The Leaving Cert language orals take place in spring, well before the written exams. They carry a big share of the marks: the Irish oral alone is worth 40% of the Leaving Cert Irish exam. And speaking well is a skill that grows slowly, which is why November is a good time to start.
Know what the oral involves
- Ask your teacher exactly how the oral works for your language and level: the parts, the timing and how marks are given.
- Most orals include a general conversation about you, your family, school, hobbies and plans.
Prepare your topics
- Make a list of the common topics and write a short piece on each in your own words.
- Learn useful phrases that you can use in many answers, not long memorised speeches.
- Have a few opinions ready. Examiners like to hear what you think, not just facts.
Speak out loud, every week
- Reading notes silently is not enough. Say your answers out loud, even to yourself.
- Record yourself on your phone and listen back. You will spot hesitations quickly.
- Ten minutes a few times a week does more than one long session before the exam.
Practise with a real person
The hardest part of an oral is answering a question you didn't expect. The best practice is a real conversation with someone who can push you a little further each time. A language tutor can run short mock orals, correct your pronunciation and help you sound natural. You can find an Irish, French, German or Spanish tutor on GrindSpot, with lessons online from home.
Each language and level has its own format. Your teacher and examinations.ie have the details for this year.
