Over 1.5 billion people worldwide speak English as their second language, and there are nearly as many reasons why they decided to do so. Common reasons include getting a better-paid job, immigrating to another country, or being able to understand English-language media. But one thing that nearly all ESL students have come up against at some point in their journey is an English exam. Whether it’s IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, or Craving English’s own level assessments, these tests are important for gauging one’s progress and proficiency. It is also a source of endless stress and anxiety for students, which is understandable. In this blog post, we’ll be teaching you strategies to ace your English exams and show the examiners all the hard work that you’ve put in.
Understand the Format First
The first thing that’s vital to understand is the exam format. Some English exams, like the Cambridge exam, require students to show their skills in all forms of language – reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The B2-level test, for example, includes a seven-part Reading and Use of English section, a two-part writing section, a four-part listening section, and a four-part speaking section.
The Craving level assessment, meanwhile, takes a different approach. Your examiner will have a short, casual conversation with you, asking about your classes, your reasons for learning English, and how your life is going in general. While the two of you chat, they will be taking note of your word choice, grammar, listening comprehension, and fluency to determine if you will move up to the next sublevel. The best approach is to use the language that you are confident about and comfortable with. If you are only slightly familiar with the future continuous tense, don’t go chasing it – stick with the tenses and vocabulary that you’re used to.
By investigating first and finding out about the format of the test you are preparing for, you can make sure that you are studying the right way. Not practicing writing before the Cambridge exam would be a bad idea, but before your Craving assessment, it may not be necessary. Gathering the necessary information beforehand can help you be better prepared for what’s ahead.
Create a Study Routine Before Your English Exam
Once you know what you’re up against, it’s a good idea to create a study routine that will put you on the path to success. The best approach is to start studying well in advance. A short study session every day for three months is far better than frantic cramming two weeks before the big day. It may be tempting to just focus on grammar rules, which are important, of course. However, in order to be fully prepared, you need to make sure that you are covering everything that the English exam might include. Here’s a sample study plan that could work for you:
Monday: Reading + vocab practice
Tuesday: Listening + grammar
Wednesday: Speaking practice (with a partner or recording yourself)
Thursday: Writing practice (timed essay or email)
Friday: Review mistakes and revise weak points
By following a routine like this, you can be sure that you are becoming a well-rounded speaker without any weak points. That way, you can head into the test room or the assessment as cool as a cucumber!
Study Under Exam Conditions
Another strategy that could come in handy is studying under exam conditions. If you study in a noisy café and give yourself unlimited time to complete the activities, you may be in for a surprise when it’s exam time. Find a quiet place where you can study without interruptions, and leave your phone in another room to resist the allure of TikTok and Instagram. When doing writing practice, give yourself a time limit so that you can practice working under that constraint. Record yourself speaking and play it back so that you can note what needs to be improved. You can even invite a friend or family member to listen to your speaking exercises, even if they don’t understand.
Rest The Night Before
So you’ve studied all that you possibly can. You know all the irregular past participles by heart, and you can pronounce “antidisestablishmentarianism” without breaking a sweat. Remember, though, that rest is just as important as revision. The night before your English exam or assessment, have all your materials ready, then get a good night’s sleep. In the morning, have a light breakfast (nothing too heavy or greasy), and dress in comfortable clothes. Don’t bother doing some last-minute studying on the day of – that can be counterproductive. Instead, try some deep breathing exercises and positive affirmations in order to boost your confidence.
The big day is here! Stay calm – you’ve got this. There are a couple of strategies that you can use to make the most of your opportunity:
- Don’t spend too much time on one question. It’s better to answer all the easier questions first, rather than get stuck on the hardest one and waste time.
- Don’t panic if you don’t understand a word during the listening section. Focus on the main idea – many times you can figure out what the mystery word is by paying attention to the context of the sentence.
- Use filler words instead of freezing. By throwing out a casual “That’s an interesting question,” you will show the examiner that you know casual phrases that English speakers use every day.
- Plan out your writing structure before diving in. By creating a quick outline, your writing will be better-organized and more coherent.
Follow the Path to Success!
At the end of the day, preparing for an English exam is about more than just memorizing grammar rules or vocabulary lists. It’s about building the confidence to show what you already know! With the right preparation, a steady routine, and smart exam-day strategies, you can walk into any test ready to succeed. Whether your goal is passing a Cambridge exam or moving up a level in your Craving English classes, the key is preparation and practice. If you’d like personalized guidance and support, schedule a trial class with Craving English today – we’ll help you study smarter, not harder, and make sure you feel ready when exam day arrives!