Every March, high school graduating classes in Hubei Province have to sit an oral English test, PETS-3. It seems to be of little significance, because most teachers claim that the test is a pushover and that we should take it easy.

Ever since I started learning the foreign language, I have been sailing through it all. It seems that I have an affinity for languages. In middle school, I ranked first in almost all major English exams, a feat I am still proud of today. Therefore, when word came that a spoken English test was on the way, I had no worry about it.

On Test Day, we had to wait in the library, which was closed temporarily to its readers, for our turns to take the test in the digital reading room. While waiting, someone was practising quietly the sample questions. I took the time to sort out my maths paper. I felt relaxed for I took it for granted that I could make it, hands down.

The test is conducted on a PC, where a test-taker has to interact with an app. It consists of four parts. Part 1 is Reading Aloud. Part 2 Asking Questions. Part 3 Answering Questions. And Part 4 Oral Composition.

Part 1 was nothing special. As I was progressing through the test, however, a sense of apprehension crept up. After I took up Part 2, I started to feel the strain. I knew what I wanted to say, but my tongue seemed to be rebelling. It was such an awkward feeling. By the time I came to Oral Composition, the discomfort had reached breaking point. I began to perspire.

After the exam, I reflected why there had been lack of ease while I was doing the test. Yes, I will get a pass, but distinction will be out of my reach this time.

Speaking English is physical as well as mental. Even though you can read and write the word, your literacy does not translate automatically into eloquence.

Lessons: 1 To speak English well, speak more and try to speak at every opportunity. 2 Do not be over-confident in yourself. However good you might be, there is room for further improvement.