Tips - examiner approved!

Here are a few tips to help you perform your best in each component of the test.

		Listening
		Reading
		Writing
		Speaking

Listening

1. At the beginning of each section read the questions for that section carefully, before the recording starts. This will help you to follow the recording and identify the answers.
2. Listen carefully for clues as to which stage of the recording you are listening to, e.g. words such as ‘firstly’, ‘my next point’, ‘to sum up’. These words will help you identify which question you have reached.

Reading

1. To improve your performance in the Reading test you need to practice reading a variety of English texts. This will help you develop the ability to read quickly as is required under test conditions.
2. The texts included in the Reading test always contain the information you need to answer the question. You won’t have to use your own knowledge of a topic.

Writing

1. Be careful to use your own words because the examiner will not include words copied from the question in the word count.
2. Make your position or point of view as clear as possible in your essay for Academic Writing Task 2. Your last paragraph should be a conclusion which is consistent with the arguments you have included in your essay.

Speaking

1. In the lead up to the Speaking test, make sure you take the time to practice speaking English – with friends, at work and on the phone. You should also consider recording yourself, so that you are confident speaking English during your test.
2. There are no right or wrong answers in the Speaking test. The examiner will assess you on how well you can express your ideas and opinions in good English.