
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Transcript
the bfi oral examination in terminale
start
what to expect on exam day
general principles
The exam
Introduction and arguments
The questioning
The selectionprocess
The exam room
Preliminary comments
general principles
start
general principles
exam structure
The list The oral examination is based on 10 Key issues and 10 Key terms. There will be a set of four approved lists of Key issues and schools will be asked to select one of these lists for use with their candidates. The 10 Key terms are common to all schools in France. The list is made up of 5 KI in history and 5 KI in geography. The same applies for KT.
next
general principles
exam structure
The list The list is released to students some time before school holidays in April. Oral exams usually take place end of May/beginning of June. Official lists cannot be used for practice orals: you have to train with other lists.
next
general principles
exam structure
The list As official lists cannot be used for practice orals - that would be "coaching" - you have to prepare on your own! since the written exam usually takes place some days before the orals, preparing for your oral also helps you studying for the written.
next
general principles
the approved key content list
an example of key issues
5 in history, 5 in geography. KI can relate to a chapter studied either in English OR in French! Typical phrasing: "How far do you agree", "Assess", "How successfully", "Discuss", "Evaluate", etc. Pretty similar to an essay question.
reflect
general principles
the approved key content list
an example of key TERMs
5 in history, 5 in geography. KI can relate to a chapter studied either in English OR in French! Only consists in key concepts, events, actors, etc. studied in class.
reflect
general principles
exam structure
The structure select your KI and KT. Prepare your oral during 20min in the prep room. Present your answer to the KI in 5 minutes - English only of course! Answer 5 min of questions about the KI. Answer 5 min of questions about the KT. Total duration: 15 min.
next
what to expect on exam day
The selection process
start
what to expect on exam day
the selection process
Watch the following video and describe the selection process.
what to expect on exam day
the selection process
A set of 15 cards on the table. 10 green cards face down, numbers from 1-10: KI 5 white cards face down, letters from A-E: KT select a green card: that will be your KI. If you select a green card between 1-5: history; between 6-10: geography. Then select a white card: that will be your KT. Note: if your KI is in history, your KT will be in geography, and vice versa.
next
what to expect on exam day
the selection process
WARNING! DO NOT: - Ask if you can pick the ones you prefer. - Ask if you can choose again if you dislike what you selected. - Manifest joy or desperation: keep a cool head!
next
what to expect on exam day
The exam room
start
what to expect on exam day
the exam room
Diagram of a typical exam room
You are likely to take the exam in another high school. There are always 2 examiners: HG teachers from other schools you don't know. There might be a Cambridge Inspector in the room: very unlikely, but he/she is here to observe the examiners, not you! :)
reflect
what to expect on exam day
Preliminary comments
start
what to expect on exam day
preliminary comments
Watch the following video and describe the preliminary comments given by the examiner.
what to expect on exam day
preliminary comments
When a candidate enters the room at the beginning of the oral, one teacher-examiner should introduce himself/herself, the other teacher-examiner, and any others attending, by name. He/she should make a point of adding, if there is an Inspector present, "Don't worry, Dr. X is here to check on us, not on you" (or words to that effect).
next
what to expect on exam day
preliminary comments
Preliminary comments should help to put the candidate at ease and, where possible, give a sense of a relaxed atmosphere. The candidate should be addressed by his/her first name throughout. Examiners should maintain a friendly demeanour, serving candidates water if requested. A clock must be placed in each examination room and must be visible both to examiners and the candidate.
next
what to expect on exam day
preliminary comments
Teacher-examiners must give the same instructions and information to each candidate. They must explain to each candidate how the oral will be conducted, with special reference to the amount of time that will be devoted to each part of the oral. When you have 1 min left to present you KI, the examiners are supposed to give you a quick warning to let you know how much time is remaining. Acknowledgement of student (eye contact etc)
next
the exam
Introduction and arguments
next
the exam
introduction and arguments
Watch the following video and explain what should an introduction do.
the exam
introduction and arguments
What should an introduction do? Use words from the Q to “engage”. Give a sense of what your overall response is Outline the factors you are going to talk about Do NOT go into detail in your introduction because, well, it’s an introduction.
next
the exam
introduction and arguments
Watch the following video and identify: 1) What is the first argument 2) What historical evidence is used to support the argument 3) How precise is the historical evidence
the exam
introduction and arguments
What is the first argument? "First of all, I do agree the USA is responsible for the fact that there was intense tensions between the USA and the USSR through Truman and Stalin…especially because Truman didn’t trust Stalin.”
next
the exam
introduction and arguments
What is the first argument? "First of all, I do agree the USA is responsible for the fact that there was intense tensions between the USA and the USSR through Truman and Stalin…especially because Truman didn’t trust Stalin.” --> Ideological differences, though not very analytical
next
the exam
introduction and arguments
How to put it better? "Truman’s attitude towards the USSR was crucial to the start of the Cold War.” “Truman’s mistrust of the USSR and Stalin made the start of the Cold War much more likely.” --> Much more analytical
next
the exam
introduction and arguments
What historical evidence is used to support the argument? Detail on how Truman and the West felt threatened about Communist ideology at the 1945 Potsdam conference; stalin's 1946 speech. How precise is it? some specific events/actors are mentioned, but not always clearly related to the question.
next
the exam
introduction and arguments
In a nutshell... 1) state clearly your argument in the first line 2) use historical/geographical evidence 3) Explain fully the argument you are presenting i.e. why this idea really relates to the key issue
next
the exam
The questioning
next
the exam
the questioning
Typical starting first question “I’m just going to pick up on the last thing you said…” --> "easy" question Qs that follow up, ask students for precision. Big Picture Qs blended with more open questions to allow the student to show off what they know. If you feel questions are becoming harder: usually a good sign, the jury thinks you are able to take it :)
next
the exam
the marking scheme
The marking scheme used for the oral exam is the same we use in class for exposés.
the exam
the marking scheme
student in the mock exam got a 15/20. A mix of "good" and "satisfactory". Able to demonstrate good knowledge, sometimes lacking accuracy, not always well-connected to the key issue in a demonstrative way. Good level of expression although some mistakes and you can tell she is not a native speaker.
next
You've done a wonderful job!
FIND ME ON PRONOTE!
home