Viva

ESL: VIVA

Internal Assessment

(20 marks)

Viva is a test where students take part in a 10-15min one to one discussion in English with their teacher.

Purpose: to present ideas, information, and critical opinions on the 2 themes studied during the ESL program.

Components of Viva:

Greetings

Introductory questions

Thematic questions

questions will be asked according to the answers given by the student so as to create coherence

Students should not give a one-word answer and must discuss the question. (e.g. yes, no, agree don’t know)

You may take a few seconds to think of your response but do not just keep quiet. (answer the question not just blabber about what you want to talk about)

Thematic answers must have some form of factual information or reference to a particular issue or article. You can use some general knowledge but specifics must be combined.

	move from the general to the specific
	use specific information from written or oral resources

Requirement during the VIVA:

Choose 1 specific issue each for the 2 themes that you have done and have through knowledge of these issues. You still need to be aware of the other issues just in case you run out of things to say on the first issue

Speak:

	Clearly using reasonably complex sentences and a broad vocabulary
	With ease and fluency (coherence and flow required)
	Without gaps (ammm…hmmmm…well…? I…I…well…lets see…)
	Without hesitation
	With good control of grammar and clear pronunciation

By following the argument, responding appropriately and contributing effectively to the discussion.

Listen to the question carefully and answer appropriately

Sample questions:

Intro: You have studied the Childhood theme. What issue in this theme that interest you most? Why is this specific issue the most interesting to you?

Theme questions:

	Which is the most confusing stage of childhood – teenage or young adult? Why?
	Why are children in the early childhood stage not suitable for labor? Why should we make all the effort to stop child labor at this stage?
	Issues of street children is one of the most neglected areas when it comes to childhood issue. Why is this so? Why do certain government avoid the issue of street children? Why can't they be helped? If a child stays a street child all his or her life, what is the greatest danger they will face when they become adults?
	The Amazon jungle is precious yet we are not successful in saving it as more and more of the Amazon is disappearing each day. What can be done to stop this destruction?
	Animals are kept in the zoo so the children in the cities can see and appreciate nature. What do you think about keeping animals in zoos? Do you think there is an alternative to caging animals? What would you say to conservationists who feel that keeping animals in captivity is the only way to save the endangered species?

* Be calm during the viva as you are only having a pleasant conversation with dear Miss Prem. There is no reason for you to be nervous. DON’T PANIC

HOW TO PREPARE FOR VIVA?

DOS:

Go through the themes you have chosen by brainstorming the main points.

e.g. Childhood:

	What are different stages of childhood?
	What are the needs of a child in the early childhood stage?
	What are some of the major social and emotional problems teenagers’ face in society today?
	What are the major points relating to your chosen issue? List them.

	List out these points and the arguments and make short notes on them
	Get together with classmates and exchange points and have group discussion. (This is one of the most interesting and successful ways to prepare)
	Refer to articles or specific factual information to prepare a convincing argument. An "I think" or "I feel" argument is not very convincing.
	Think of the themes covered in the short stories, poems and songs. But you MUST NOT USE THE CREATIVE TEXT WE STUDIED IN CLASS AS REFERENCE DURING THE VIVA.

Resources:

	You are expected to use strong articles to support your points. It is expected that you use at least one article but you may include up to 4 articles. You are allowed to bring in the reference of the articles but not the articles itself.
	You are not allowed to have any notes with you during the Viva. It is distracting to be reading out your answer and you may not be answering the questions asked.
	You can have notes with you before the Viva session outside the Room.

Be at the Viva location before you allocated time. If you are going to be late for any reason, make sure the person before you can take over your viva period. (The responsibility is yours)

DON’TS:

	You do have to cite materials you have read in newspapers or magazine. (points from these materials are used to give ideas on the issue only)
	Do not discuss difficult or factual points with friends just before the Viva as it will only worry and confuse you.
	Come to the examination room on time. Rushing in to the room will just cause you to panic.
	Don’t sleep late the night before the Viva as you will be tired and will not be able to answer spontaneously. A tired mind cannot and will not think clearly. The easiest questions can sound difficult when your mind has not had a good night sleep.
	Don’t PANIC. Remember you have done something as difficult as Research Study and CR1. This is a piece of cake. Plus, you have thought about these themes in class, reading and discussions.

Childhood issues

	child labor
	children in poverty
	children of war
	children orphaned and abandoned
	children of the street

Environmental Issues

	Environment vs. Development
	Animal Extinction
	Alternative Energy
	Recycling
	Environmental organizations

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