As winter English Language Teaching (ELT) exams are approaching, many test takers find themselves bracing for a crucial period of assessment. In order to succeed in these exams, a combination of effective preparation and understanding the nuances of scoring and evaluation is required. In this article, I’m going to give you some tips on how to make the most out of your preparation.
However, before we get into more detail on how to practice effectively, let’s take a look at what is required of students to be able to do at various levels of English. For sake of brevity, we will only be looking at B2 and C2 levels of English. Who dictates those requirements? The CEFR, which stands for “Common European Framework of Reference “. The CEFR is language-neutral, which means that it can be applied to any foreign language learning situation. According to CEFR, a B2 level student is considered an independent user who can use English effectively, with some fluency, in a range of contexts and a C2 level student is highly proficient and can use English very fluently, precisely, and sensitively in most contexts. More often than not, those descriptors are misunderstood and students get stressed and discouraged because they believe that more things are expected of them than in reality. In fact, if we break down that information, we will see that, at least at B2 level, SOME fluency is required and not the ability to be able to speak like a native speaker.
With that intel in mind, our practice should be more focused on what really matters and is really needed to succeed in each level. So what exactly can students do in order to gain the knowledge required to pass the exams? Some say practice makes perfect and who am I to disagree? One thing they could do is practice speaking with their friends, teachers, or even a speaking partner or group online. This will enhance their confidence and let’s admit it; it is something that plays a huge role in the speaking examination process.
Moreover, what many students preparing to sit the exams do not realize is that by watching movies and listening to songs in English they actually enrich their vocabulary. They think that this passive practice does not offer them anything but science has a different view. According to studies, listening to songs and watching videos or films in English helps you understand how that language works and you also learn the hues of that specific language. Not to mention the fact that you learn a lot of new vocabulary which might be useful in order to understand the reading section of the exams better. Furthermore, reading books is an underestimated activity nowadays but can be of great help, especially if one is planning to sit exams in the near future. Our brain tends to memorize words or particular phrases that it likes and “saves” them in our subconscious mind. It is safe to assume the same can happen with newspapers and magazines, which are often referred to as “authentic materials” in the classroom.
Students need to be realistic with their expectations and study plans. What I mean is that students should allocate enough time to all sections of the exam, making sure to practice weaker areas a bit more in order to ensure a balanced approach and obtain the desired result. Practically speaking, students should break down the mock test into manageable sections to avoid feeling overwhelmed. When preparing to sit the exam, they do not have to do it all at once, but work through it gradually while taking breaks every half an hour. They should not overload themselves just with bland practice tests, though. They have to learn to interpret their scores and focus on the parts they need to work on more. For example, if someone needs to work on their writing, they should not only study pieces of writing samples but also try to produce ones on the same topic. If anxiety is something challenging for them, then they should try some relaxation techniques, like deep breathing before and during the exam.
Having made themselves acquainted with the scoring system of each ELT exam, they should prioritize those sections they are stronger at and try to work more on those they find more difficult. It is also advisable to keep track of scores so that they are able to gauge their progress and analyze mistakes for potential patterns and areas that need improvement. There are plenty of exam preparation materials available on the market that can aid with your students’ preparation effectively.
Success in ELT exams, and not only, hinges on strategic preparation, overcoming challenges, and understanding the scoring system. By adopting specific study techniques, diversifying resources and addressing common challenges head-on, test-takers can approach their exams with confidence and increase their chances of achieving their desired scores. Remember, consistency and a proactive approach are key to mastering ELT exams and unlocking new opportunities in your English language journey.
*Veronika Spyriadou, a TEFL- holder, runs the Instagram page “Ministry of English”, where she post quizzes daily based on newspapers and magazines. She also collaborates with Eduki, where she uploads her exam preparation materials. She is a huge advocate of using authentic materials in the classroom and generally language-immersion.
