Oral exams and vivas
Oral examinations test reasoning, clarity and composure under questioning. Structured answers and calm handling of challenge show true mastery.
Key ideas
- Examiners probe to find the edge of your knowledge.
- Think aloud: your reasoning earns credit.
- Admitting limits gracefully is better than bluffing.
Step by step
- 1
Answer with a headline first, then justify.
- 2
When challenged, restate your reasoning before defending it.
- 3
If unsure, say what you would do to find out.
- 4
Practise with someone who pushes back on every answer.
Example
Asked about a rare complication, a candidate says what she knows, reasons from first principles and states what she would check. The examiner moves on satisfied.
Your drill
Have a colleague or Ruqelo's Examiner question you for ten minutes on one topic, challenging every answer.
Common mistakes
- Bluffing, which examiners quickly expose.
- Changing a correct answer just because it was challenged.
Check yourself
What should you do when you do not know an answer in a viva?
Show the answer
Say what you know, reason aloud and explain how you would find out, rather than bluffing.
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