Read through the selected responses, given by first- to final-year undergraduates of post-A level standard, in response to the question, 'how do you practise your speaking skills outside class time'? Make a note of any recurring points that are made. Identify the strategies that students use. Are there any inadequacies that a tutor might be able to address?

Student responses:

1. (a number of responses along the lines of I don't really practise.)
2. I try to meet with French people, but it's not very easy.
3. I need to be speaking more French but it is hard to find the time.
4. Practically no time available, although I think I avoid it quite a lot.
5. I practise more at writing as I have a couple of e-mail friends.
6. Sometimes I have phone conversations with French people or I read aloud.
7. I don't really have much opportunity.
8. I find it difficult to practise speaking outside class time, but I do have French contacts and I try to telephone them as much as possible. Other than that, I talk to myself!!
9. I try to think about how I would express myself in French.
10. I try to spend some time speaking with native speakers, although difficult to achieve.
11. I don't, although I should, I'm not sure how to go about it.