Exam tips for students

Exam tips for students preparing for our IESOL exams

Listening

• don't worry about your spelling unless a word is spelt for you
• answer all questions even if you are not sure of the right answer
• In the time allowed before each recording, read through the questions to be prepared for what you'll hear
• You'll hear the recording twice, so do not panic when you have missed some important information first time round.
• You are not expected to understand every word in the recording - just focus on your task what are you listening for? Think to yourself 'What kind of word/answer should you be prepared to hear?
• Always read the questions before the recording begins. Underline / Identify the key words - understand WHAT you are listening for

Reading

• read each question carefully and follow the instructions exactly
• do not write more than the word limit specified in the instructions
• use the monolingual dictionary to look up key words you don't understand
• only use a monolingual dictionary to look up the key words if you don't understand them
• read a lot for pleasure in the run-up to the exam
• practice reading an article and writing a summary of the main points
• look at each paragraph - what does each paragraph do? Explain? Argue for / against etc
• underline key words in the questions - what are they looking for?
• Underline/notice

Writing

• use a monolingual dictionary to check any words you are not sure of or to search for vocabulary
• plan your piece of writing - pay attention to organisation, range and accuracy
• do not write more than the word limit specified in the instructions
• always read the instructions and the input text carefully
• underline the words in the instructions that tell you exactly what to do; then be sure to respond to these prompts.
• Write out a long list of words and phrases that you associate with the topic, then use the most attractive an appropriate ones for the purpose of your text.
• Use collocations rather than single words (e.g. adjective + noun)
• Replace simple general words like 'good', 'bad', 'nice' with more specific synonyms -e.g. 'perfect', 'horrible', 'pleasant'.
• Check your final version for spelling and punctuation.
• Plan your essay - list your main points, supporting evidence
• Think about which connecting words you will use to move between ideas at sentence and paragraph level.
• Always answer the essay questions
• Don't write in capital letters
• Remember to make paragraphs and salutations if requested
• Check your spelling and punctuation.

Speaking

• listen carefully to what the interlocutor is saying
• don't be afraid to ask for clarification if you don't understand something
• be prepared to use various expressions for arguing, giving opinion, debating and agreeing
• don't panic when you realise you have made a mistake. Correct it quickly if you can, or just carry on speaking
• warm yourself up by speaking English with the other candidates several minutes before you enter the exam room.
• Make sure you know how to spell your personal details.
• Listen carefully - think before speaking - make sure you answer the question.
• Think of expressions you can use to help introduce a topic, or to give you time to think/order your thoughts eg Hmmm, let me see now...or That's an interesting idea, well I'd say...or Really? Well, I think...