With the oral exams inching closer, now is the perfect time for students to focus on keeping calm, learning the phrases that could get them extra points, and remembering the joys of learning a second language.
The Gaeilge Coach
TikTok handle: @the_gaeilge_coach
1. Top tips for calming the nerves?
Think of all the preparation you have done and how many times you've practised a conversation exactly like the one you're about to have. Remember to breathe and just give yourself a moment to think about what you want to say if nerves take over in the oral. Also, I promise your examiner will be so lovely!
2. What to brush up in the final days/checklist to go through
Make sure to keep practicing your poems aloud, practice all the common topics by saying them aloud to yourself if you have nobody to practice with, and choose a random sraith pictiúr to say at different times of the day when studying!
3. If someone is really struggling, are there basics to focus on to get them through?
The poem is where they can get a lot of easy marks. If struggling, really focus on the verbs. I guarantee you can write 20 Irish verbs from memory - so make sure to use them! Even if you are not speaking in the correct tense, you will still get marks for effective communication.
4. What exactly are examiners judging?
Examiners are judging your ability to communicate with them, the accuracy in the language, your pronunciation, the standard of your vocabulary and how willing you are to have a conversation with them. Personality is important so make sure to let yours shine through!
5. Any phrases or tips to go the extra mile/earn extra points
Using the modh coinníollach by yourself is always impressive, a nice easy one to use is when talking about an interesting event you attended mar shampla, ceolchoirm (concert) you could say 'rachainn arís' (I would go again!)
6. Best way to practice?
TikTok has a wealth of information regarding the orals, check out my videos where I pose common oral questions. Students can pause the video and answer the question before continuing on with the video! These are useful especially if you have nobody to practice with.
7. What do you personally enjoy most about the language?
I love teaching our native language to students and helping them find their grá for Gaeilge. I take great pride in showing them that Irish is for everyone and once they open their mind to it, everyone has the ability to engage with the language. Tír gan teanga, tír gan anam!
8. What is the greatest benefit to students having a second language?
There are so many employment opportunities with Gaeilge both inside and outside of the education realm! More importantly, I think it is a great thing to be able to speak your native language especially if you decide to spend some time living away from home.
9. Your favourite phrase in Irish?
There are so many I adore but one of my favourites is 'Is fada an bóthar nach bhfuil aon chasadh ann' - the road is long that has no turns!
Go n-éirí an t-ádh le gach dalta an tseachtain seo.
Kasia Mertuszka, SimpleStudy.ie
TikTok handle: @simplestudy.ie
What are your top tips for calming the nerves before an oral exam?
Remember that it’s completely normal to feel nervous - everyone does! The key is to turn those nerves into focus. Try a short walk, deep breathing, or some mindfulness to calm your mind. And remember, the examiner is rooting for you and wants to give you those marks- they’re not there to catch you out.
What are the essentials to brush up on in the final days?
In the final days, it’s all about refining what you've already learned. Focus on your picture stories (or sraith pictiúrs) and make sure you know what’s going on and have a few go-to phrases for each.
Next, thoroughly revise basic conversation topics such as family, hobbies, and school. If you’ve prepared sample answers, practice active recall to memorize them (p.s SimpleStudy has flashcards and sample answers to help with this last bit!).
If someone is really struggling, are there basics to focus on to get them through?
Start with the core vocabulary, like family, school, hobbies, and weather. Learn one or two solid phrases per topic that you can rely on. Get comfortable with answer structures: how to start and finish a sentence confidently as well as common question words. Even if your grammar isn’t perfect, showing effort and consistency gets marks.
What exactly are examiners judging?
They’re looking at your fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary range, and how well you understand and respond to questions. But also your communication skills e.g. confidence and the ability to communicate clearly and naturally.
Any phrases or tips to go the extra mile/earn extra points?
Yes! Throw in idiomatic expressions or phrases that will set you apart from other students like "Is aoibhinn liom..." instead of just saying "Is maith liom...".
Show variety in your answers, even if you’re saying something simple. And if you make a mistake, correct yourself calmly.
Best way to practice?
Apps like SimpleStudy help you drill the content through pre-made H1 standard notes, flashcards and quizzes. But also, following language teachers on TikToks is incredibly valuable for building up your vocabulary. And if there’s a mock oral available in your school, do it!
What do you personally enjoy most about language?
Definitely the travel side of things. Being able to speak the local language, even just a little, can transform your travel experience. You can chat with locals, understand signs and menus, and feel much more connected to the culture.
What is the greatest benefit to students having a second language?
It opens so many doors especially for travel and jobs. Whether you’re exploring a new country or applying for a role that needs even basic communication skills, having a second language is a huge asset. Plus, it makes travelling way more fun and meaningful when you can speak with locals and understand the culture a bit more deeply.
Your favourite phrase in your chosen language?
In Irish, it has to be "Níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin." Loosley, it means "There’s no place like home." It’s such a warm, comforting phrase (and using a seanfhocal like that in your oral can really impress the examiner).
