Presentations are no longer required for an oral exam, but they are allowed. If you wish to give a short presentation at the beginning of the exam, you may do so. If you choose to do this, there are some things to keep in mind.
Because we have so many opportunities to find material online or get help from AI, it is important to show competence in the use of sources. Take the time to find reliable sources, and be prepared to explain what you learned from each source.
If you choose to use AI in your preparation, ensure that you verify the information thoroughly. When chatbots give us incorrect information, we say that they are ‘hallucinating’. A simple spelling error might cause the chatbot to go off track. Another possibility is that it lacks access to the correct information or is overwhelmed by too much information to process effectively. Always question the validity of any answer you receive from AI and double-check its accuracy.
Do not feel you need to hide the fact that you used AI during the exam. However, take the time to explain how you used it constructively and what steps you took to ensure the information was accurate.
You will know the topic of your exam 24 hours in advance. Therefore, you should not spend too much time creating a presentation, as the conversation is always the most important part of the oral exam. Remember, you also need to explain what sources you used and how you used them, so your presentation should be no more than five minutes long.
Thesis statement: How is English useful in the profession I am studying for?
Why choose this thesis statement?
By choosing this thesis statement, you can talk about what it will be like to work in the profession you are studying for. You can draw on information from your work placement periods and your vocational studies.
How is English used in everyday life in Norway?
In which professions is speaking English essential, and why is it so important?
2. Topic: Democracy and citizenship
Suggested thesis statement: Why is it important to have a job?
Why choose this thesis statement?
This thesis statement allows you to focus on one aspect of democracy and citizenship: how having a job opens doors for people, help them realise their potential, and how earning money and paying taxes contribute to maintaining the society we live in.
Make sure you find relevant sources that offer specific facts, so that your presentation is not just your own opinion.
Alternative suggestions for thesis statement:
A person who has changed the world.
How to be a good colleague in the profession I am studying for, and why it is important to be a good colleague.
3. Topic: Indigenous peoples in English-speaking countries
Suggested thesis statement: The oppression of two Indigenous peoples
Why choose this thesis statement?
The Indigenous peoples in Canada, New Zealand, the United States and Australia all have a history of oppression. In your thesis statement: choose to focus on the oppression of the people you have studied the most. So instead of 'The oppression of two Indigenous peoples', it might be 'Oppression of the Native Americans' or 'Oppression of the Māori'.
This topic allows you to talk about the influence of the British Empire and European settlers in these countries. You can also talk about how their culture was affected and what the situation is today.
Focusing on one people in the presentation allows you to narrow your focus and be more detailed and specific. In the conversation afterwards, you may speak about the topic in more general terms.
Alternative suggestions for a thesis statement:
Why was European settlement in North America harmful for the Native Americans' way of life?
Taking children from their families: Stolen Generations in Australia
4. Topic: Health and life skills
Suggested thesis statement: How is technology changing the profession I am studying for?
Why choose this thesis statement?
This topic allows you to draw on your own knowledge and experience, which gives you a good starting point for making a presentation that is uniquely yours. At the same time, it is important that you explore relevant sources to find updated information about how new technology, for example AI or automation, is changing the profession you are studying for.
In addition to sharing your personal views, make sure you reference reliable sources.
Alternative suggestions for a thesis statement:
What life skills should be taught in schools?
Why choosing the right career path is important to live the life you want.
5. Topic: Literature, films, and computer games
Suggested thesis statement: Using simulation games to learn real-life skills.
Why choose this thesis statement?
If you choose this topic, you are probably interested in gaming and have played a simulation game or two. Use your experiences and talk about what kinds of real-life skills we may pick up from simulation games. Then discuss whether simulation games should be used in school.
Alternative suggestions for a thesis statement:
Compare two characters from literature, film, or computer games that have a good work ethic and discuss what we may learn from them.
