1. Read the conversational outline carefully before beginning. Perhaps the most important part of this task is recognizing the context in which the conversation takes place. This information is presented in the Introducción that appears before the conversation outline. It is very important that you understand this context and recall the vocabulary and grammatical forms you will need to express yourself in that situation. In some of the conversations you will be asked to follow a conversation initiated by someone else. In other cases you will be expected to initiate the conversation yourself, responding to a voice mail message.
2. Use the correct form of address. Remember that this section practices your ability to speak in an informal situation. Use tú verb forms throughout, as well as the corresponding possessive, indirect object, and reflexive pronouns.
3. While you read the outline, pay attention to the verbs that describe what you will communicate. Jot down some vocabulary dealing with the topic and a few expressions to express your emotions and reactions, as well as to connect your ideas (see appendices C and G) that you can integrate while responding to the prompts. Here are some descriptive verbs you may see in the outlines; as you come across others, add them to the list:
4. Pay careful attention to the written prompts. Even if you don't understand every single word of the speaker's recorded comments, the outline of the conversation will help you get a general idea of what the conversation is about. As you respond to each written prompt, it's good idea to cross it out so that you do not lose your place in the conversation.
5 Put yourself in the situation that is described to you. As you respond to each recorded comment or question, think about the situation as if it were real, and pretend you are in it. You do not have to say things that are factual or real to you or your life, but rather say something that is appropriate in that situation, something that shows your ability to express yourself in Spanish within that context.
6. Use your imagination. This is a task to show your ability to speak in Spanish. It is simulated, so it doesn't have to be factual. Just focus on responding appropriately!
7. Make sure you stay within the general theme of the conversation. Going into a different direction, although it may be appropriate, may be construed as you are not understanding the question or statement to which you are responding.
8. If you make a mistake, go ahead and correct yourself. Just keep in mind that you have a total of 20 seconds for each response, so do not spend too much time on self-correction.
9. Pay attention to verb tenses. It helps to stay within the same verb tense of the statement or question although it is not necessary as long as the tense you choose is appropriate and grammatically correct.
10. Make sure you say something when prompted, even f you are sure you understood. The possibilities that you wills say something that may be appropriate are good, especially if you have focused on the idea of the setting.
11. Draw upon your thematic vocabulary in Spanish. It will help if, before you take the exam, you become familiar with some expressions you may need to react easily in different situations in Spanish (see appendix C)
12. Speak clearly and loudly. You want to make sure that your voice records well, which will make it easier for your teacher to evaluate your work.
13. Learn how your work will be evaluated. Become familiar with how your teacher scores the simulated conversation and/or the scoring guidelines that will be used to evaluate this part of the exam. This will allow you to know beforehand what is expected of you. If your teacher gives you a score for a conversation, go back to the scoring guidelines and determine why you received that score. This will also help you to improve in those areas in which you may be lacking the skills you need to succeed in this task.