Contribution clarity5 marks
Explains the original contribution clearly.
For full marks: State what is new, how it differs from existing work and why it matters.PhD Viva Simulator
Choose a task, write your answer, see why marks were gained or lost, then repair the weakest area.
Practice question · 2026.1-beta
PhD Viva Simulator
General viva preparedness; university-specific regulations must be supplied
Choose your task
Pick the question you want to practise.
Use a focused task for quick practice or a longer task for a more realistic attempt.
Selected question
Question 1: What is the original contribution?
Focused practice · 5 minutes · Spoken defence
What this question checks
- Originality
- Clarity
- Significance
What happened
The examiner asks you to distinguish your work from the closest existing literature.
Your job
Give a direct 60–90 second answer.
Answer formatSpoken defence
Suggested time5 minutes
How this will be marked
What the marker is looking for
These are the areas used to build the formative mark range.
Oral defence quality5 marks
Gives a direct, structured and defensible answer.
For full marks: Answer directly, acknowledge challenge and support the defence with evidence rather than assertion.Practice timer00:00
05:00 left from the suggested time.
Before you write
What this answer should include
Use this as a planning guide. It is not a substitute for your own judgement.
Open with the answer before giving background.
Refer to your data, method, findings or literature.
Make clear what is new and why it matters.
State the boundary of the claim without undermining the thesis.
Use a clear opening, two or three points and a short conclusion.
Your answer
0 wordsWrite your response
Live answer checks
0/50/5 checks passed
These checks guide preparation only. They do not calculate the mark.
Main point stated
State the central issue, position, method or defence clearly.
Question details used
Use details or terminology from this specific task.
Defence supported
Develop the action, position, method or defence required by the task.
Reasoning explained
Explain why the point matters or how the conclusion follows.
Enough detail
Aim for at least 60 words for a useful estimate.
00:00 used
The structure helper adds headings and prompts only. Replace every bracketed instruction with your own answer.
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