HONORS SPANISH ORAL EXAM

Situation # 1: Rompí con mi novia

Imagine that you are in the following situation. You should ask and answer questions as well as react to what your group members say. Remember your conversation should be as free-flowing and natural as possible. Be creative! You should be able to sustain a conversation that lasts 8-10 minutes.Valentine’s Day has passed and one of your friends broke up with his girlfriend that same exact day. Prepare a conversation that includes the following:

Proper greeting.

Small talk. Ask and answer some trivial questions of your choice.

Valentine’s Day. Discuss the activities people usually do on Valentine’s Day. Then talk about your own day: Where you went, what you did, what presents you received (if any) and from whom. Describe also the presents you bought and for whom you bought them (include indirect object pronouns when necessary)

My special friend. Describe to your friends how your significant other is. Compare your dreams to reality. What kind of girlfriend you wanted, and which one you have now. If you don’t have a girlfriend, talk about the kind of person you are looking for (remember to use the subjunctive in adjective clauses).

The break up. One of you explains the story of a break-up. The others give him advice, suggestions, and recommendations on what to do. You can be as creative as you can, but don’t forget to use the subjunctive.

Close up. Tell your friends your hopes and desires for next year’s Valentine’s Day. Close the conversation appropriately.

HONORS SPANISH IV

ORAL EXAMSituation #2: La entrevista de trabajo

Imagine that you are in the following situation. You should ask and answer questions as well as react to what your group members say. Remember your conversation should be as free-flowing and natural as possible. Be creative! You should be able to sustain a conversation that lasts 8-10 minutes.

You want to work in an office and today you have your job interview with both the Director of Human Resources and your potential manager. Include the following:

Greet each other as you enter through the door.

Bad start. Unfortunately you arrive late. Give a credible excuse and use apologetic sentences. Do not forget to use the subjunctive if you use subordinate clauses with verbs of emotion on the main clause.

Curriculum vitae. Ask and answer questions about your qualifications for the job, i.e., what courses have you taken, where have you worked, what countries have you visited, etc. (use the present perfect when needed). Be creative on this part, you can describe a specific situation where you used your skills to solve a problem, or narrate in detail your past work experience.

Job description. The interviewers will ask you what kind of position within the company you are looking for. Use the subjunctive in adjective clauses in your answers. Then, the interviewers will give you a description of the position they have open and your job responsibilities.

Availability. You will have to say when you will be available, what days you are able to work, what holidays, etc. Use the subjunctive in adverbial clauses in your answers.

Close up. Round of final questions and farewell.

HONORS SPANISH IV ORAL EXAM

Situation # 3: Un congreso sobre…

Imagine that you are in the following situation. You should ask and answer questions as well as react to what your group members say. Remember your conversation should be as free-flowing and natural as possible. Be creative! You should be able to sustain a conversation that lasts 8-10 minutes.You are members of the Brophy Summit Committee and you meet in the SAC to plan the Symposium for this year. You will need to discuss topics, activities, key-note speakers (ponentes), member’s responsibilities, etc. Include the following:

Greet each other.

Small talk. Discuss what you have done so far today. Use the present perfect indicative. One of you might invent an exaggerated story while the others will show incredulity (use the present perfect subjunctive).

Agenda. You have previously met with several faculty members and they have given you advice on how to prepare for the summit. Share those recommendations with the other members of the committee. Say the name of the person who gave you the advice and what s/he said you do (use the imperfect subjunctive)

Planning ahead. Discuss what needs to be done and who is

going to be in charge of each part. Be as generic or specific as you want. Create your own personalities: one might be lazy, the others might complain…

Key-note speakers. Talk about past key-note speakers and the things you liked/disliked about them. Mention what kind of speakers you are looking for to present in this year’s summit. Use the subjunctive in adjective clauses.

Close up. Decide when you are going to meet again and close the meeting.