Role of Oral Exams in the French Baccalaureate
The French Baccalaureate (Bac) is a prestigious qualification that marks the end of secondary education in France and serves as an entry point to higher education. Among its distinctive features is the emphasis on oral examinations, which play a vital role in assessing students’ abilities beyond written tests. Oral exams test students’ capacity for critical thinking, clear communication, and intellectual engagement skills that are highly valued in academia and professional life.
One of the most well-known oral exams in the Bac is the French oral exam, taken at the end of Première (the second-to-last year of lycée). In this exam, students analyze literary texts they have studied during the year. They are expected to present an insightful commentary, demonstrating their understanding of the text’s themes, structure, and stylistic devices. The student then engages in a dialogue with the examiner, answering questions and justifying their interpretations. This exam fosters deep reading and encourages students to develop their own critical voice.
In Terminale (the final year), the Grand Oral is a major oral exam introduced as part of the 2019 reform. The Grand Oral focuses on one or two topics linked to the student’s specialty subjects. Students prepare their presentations over several months, choosing subjects they are passionate about. The exam begins with a 5-minute presentation, followed by 10 minutes of questions from a jury. The final phase involves a reflective discussion where the student explains their choice of topics and how it relates to their future goals. The Grand Oral assesses not only knowledge but also the ability to structure an argument, engage an audience, and respond thoughtfully to questions.
Oral exams in the Bac serve multiple purposes. First, they evaluate communication skills, including clarity of expression, logical organization, and use of precise vocabulary. These skills are essential for success in higher education and many careers. Second, oral exams encourage students to take ownership of their learning. Preparing for an oral exam requires active engagement with the material, synthesis of information, and the ability to connect ideas across disciplines. Third, they provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their personality, confidence, and ability to think on their feet qualities that may not be fully captured in written exams.
Grading in oral exams focuses on content knowledge, structure of the presentation, relevance of examples, quality of language, and ability to engage in dialogue. Examiners look for clear reasoning, originality of thought, and responsiveness to questions. Body language, tone, and eye contact also play a role, as they contribute to the overall effectiveness of communication.
While oral exams can be challenging, they are a valuable component of the Bac because they prepare students for the kinds of interactions they will encounter in university seminars, job interviews, and public speaking situations. They cultivate lifelong skills that go beyond academic achievement.
The Kintess School Approach to Oral Exams
At Kintess, we view oral exams as an opportunity for students to shine and express themselves with confidence. Our approach combines rigorous academic preparation with training in public speaking, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. We provide structured support through workshops, mock orals, and personalized coaching, helping students develop clear arguments, persuasive delivery, and calmness under pressure. Our small class sizes ensure that every student receives individual feedback and guidance. At Kintess, we aim not only to prepare students for exam success but to equip them with communication skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.