Question 1
A student's IO plan shows almost no ★ symbols between the 0:30 mark and the 8:00 mark, though ★ appears in the intro and conclusion. What problem does this pattern most likely reveal?No clue? Show me the answer
Correct answer
Correct!
IncorrectStep-by-step walkthrough
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Method #1Direct reasoningStep 1: What ★ represents
The ★ symbol marks every point where the speaker must explicitly loop back to the global issue, so its placement across the plan shows where that link is planned.
Step 2: Map the gap
If ★ only appears at 0:00-0:30 and 8:00-10:00, the seven minutes of extract analysis and extension have no built-in reminder to mention the global issue.
Step 3: Connect to the teaching point
The content explicitly warns that students front-load the global issue in the intro and let it vanish until the conclusion, leaving pure technical commentary in between.
Step 4: Confirm the answer
This gap pattern is a direct diagnostic sign of the global issue disappearing from the middle of the talk, not a timing or scripting issue.
Method #2Process of eliminationStep 1: Transitions
Missing ★ symbols say nothing about ▶ placement, which cues structural pivots, not global issue links, so this option misreads the symbol.
Step 2: Time stamps
The scenario describes symbol distribution, not timing allocation, so uneven time stamps are not what the pattern shows.
Step 3: Scripting
Writing full sentences is a separate mistake about text density, unrelated to whether ★ symbols are present in the middle sections.
Step 4: Confirm
The only option matching a missing-★ pattern in the middle of the talk is the disappearing global issue link.
Question 2
A candidate has 15 minutes of preparation time before delivering their Individual Oral. Based on the distinction between a plan and a script, what is the most effective way to use that time?No clue? Show me the answer
Correct answer
Correct!
IncorrectStep-by-step walkthrough
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Method #1Direct reasoningStep 1: Roles of each document
The script finalises exact phrasing and confirms quotes fit grammatically; the plan is the glanceable skeleton used while actually speaking.
Step 2: Sequence that fits prep time
The content states candidates should write the script first to find best phrasing, then compress it into the plan for exam use.
Step 3: Why this order works
Scripting builds fluency and confidence through rehearsal of exact wording, while the plan protects natural delivery during the actual talk.
Step 4: Confirm the best approach
Doing both, in that order, achieves the coverage and confidence of scripting plus the spontaneity of a plan.
Method #2Process of eliminationStep 1: Plan only
Skipping the script forfeits the fluency-building benefit of rehearsing exact phrasing before delivery, which the content presents as valuable.
Step 2: Memorise verbatim
Word-for-word memorisation risks a robotic, monotone delivery, which the content explicitly identifies as a common mistake that hurts Criterion D.
Step 3: Read verbatim
Reading the script aloud during the exam flattens delivery and reduces eye contact, directly contradicting the guidance against reading notes.
Step 4: Confirm
Only writing the script first and then compressing it into a plan matches the recommended preparation sequence.