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undefined

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2019 Japanese Oral
« on: October 02, 2019, 04:05:57 pm »
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Hey guys

My oral is next week and I'm starting to stress out a bit. I haven't really prepared responses for the general conversation so my responses currently kind of get straight to the point. I don't do like one word responses but they're still pretty short (i.e ~たり、~たりするのが好きです). Any tips on how to maintain an engaging GC? Or tips in general to make sure I don't shit myself on the day?

Cheers
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AngelWings

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Re: 2019 Japanese Oral
« Reply #1 on: October 02, 2019, 06:09:21 pm »
+5
Any tips on how to maintain an engaging GC?
I used to get told to say at least 2-3 sentences on each question.
For example, if you get the question: 「一番好きな科目は何ですか。」, then your answer could be something like 「じっけん(experiment)がありますから、一番好きな科目は化学です。でも、一番嫌いな科目は英語です。なぜなら、くわしい作文は書きにくいと思います。」

(Excuse my terrible grammar and lack of sophistication; I’ve not touched Japanese for 3 years.)

Hopefully you get the idea of what I mean. Basically, add something more to the response and give them something to ask. From here, the natural questions to ask could be about English, your other subjects (such as Japanese) or school life.

Or tips in general to make sure I don't shit myself on the day?
- First off, take a deep breath before heading in. Attempt to stay calm.
- Secondly, stay polite and use あいづち to fill in time.
- Try to act confident even though you probably won’t be. If you make a mistake, be sure to say something like 「すみません。。。間違えました。実は。。。」 to play it off.
- Practise makes perfect! Try to find time with a classmate, teacher or even a native Japanese speaker to practise with you, if you can.
- Prepare good and logical responses to as many questions as possible for both the General Conversation and Detailed Study sections. Some people try to aim for responses that take up roughly 30 seconds, but in all honesty, I think this is a bit too much and a 20-ish second response (about a few sentences) should be enough, as long as your show some sophistication. As always, quality over quantity.
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Carlamaker

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Re: 2019 Japanese Oral
« Reply #2 on: October 04, 2019, 08:20:05 am »
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I'm also scared! I always hear from people that you have to give these long sprawling responses that fit in as many grammar patterns as possible, but I feel so awkward doing that.

When they ask GC questions, would it be better to give them a simple answer with things left unsaid and hope that they ask a follow up question (to make the conversation more natural), or go right out spitting lines that pad out the answer?
 

Hiea

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Re: 2019 Japanese Oral
« Reply #3 on: October 04, 2019, 01:36:01 pm »
+2
Can I join the panic train? I always take ages to think of a proper answer, which ends up wasting precious time and cuts into the flow of the conversation. Also, I somehow managed to pick up casual expressions along the way, which I just blurt out during mock exams?  :-\

When they ask GC questions, would it be better to give them a simple answer with things left unsaid and hope that they ask a follow up question (to make the conversation more natural), or go right out spitting lines that pad out the answer?

This is my horribly, horribly unqualified opinion, but I would say reply with (1) direct answer to the question, (2) elaboration, then (3) link to another topic if you can. For example, "I like A. This is because of B. In fact, due to this, I would like to become C in the future", or something. Maybe it's just my cynicism coming through, but relying on assessors to ask follow-up questions that just happen to work out seems a little risky.

Any tips on how to maintain an engaging GC?

[I can't even carry a decent conversation in English.]
2018 - 2019 : Biology [45] Japanese SL [45] JLPT N2
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Re: 2019 Japanese Oral
« Reply #4 on: October 04, 2019, 04:19:44 pm »
+1
Can I join the panic train? I always take ages to think of a proper answer, which ends up wasting precious time and cuts into the flow of the conversation. Also, I somehow managed to pick up casual expressions along the way, which I just blurt out during mock exams?  :-\

This is my horribly, horribly unqualified opinion, but I would say reply with (1) direct answer to the question, (2) elaboration, then (3) link to another topic if you can. For example, "I like A. This is because of B. In fact, due to this, I would like to become C in the future", or something. Maybe it's just my cynicism coming through, but relying on assessors to ask follow-up questions that just happen to work out seems a little risky.

[I can't even carry a decent conversation in English.]
Yeah same. I'm afraid I'm gonna either
a) stutter
b) take awkward pauses trying to think of the right word
c) not actually answer to question
d) all of the above

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Carlamaker

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Re: 2019 Japanese Oral
« Reply #5 on: October 04, 2019, 04:55:46 pm »
+1
Yeah same. I'm afraid I'm gonna either
a) stutter
b) take awkward pauses trying to think of the right word
c) not actually answer to question
d) all of the above

Exactly!!! I went to Japan with my class a few months ago, and I very rarely was able to have a proper conversation with people. One bad habit I picked up and recently recovered from is always saying なんか (similar to like) when I couldn't find the right word. It was actually a good coping mechanism that kept me on track, but I don't think it would be appropriate to say it in the exam :(.

What do you guys have as your detailed study? Mine is Hikikomori.

sarangiya

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Re: 2019 Japanese Oral
« Reply #6 on: October 04, 2019, 07:16:31 pm »
+6
I'm also scared! I always hear from people that you have to give these long sprawling responses that fit in as many grammar patterns as possible, but I feel so awkward doing that.

When they ask GC questions, would it be better to give them a simple answer with things left unsaid and hope that they ask a follow up question (to make the conversation more natural), or go right out spitting lines that pad out the answer?
It's correct to say the long, sprawling, grammatically-complex spiels are awkward. If anything, grammar is meant to link ideas efficiently, so that you can express a complicated concept without going on forever! Maybe try making some sentences with that perspective. Instead of trying to fit tons of bells and whistles into one sentence, use more advanced and interesting patterns to improve the quality of your syntactic expression, not the quantity! If anything it will impress the interviewers more than using たりたりします a million times and leaving the feeling that you only memorized the first page of a textbook :P

As for leaving simple answer nuggets to hopefully lead your interviewers to questions like leading a horse to water, I would avoid it. As the saying goes, they might not do what you were expecting! It's better to hedge the risk and put out a whole, beefy answer, just in case they swiftly move on. And if anything, the beef might give them more to chew, giving way to more in-depth questions and more opportunities to excel (...and more points on your scoring sheet). I would be willing to sacrifice some conversational ~flow~ for extra marks and more control.

This is my horribly, horribly unqualified opinion, but I would say reply with (1) direct answer to the question, (2) elaboration, then (3) link to another topic if you can. For example, "I like A. This is because of B. In fact, due to this, I would like to become C in the future", or something. Maybe it's just my cynicism coming through, but relying on assessors to ask follow-up questions that just happen to work out seems a little risky.

[I can't even carry a decent conversation in English.]
Great advice!!! I completely agree. Linking is a great strategy. Also, yes, it is risky to hope for what might not come which is also why it's important to make your answers count! :)
LMao I'm not a pro conversationalist either but I would recommend: A) translating your self-deprecating humour into Japanese and using it because it's funny and will probably be well-received if you can pull it off*, or B) tossing that thought in the bin because confidence is key!!
*imagine!!!!!!!
You: 一番難しい科目は日本語です。どうしてかいうと、英語だっても会話をするたびに緊張しすぎて、口が重くなってしまうからです。でも、日本語の勉強をすればするほど、自分に自信をつけられ、友達にうるさい!!といわれるほどたくさん話せるようになりました!
Them: AN inTRoSPecTIVe KIng!!!

You also both mentioned worrying about using なんか and other casual phrases during your oral. Lucky for you I have a tried and true method that kills this naughty habit.
Practice (lmao)
Seriously though, the reason why these 'pop out' is because you're stalling for time. You haven't learnt the ~act~. You've got a script, you learn it, you perform it. Think of yourself like a stage performer. Memorise your lines, get confident and avoid 'slipping out of character'. You will notice that the better you commit your sentences to memory, the less uM-Ah-oH-uHhhh-y they come out. So if you are really worried about なんか、、そうね、、うん then that's the solution. The catch is that you can take relief in the fact that the assessors know you're not trained actors, and are instead human. It doesn't matter all that much, you'll be forgiven. But by any measure, finalising all (or even some, or even just a few killer sentences) of your script and becoming able to parrot them back without missing a beat easily makes you feel and look way more confident.

GOOD LUCK GUYS!!! It should be soon right???????
Sometimes you make choices, and sometimes choices make you.

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Hiea

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Re: 2019 Japanese Oral
« Reply #7 on: October 05, 2019, 07:19:46 pm »
+2
What do you guys have as your detailed study? Mine is Hikikomori.

Same here, actually. Did you get to choose it yourself, or were you given the topic? I was sort of railroaded onto it after doing a one-off presentation, so... bit of both over here, I guess? I'm a bit nervous about doing such a popular topic, but hopefully my research comes through. If not, then I suppose I can follow in the footsteps of those I'm studying...

LMao I'm not a pro conversationalist either but I would recommend: A) translating your self-deprecating humour into Japanese and using it because it's funny and will probably be well-received if you can pull it off*, or B) tossing that thought in the bin because confidence is key!!
*imagine!!!!!!!
You: 一番難しい科目は日本語です。どうしてかいうと、英語だっても会話をするたびに緊張しすぎて、口が重くなってしまうからです。でも、日本語の勉強をすればするほど、自分に自信をつけられ、友達にうるさい!!といわれるほどたくさん話せるようになりました!
Them: AN inTRoSPecTIVe KIng!!!

You also both mentioned worrying about using なんか and other casual phrases during your oral. Lucky for you I have a tried and true method that kills this naughty habit.
Practice (lmao)
Seriously though, the reason why these 'pop out' is because you're stalling for time. You haven't learnt the ~act~. You've got a script, you learn it, you perform it. Think of yourself like a stage performer. Memorise your lines, get confident and avoid 'slipping out of character'. You will notice that the better you commit your sentences to memory, the less uM-Ah-oH-uHhhh-y they come out. So if you are really worried about なんか、、そうね、、うん then that's the solution. The catch is that you can take relief in the fact that the assessors know you're not trained actors, and are instead human. It doesn't matter all that much, you'll be forgiven. But by any measure, finalising all (or even some, or even just a few killer sentences) of your script and becoming able to parrot them back without missing a beat easily makes you feel and look way more confident.

GOOD LUCK GUYS!!! It should be soon right???????

Thanks for the advice! Really, just having this bit of reassurance and guidance makes me feel a lot more confident for the exam that is now... quite a bit less than week away. Ah. Scripts shouldn't take any more than 72 hours to memorise, yes?
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Re: 2019 Japanese Oral
« Reply #8 on: October 05, 2019, 11:11:33 pm »
+2
What do you guys have as your detailed study? Mine is Hikikomori.
I chose to do renewable energy.

On a side note I finally finished my GC script so now I've just got to remember it. Fun times.
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sarangiya

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Re: 2019 Japanese Oral
« Reply #9 on: October 06, 2019, 02:21:27 pm »
+2
Scripts shouldn't take any more than 72 hours to memorise, yes?
Hahah no
Thanks for the advice! Really, just having this bit of reassurance and guidance makes me feel a lot more confident for the exam that is now... quite a bit less than week away. Ah. Scripts shouldn't take any more than 72 hours to memorise, yes?
Hahahahah oh god that's way closer than I expected! In that case what I said is probably a little inapplicable but eh
Just give it your best punt. Pack your stuff the night before etc
And lol definitely cuz!!! Hahahaha good luck!!
Sometimes you make choices, and sometimes choices make you.

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Carlamaker

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Re: 2019 Japanese Oral
« Reply #10 on: October 06, 2019, 05:06:45 pm »
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I chose to do renewable energy.


dang, that sounds hard. What kind of things did you study for that?

Same here, actually. Did you get to choose it yourself, or were you given the topic? I was sort of railroaded onto it after doing a one-off presentation, so... bit of both over here, I guess? I'm a bit nervous about doing such a popular topic, but hopefully my research comes through. If not, then I suppose I can follow in the footsteps of those I'm studying...


I chose it because i watched a documentary about it a while back and I'm happy I did because it interests me a lot. Is hikikomori a popular topic? now i'm scared (uh oh). Did you choose a sub topic for it? i wasn't really paying attention to what I really needed to do for the exam so i just poked around for some facts and definitions and formed an opinion in it. (also lots of new vocab). I looked into たいじんきょうふしょう a bit, but not enough to warrant a sub-topic :(. Hopefully i wont sound too much like a poser in the exam haha

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Re: 2019 Japanese Oral
« Reply #11 on: October 06, 2019, 05:36:44 pm »
+2
dang, that sounds hard. What kind of things did you study for that?

I chose it because i watched a documentary about it a while back and I'm happy I did because it interests me a lot. Is hikikomori a popular topic? now i'm scared (uh oh). Did you choose a sub topic for it? i wasn't really paying attention to what I really needed to do for the exam so i just poked around for some facts and definitions and formed an opinion in it. (also lots of new vocab). I looked into たいじんきょうふしょう a bit, but not enough to warrant a sub-topic :(. Hopefully i wont sound too much like a poser in the exam haha
I actually really like my topic. In chem earlier this year we learnt about biodiesel and petrodiesel and all these different types of renewable energies so I decided to do it for my DS. I did things like research renewable energy use in japan and Japanese peoples' perception on continuing to use non-renewables such as nuclear power, especially after the Fukushima incident. I actually originally planned to do hikkikomori but it sounds like quite a difficult topic since you have to talk a lot about societal implications etc. But yeah I'm sure it's not that popular as a topic compared to like こうれいか社会 but regardless of whether it's popular or not you can still do great!
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anj_n

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Re: 2019 Japanese Oral
« Reply #12 on: October 07, 2019, 09:16:28 pm »
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Hi there guys, my topic is bukatsu (this was chosen by the teacher) its not too difficult but im wondering what kinds of questions would they ask? it seems like many people here have scripts too but my teacher said DONT do that as they can tell when you've memorised the whole thing and can mark you down, so ive been practising with my teacher and she makes up random questions and i try to answer them. help!! :-\

Hiea

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Re: 2019 Japanese Oral
« Reply #13 on: October 07, 2019, 09:51:07 pm »
+2
I chose it because i watched a documentary about it a while back and I'm happy I did because it interests me a lot. Is hikikomori a popular topic? now i'm scared (uh oh). Did you choose a sub topic for it? i wasn't really paying attention to what I really needed to do for the exam so i just poked around for some facts and definitions and formed an opinion in it. (also lots of new vocab). I looked into たいじんきょうふしょう a bit, but not enough to warrant a sub-topic :(. Hopefully i wont sound too much like a poser in the exam haha

I don't have a sub-topic either, don't worry. I definitely get what you mean by learning lots of new vocab. Didn't expect to learn what "Tokyo Bureau of Public Welfare and Health" was in Japanese when I started, but hey, here I am now.

I think as long as your presentation of information seems structured and your discussion is reasonably fluent, you'll be fine. As for popularity, well, I'm not entirely sure about how common of a topic it is, but there are a couple others in my class also doing it. We can still pull through regardless!

Hi there guys, my topic is bukatsu (this was chosen by the teacher) its not too difficult but im wondering what kinds of questions would they ask? it seems like many people here have scripts too but my teacher said DONT do that as they can tell when you've memorised the whole thing and can mark you down, so ive been practising with my teacher and she makes up random questions and i try to answer them. help!! :-\

They can mark you down for obviously rote-learned language, yes, but I'd say that doing away with a script entirely is entirely overboard. It's not as if you're going to be punished for having a well-thought out response that answers the assessor's questions well and shows your confidence in leading the topic or anything. Of course, it's a completely different story if you spout out pre-made answers without regard for what the assessor is asking. At this point, try to remember what kind of questions your teacher has asked you in the past (or, if she has given specific feedback sheets, use those for guidance) and formulate answers based on that. Your improvisation practice should still prove itself to be useful, though! You'll have a harder time getting caught off guard than students who might just use their script as a crutch  ;D

As for questions, that depends on the scope of your study. They can't ask about absolutely everything about your topic in the time allotted, so clearly state what you've focused on studying about bukatsu (I'm taking a stab in the dark here, but e.g. history, comparison to Australia, etc.) in your introduction, and you should get questions based on those parts. Off the top of my head, a possible line of questioning could be,
"How common are club activities in Japan?", "How does this compare to Australia?", "Why is this so?".

In summary, make a script, lead the conversation, and pray to an auspicious deity before you enter the exam room. I think. Heck if I know, I'm pretty blind here, too.
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sarangiya

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Re: 2019 Japanese Oral
« Reply #14 on: October 08, 2019, 01:29:20 am »
+3
Quote from: Hiea link=topic=187964
They can mark you down for obviously rote-learned language, yes, but I'd say that doing away with a script entirely is entirely overboard. It's not as if you're going to be punished for having a well-thought out response that answers the assessor's questions well and shows your confidence in leading the topic or anything. Of course, it's a completely different story if you spout out pre-made answers without regard for what the assessor is asking. At this point, try to remember what kind of questions your teacher has asked you in the past (or, if she has given specific feedback sheets, use those for guidance) and formulate answers based on that. Your improvisation practice should still prove itself to be useful, though! You'll have a harder time getting caught off guard than students who might just use their script as a crutch  ;D
Exactly. I'm actually really surprised by the approach of not having any script at all. Even some native speakers would have trouble scoring well in this examination. The benefit of having a script is not necessarily to memorise it, but to actually write and plan out carefully what you want to say. I still maintain memorising it and performing it is important too, though. I mean let's be realistic:
which is a more natural scenario?
A: 家族について話してください
B: えっ、意外ですね(笑) えーっと、母と私だけなんですよ。兄弟もいないです。
~~~or~~~~
A: 家族について話してください
B: 私は一人っ子で母子家庭で育てられました。母と私だけでもとても幸せで、姉妹のような従兄妹たちがいるので、ちっとも寂しくないです。
But I also agree that the skill of improvisation is equally important. Not everything can go according to plan, not should it. Honestly speaking, it probably would be ideal if noone made scripts. If one can learn to respond accurately and coherently to whatever question, that's pretty damn good.
Sometimes you make choices, and sometimes choices make you.

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