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Oral expression is evaluated at BAC Terminale through the épreuve orale. Types of oral tasks : presentation, role-play, interview, discussion, debate. Formal presentation structure : Introduction (30 sec) : 'Good morning / Good afternoon. Today I am going to present...' Body (2-3 min) : 3 main points, logically ordered with transitions. Conclusion (30 sec) : 'In conclusion... / To summarise... / Thank you for your attention.' Keys to effective delivery : Pace : speak at a measured speed — not too fast. Volume : speak clearly and project your voice. Eye contact : look at the examiner and audience, not your notes. Intonation : vary your voice to show enthusiasm and emphasise key points. Body language : upright posture, natural gestures, avoid fidgeting. Job interview in English : Common questions : 'Tell me about yourself.' / 'What are your strengths and weaknesses?' / 'Where do you see yourself in 5 years?' / 'Why should we hire you?' Useful language for discussions : agreeing, disagreeing politely, clarifying, summarising.
Exercise 1 : Prepare and record a 3-minute presentation on one of these topics:
a) The importance of African languages in the modern world.
b) How technology is changing education in Senegal.
c) Climate change: what young people must do.
Exercise 2 : Role-play a job interview in English.
Position: Communications Officer at an international NGO.
Prepare answers to: 'Tell me about yourself', 'What are your strengths?', 'Why do you want to work for us?', 'Where do you see yourself in 5 years?'
How do you structure a 3-minute oral presentation at BAC level?
Correction
Introduction (30 sec): greeting + topic statement + thesis/angle. Body (2 min): Point 1 with example or evidence (40 sec), transition, Point 2 with example (40 sec), transition, Point 3 (40 sec). Conclusion (30 sec): summary of main points + strong closing thought. Key: practise timing out loud, use discourse markers, maintain eye contact.
How do you answer 'What are your strengths and weaknesses?' in an interview?
Correction
Strengths: choose 2-3 genuine strengths relevant to the job, give examples. 'I am highly organised — in my previous role, I managed three projects simultaneously.' Weaknesses: choose a real weakness that you are actively working to improve — never say 'I have no weaknesses' or give a fake strength disguised as a weakness. 'I sometimes take on too much — I am learning to delegate more effectively.'
What language can you use to agree or disagree politely in a discussion?
Correction
Agreeing: 'I completely agree with that point.' / 'That is exactly right.' / 'You make an excellent point about...'. Partial agreement: 'I agree to some extent, but...' / 'That is true, although...' Disagreeing politely: 'I see your point, but I think...' / 'With respect, I would argue that...' / 'I am not entirely convinced because...'