O-Level English oral exam: SEAB clarifies discrepancies

“For each oral examination session, only one version of the examination video and questions is released via SEAB’s e-Examination system to all examination centres. Hence, all candidates and oral examiners access the same examination video and test content.

“In addition, processes are in place before the commencement of the oral examination session to verify that the correct video and questions are shown onscreen,” said a spokesperson for the board.

The oral examination takes 20 minutes in total. It includes 10 minutes of silent preparation, where students will watch a short video clip and read an accompanying prompt, then prepare notes.

This is followed by 10 minutes of spoken interaction, where students engage in a conversation with examiners based on the same theme during the earlier preparation.

Oral makes up 20 per cent of students’ total O-level English grade.

About 5,000 candidates sat the GCE O-level English Language oral examination on July 15.

SEAB said all candidates will be assessed fairly based on their prepared responses and in accordance with the assessment rubrics.

“The oral examiners are experienced teachers and have completed a standardisation exercise prior to being deployed for the oral examination to ensure fair and consistent assessment for all candidates.

“SEAB will continue to monitor the conduct of the examination and remains committed to ensuring a fair assessment experience for all candidates,” added the spokesperson.