Preparing for language exams is trickier than you might think. The aim of a language exam is to determine your command of a foreign language. With the test having such a comprehensive mission, it’s no surprise that preparing for a language exam takes strategy and planning.
Nine months before your exam
Build up a good knowledge of English and learn exam strategies.
Work consistently, study conscientiously - and above all, enjoy learning.
Establish good learning habits.
Keep a vocabulary list in your notebook that includes useful phrases for the exam.
Note down any word formations that might present a problem.
Read books, articles and short stories.
Listen to talk shows and different programmes to develop your listening skills further.
Six months before your exam
Revise constantly. It is essential to successful learning. The more often you study a new word or phrase, the more likely it is to remain in your memory.
Assess yourself with the help of your teacher. Are you developing your use of language sufficiently? Make a continuous effort to use new language in your written work and while speaking.
Three months before your exam
By now, you should have acquired a comprehensive understanding of the exam and its requirements. You should be completely familiar with all the exam tasks.
Revise your vocabulary and word formation lists, highlighting any areas that need special attention. Spend as much time as possible on your English studies.
Start to practise the exam tasks under exam conditions: whenever you do an exam task, time yourself so that you can finish within the time limit.
One month before your exam
Having done so much exam practice and preparation, you should by now feel confident in your knowledge of the language and your ability to cope successfully in the exam.
You know that lexical chunks (verb phrases, prepositional phrases, and so on) make up a large part of language learning. Revise all the phrases you have learnt, highlighting any particular ones that you find difficult to remember.
Do mock exams under exam conditions. Check your performance according to timing, word count, etc.
The day before your exam
You should have a quick look through your most important notes, the highlighted points in your vocabulary and word formations, together with any important areas. Do not try to cram in new material that you haven't managed to cover before.
Know when to say enough is enough and get a good night's sleep. Your brain cannot work efficiently if you are not well-rested!
On the day of your exam
Make sure your take your identification with you.
You will need a pen, an HB or B pencil and an eraser.
You should feel confident, knowing that you have prepared as well as you can for the exam.
There will be a clock in the exam room, but wear a watch if possible and time each section of the exam very carefully. There won't be much time to spare so it's important that you know exactly how much time you have.
Answer all questions as you work through the paper. Ideally, you should plan to spend time at the end of each paper checking your answers so that you can change them if necessary.
In order to achieve the best results, immerse yourself in the language. Get professional help and guidance! At KnowledgePond Education, your teacher will help you succeed on your exam by acting as your one-to-one adviser, coach and guide. Your highly qualified teacher will develop a personalised study plan with you in the focus, and as your mentor, he/she will find the pace and approach that works for you.
Happy learning!
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