Phrases to use in a Spanish Oral

Question

I have my Spanish GCSE oral coming up and I have been searching the internet for phrases that will give me some thinking time during the exam. I have found most of the obvious ones (e.g "por otro lado" or "sin embargo") but I was wondering if there were any more complex phrases to fill some of the time?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

When I did my Spanish oral, it was called O level. Are you doing its equivalent or an AS or A level?

Have you learned the subjunctive? When I took O level we had learned imperatives, but not the subjunctive. subjunctive is a major part of A level but if it is not on your syllabus you don't want to use it.

Have you worked on your listening? Podcasts from NIS or 1001 reasons to learn Spanish may help. There are links to lots of resources here. I rate listening to music.

You will need connectors here is a fantastic list. Pick out a few you like. Being able to use some will give you confidence

Heptagrama connectors

Here is a previous answer on SD

Previous answers

You will probably find help on BBC bitesize revision and their learning site. Ask if you need more. Check the phrases you like with your teacher, they want you to do well.

wow, exactly what I was looking for, I am spoiled for choice! - Billy9538, Aug 11, 2017

Shameless Spanish is a native speaker and a teacher who will tell you if your phrases are correct - Mardle, Aug 11, 2017

That's a great list! As an advice, don't abuse too much of these during an exam. Use them as you would use them in English. - Shamelesspanish, Aug 11, 2017

A Spanish friend recommended it to me years ago. It is bilingual. I agree just use a few. - Mardle, Aug 11, 2017

Answer 2

I think you are looking for "muletillas" (pet phrases? tag words?). I'm not sure if "por otro lado" and "sin embargo" qualify as one of these, since they work as connectors that actually add content to the sentence. Take a look at this, it may help you: http://zonaele.com/muletillas/