For parents of young learners
How to prepare your child for an English oral test
Many schools hold English oral or speaking tests, often with term exams. Children are asked simple questions, to read aloud or to talk about a picture. A little practice at home helps your child answer clearly and calmly. Here are 10 tips and 20 practice questions.
By the Eloqova team · Updated 7 November 2026
Free printable kit for your child's class: speaking worksheets and a speech planner.Get it freeWhat teachers look for: Full sentences, a clear voice, good eye contact and confidence. Perfect grammar matters less than speaking up.
10 tips to prepare at home
- Find out the format: questions, reading aloud, picture talk or a short speech.
- Practise answering in full sentences, not one word.
- Teach the habit of repeating part of the question: "My favourite colour is blue."
- Practise a short self-introduction.
- Read aloud for 5 minutes a day.
- Practise describing pictures from storybooks.
- Teach your child to say "Could you repeat the question, please?" if they didn't hear.
- Practise eye contact and a clear voice.
- Do a mock test with you or a grandparent as the teacher.
- Keep it calm: praise effort, not perfection.
20 practice questions with simple answers
| Question | Sample answer |
|---|---|
| What is your name? | My name is Aarav. |
| How old are you? | I am seven years old. |
| Which class are you in? | I am in Class 2. |
| What is your school's name? | My school's name is ... |
| Who is in your family? | My mother, my father, my sister and me. |
| What is your favourite colour? | My favourite colour is blue. |
| What is your favourite food? | My favourite food is rajma chawal. |
| What do you like to do after school? | I like to play football with my friends. |
| Who is your best friend? | My best friend is Riya. She is kind. |
| What is your favourite subject? | My favourite subject is Maths because I like numbers. |
| What did you do on Sunday? | I went to the park with my family. |
| What is your favourite season? | My favourite season is winter because I like warm clothes. |
| What do you want to be when you grow up? | I want to be a doctor. |
| Which festival do you like most? | I like Diwali most because we light diyas. |
| Do you have a pet? | Yes, I have a dog named Bruno. |
| What is your favourite animal? | My favourite animal is the elephant. |
| How do you come to school? | I come to school by bus. |
| What is your favourite book? | My favourite book is ... |
| What do you see in this picture? | I see a girl flying a kite in a park. |
| Why should we keep our school clean? | We should keep our school clean so we stay healthy. |
How to practise at home
- Ask 5 questions from the list each evening.
- Swap in your child's own true answers.
- Do one full mock test at the weekend.
- Practise reading one page aloud with expression.
Questions parents ask
How can I prepare my child for an English oral exam?
Find out the format, practise answering in full sentences, read aloud daily, describe pictures, and do a mock test at home.
What questions are asked in an English oral test for Class 1 or 2?
Simple questions about the child's name, family, school, favourite things, and what they see in a picture.
How do I help my child not to freeze in an oral test?
Practise a lot at home, teach them to repeat the question if needed, and focus your praise on effort and speaking clearly.
More free guides
- Self-introduction for kids
- Picture description for kids
- WH questions for kids
- Spoken English classes for kids
Want expert help? See our spoken english classes for kids: live 1:1 online classes for UKG to Grade 8.