Speaking Exam Preparation
8-week strategy to pass the oral exam · 88 practice questions · 11 phrase groups
Exam at a Glance
Duration
20-25 minutes
Format
In pairs with a randomly assigned partner
Tasks
3
Next Exam
March 9-13, 2026
The exam tests LANGUAGE SKILLS, not knowledge. There is no curriculum -- you will not be tested on facts. Focus on HOW you express yourself.
The 3 Tasks
Individual Presentation
Solo speaking1-3 minutesTell about yourself or describe an everyday situation. The examiner asks you a question and you speak alone.
What happens
- › Warm-up: Examiner greets you and asks "Hvordan har du det i dag?"
- › You get a question about yourself or daily life
- › You speak alone for 1-3 minutes
- › The examiner may ask follow-up questions
Tips
- ✓ Prepare your self-introduction until it is effortless
- ✓ Use all three time frames: past (pleide a), present (na), future (skal/vil)
- ✓ Always explain WHY -- "Jeg liker det fordi..."
- ✓ Give specific examples from your own life
- ✓ Practice common topics: work, family, hobbies, daily routine
Conversation with Partner
Dialogue5-7 minutesYou and your exam partner discuss a topic together. You must exchange opinions, ask questions, and respond to each other.
What happens
- › Examiner gives both candidates a shared topic
- › Candidate 1 states their opinion and invites Candidate 2
- › Natural back-and-forth conversation follows
- › Both candidates are evaluated individually
Tips
- ✓ You MUST interact with your partner -- ask "Hva synes du?" or "Er du enig?"
- ✓ Listen actively: use "mm", "ja", "ikke sant" to show engagement
- ✓ Agree AND disagree -- showing both is better than always agreeing
- ✓ Use follow-up questions: "Har du opplevd noe lignende?"
- ✓ Do NOT prepare a monologue -- this is a conversation
Opinion with Reasoning
Solo speaking2-3 minutesState your opinion on a societal topic and explain why you think that way. This is the hardest task and the one that most separates A2 from B1.
What happens
- › Examiner gives you a debate-style question
- › You state your position clearly
- › You provide 2-3 arguments with reasoning
- › You may present two sides of the issue
Tips
- ✓ Structure: Standpunkt (position) -> Argument 1 -> Argument 2 -> Konklusjon (conclusion)
- ✓ Use "Pa den ene siden... pa den andre siden..." to show balanced thinking
- ✓ Always use "fordi" to explain your reasons
- ✓ End with a clear personal conclusion
- ✓ It does not matter WHAT you think -- only HOW WELL you express it
A2 vs B1: What Examiners Look For
Needs prompting and support from examiner to keep talking
Speaks fairly autonomously without excessive support
Simple, short sentences: "Jeg har en bil. Den er rod."
Complex sentences with connectors: "Jeg kjorer bil fordi det sparer tid, selv om bussen er bedre for miljoet."
Answers questions but does not ask questions back
Asks questions, responds naturally, engages in real dialogue
Mostly present tense, limited past/future
Moves fluently between past, present, and future
Describes WHAT they do -- lists facts and actions
Explains WHY -- gives opinions with reasoning and examples
Basic everyday vocabulary, sometimes searches for words
Broader vocabulary, can discuss abstract topics, uses varied expressions
Understandable with effort, accent may cause confusion
Clear and intelligible, natural rhythm even with an accent