ACTIVE Answer Structuration

Question 1

ACTIVE – overview

Answer 1

Six-step self-check for oral answers: Anchor → Clarify → Triangulate → Indicate limits → Voice roadmap → End decisively.

Question 2

A — Anchor the Question

Answer 2

Silently paraphrase the examiner’s prompt to yourself; this micro-pause steadies nerves and keeps you on-target.

Question 3

C — Clarify Scope / Terms

Answer 3

State any key definitions or boundaries up front (e.g., “By habitus I mean …”); prevents talking past the panel.

Question 4

T — Triangulate with Theory/Data

Answer 4

Bring in at least two reference points (classic thinker + recent empirical study, or macro + micro) to show analytical range.

Question 5

I — Indicate Uncertainties

Answer 5

Acknowledge debates or data gaps (“The literature diverges …”) then present your evidence-based stance.

Question 6

V — Voice a Roadmap

Answer 6

Use mini-signposts (“First, historically … Second, methodologically …”) so examiners can track your structure.

Question 7

E — End with a Clean Takeaway

Answer 7

Land on one distilled sentence that answers the “so-what,” not a trailing “umm …;” reinforces confidence and closure.

Question 8

Guard the Last Sentence Connector(1)

Answer 8

Part 1: Select a closing linker (e.g., Therefore, Ultimately, Crucially) that signals you’re landing the point with authority.

Question 9

Guard the Last Sentence Core Synthesis(2)

Answer 9

Part 2: Distil your main claim into one clause (e.g., X, Y, and Z together reveal …). This is the intellectual payload.

Question 10

Guard the Last Sentence Implication(3)

Answer 10

Part 3: State the broader significance (e.g., …which reshapes how we understand A). End on a forward-looking note.

Question 11

Guard the Last Sentence Full Formula(CCI)

Answer 11

Connector → Core Synthesis → Implication. One smooth sentence: link, pack, project.