The oral test of the Norskprøven at the B2 level evaluates your ability to communicate fluently and coherently in Norwegian in a variety of situations. The test lasts about 20-25 minutes, meaning it will be completed within half an hour. This part of the exam is critical for proving your language proficiency, especially if you’re planning to work or study in Norway, where B2-level Norwegian is often required.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the test structure, tips for preparing, and insights into what the examiners are looking for. Additionally, you’ll learn about the evaluation process and your right to access your assessment form. For more support and to ensure comprehensive preparation, you can register for our Norskprøven preparation course at NLS Norwegian Language School. Find more information here: https://nlsnorwegian.no/norskproven-course/.
Structure of the Norskprøven B2 Oral Exam
The oral exam is divided into three tasks, each testing different aspects of your spoken Norwegian skills:
Task 1: Express Your Opinion on a Topic and Justify Your Views (Gi din mening om et tema og begrunn synspunktene dine)
In this individual task, the examiner will ask you a question or present an issue on which you must express your opinion. You are expected to provide your thoughts clearly and explain why you hold that view, using logical reasoning and examples.
- Duration: You will speak for 2-3 minutes.
- Interaction: The examiner may ask follow-up questions to clarify or further explore your views.
Example Topics for Task 1 (Eksempler på temaer for oppgave 1):
- “Hva synes du om sosiale mediers rolle i dagens samfunn?” (What do you think about the role of social media in today’s society?)
- “Er det viktigere å fokusere på personlig frihet eller folkehelsen under en pandemi?” (Is it more important to focus on individual freedom or public health during a pandemic?)
- “Hvordan kan vi få ungdom til å bli mer miljøbevisste?” (How can we encourage young people to become more environmentally conscious?)
Key Preparation Tips for Task 1:
- Develop a Strong Opinion (Utvikle en tydelig mening): Practice forming opinions on various topics. Even if you’re unsure, you should present a well-reasoned argument that shows confidence in your point of view.
- Support Your Views (Støtt synspunktene dine): Be ready to justify your opinions with logical reasons, examples, or personal experiences. This shows your ability to construct arguments.
- Practice Speaking in Short Bursts (Øv på å snakke i korte sekvenser): Since you have limited time, practice organizing your thoughts quickly to ensure you can deliver a clear, concise response.
Task 2: Exchange Opinions on a Topic and Justify Your Views (Utveksle meninger om et tema og begrunn synspunktene dine)
In this task, you will engage in a conversation with another candidate. You will both be asked a question or given a topic to discuss, during which you must express your opinions and justify them. This task tests your ability to participate in a two-way conversation, respond to others’ views, and keep the discussion flowing.
- Duration: You will speak for 5-7 minutes in total.
- Interaction: No follow-up questions from the examiner, but it’s important to engage fully with the other candidate.
Example Topics for Task 2 (Eksempler på temaer for oppgave 2):
- “Mener du at teknologi har forbedret livskvaliteten vår?” (Do you think technology has improved our quality of life?)
- “Bør skoler fokusere mer på kreativitet enn på standardiserte prøver?” (Should schools focus more on creativity than standardized testing?)
- “Er det bedre å bo i en liten by enn i en storby?” (Is it better to live in a small town than in a big city?)
Key Preparation Tips for Task 2:
- Focus on Dialogue Skills (Fokus på samtaleferdigheter): In this task, it’s essential to show you can engage with another speaker. Practice taking turns, listening carefully, and responding appropriately to the other person’s points.
- Be Polite but Assertive (Vær høflig, men bestemt): If you disagree with the other candidate, learn how to express disagreement respectfully while defending your own views. For example, you can say “Jeg ser hva du mener, men jeg er uenig fordi…” (I see what you mean, but I disagree because…).
- Maintain Engagement (Hold samtalen i gang): Don’t just state your opinion and stop. Make sure to ask questions, challenge the other candidate’s points, and keep the conversation active. For example, ask “Hva tenker du om dette?” (What do you think about this?).
Task 3: Take a Stance on an Issue and Defend Your Views (Ta stilling til en sak og forsvar synspunktene dine)
This individual task asks you to take a stance on a given statement. You must decide whether you agree or disagree and explain why. After speaking for 2-3 minutes, the examiner will ask follow-up questions to challenge or clarify your views. This task tests your ability to think critically, organize your thoughts, and defend your position under time pressure.
- Duration: You will speak for 2-3 minutes independently, followed by 2-3 minutes of follow-up questions from the examiner.
- Interaction: The examiner will ask follow-up questions to delve deeper into your argument.
Example Statements for Task 3 (Eksempler på påstander for oppgave 3):
- “Alle elever bør lære et andrespråk.” (All students should be required to learn a second language.)
- “Teknologi på arbeidsplassen har gjort arbeid mer stressende.” (Technology in the workplace has made work more stressful.)
- “Regjeringen bør gjøre mer for å beskytte miljøet, selv om det går på bekostning av arbeidsplasser.” (The government should do more to protect the environment, even if it costs jobs.)
Key Preparation Tips for Task 3:
- Think Critically (Tenk kritisk): Practice taking a stance on controversial issues. Be sure you can explain why you hold your view and defend it against counterarguments.
- Use Key Phrases for Structuring Arguments (Bruk nøkkeluttrykk for å strukturere argumentene dine): For instance, use phrases like “Jeg mener at…” (I believe that…) or “På den ene siden…” (On the one hand…) to clearly structure your thoughts.
- Stay Calm Under Pressure (Hold roen under press): If the examiner challenges your view, don’t get flustered. Stick to your reasoning and defend your position logically. Use phrases like “Det er et godt poeng, men jeg mener fortsatt at…” (That’s a good point, but I still believe that…).
How the Evaluation Process Works
The oral test is evaluated by a rater who is present at the test center. While the examiner also takes part in the assessment, the final result is decided by the rater. Both raters and examiners are trained in language assessment, ensuring that your performance is judged fairly according to standardized criteria.
Key Evaluation Criteria (Viktige vurderingskriterier):
- Fluency and Coherence (Flyt og sammenheng): Your ability to speak without long pauses or hesitations, maintaining a smooth and logical flow of ideas.
- Pronunciation (Uttale): You don’t need perfect pronunciation, but your speech should be clear and understandable. For example, make sure to pronounce tricky sounds like kj and skj correctly.
- Vocabulary (Ordforråd): Your use of appropriate and varied vocabulary. At the B2 level, you should avoid basic vocabulary and use more advanced and specific words where necessary.
- Grammar (Grammatikk): While minor mistakes are acceptable, you should demonstrate control over complex grammatical structures such as subordinate clauses (fordi at…, dersom…).
Viewing Your Assessment Form
After receiving your result, you have the right to view your assessment form. This form shows how you were graded in each area (fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar). If you wish to see your evaluation, contact the test center within one year of taking the exam to request a copy.
How to Prepare for the Norskprøven B2 Oral Test
Here’s a comprehensive strategy to help you prepare effectively for the oral test:
1. Build Your Vocabulary (Utvid ordforrådet ditt)
At the B2 level, you need to use a broad range of vocabulary, including words that cover specific topics like politics, technology, education, and the environment.
- Learn Topic-Specific Vocabulary (Lær tema-spesifikke ord): Make lists of useful words for common topics. For example, when discussing the environment, make sure you know terms like bærekraft (sustainability), fornybar energi (renewable energy), and klimaendringer (climate change).
- Practice Synonyms (Øv på synonymer): Avoid repeating basic words like bra (good) or dårlig (bad). Use synonyms like fordelaktig (beneficial) or utfordrende (challenging) to make your speech more varied.
2. Improve Fluency and Coherence (Forbedre flyt og sammenheng)
Fluency is a critical aspect of the B2 oral test. You need to speak smoothly and logically without too many hesitations.
- Timed Speaking Exercises (Tidfestede taler): Practice speaking non-stop on a topic for 2-3 minutes to build fluency. Record yourself to check for coherence and smooth transitions between ideas.
- Use Connectors (Bruk bindeord): Learn how to use connectors like for det første (first of all), i tillegg (in addition), and derfor (therefore) to make your speech more structured and easier to follow.
3. Work on Pronunciation (Jobb med uttale)
Your pronunciation should be clear enough to be easily understood, even if it’s not perfect.
- Focus on Difficult Sounds (Fokuser på vanskelige lyder): Practice sounds that are commonly challenging for Norwegian learners, like rulle-r (rolling ‘r’) and sj-lyden (the ‘sh’ sound).
- Listen and Imitate Native Speakers (Lytt og etterlign morsmålstalere): Listen to Norwegian podcasts, watch TV shows, or use language-learning apps to hear how native speakers pronounce words. Repeat after them to improve your own pronunciation.
Conclusion
Passing the Norskprøven B2 oral test requires thorough preparation, practice, and a deep understanding of how to present opinions, engage in discussions, and defend your views in Norwegian. By focusing on fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar, and by practicing structured speaking tasks, you can increase your chances of success.
For expert guidance and personalized preparation, you can sign up for our Norskprøven preparation course at NLS Norwegian Language School. This course offers targeted practice and professional feedback to help you succeed. Register for the course here: https://nlsnorwegian.no/norskproven-course/.
