I'm currently taking a break on reviewing for my oral exams for theo. It's hell, I tell you. I always feel this way whenever I study for an exam for this subject. My head always feels bruised from all the theologians and greek terms that don't even make sense to me (there's a lot more that don't make sense to me in this course hahaha). It's no different for the orals. No matter how many times I try reading all the notes, readings, slideshows provided, there are still a lot of eff that I don't get (and admittedly, they don't really seep in). I've never really hated my teacher despite all the hearsay that's been said about him. Heck, I never really seen his evil side until I witnessed him go nuts in front of the class (the issue of my blockmate getting an overcut but he only had 4 cuts daw...). I had this subdued feeling within me, though, that sorta felt his being evil. I think that's why I'm terrified of him even if I never saw him go ballistic before the overcut incident. Hence, that's why I think I'm terrified of the subject hahahaha. So yeah.. I guess I saw him to be evil in a sense.

Guidelines for Oral Exams

1) State what the thesis statement as a whole is about.

2) Describe the role of each sentence relative to the thesis statement. Note conjunctions like “thus,” nevertheless,” etc that connect one sentence to another.

3) Proceed in explaining the thesis statement, defining the key words.

4) Since you are doing this as a pair, answer as a team. It is best if you show that you prepared beforehand how to explain the thesis statement, divided the work equally and equitably , and help each other when problems arise, not taking advantage of a partner’s ignorance to gain more credit selfishly.

5) Cite the sources of the thesis statement, whether Scripture passage, church teaching or theologian.

6) Superior grasp involves using concrete examples, extra sources that illustrate, complement and enhance the thesis statement, but not replace it or cover up one’s lack of knowledge of it. Best grasp: a personal appropriation or rejection of the claims of the thesis statement.

7) It is a tradition in the Ateneo to dress up for oral exams. Wear corporate attire. Wear a confident bearing: show me you want, and will, succeed!

8) Finally, pray. Not only to do well in the exam (I guess Marcos did that before taking his bar exam), but to talk to God about what you intend to do with your Christian faith you received from him during your baptism.