How to prepare for an English certification exam
Every
student on full-time study or evening classes on UW must pass an English
certification exam on minimum B2 level. Exam is probably stressful for everyone
and you should prepare for it. If you want do that you must know what is the
form of exam.
English
certification exam contains of 5 test: listening, reading, using of language
(grammatical structures and vocabulary), writing and speaking.
Listening
test contains of two expressions. It can be social, popular science, current
events topic. We listening each text two time and solve task. Exercises are:
multiple-choice tasks: questions, statements, finding true, false or lack
information moreover is add to the
table. We can obtain 15% of all points.
Reading test
contains of two text similar to listening and the topics are the same.
Exercises are: multiple-choice tasks, fill the gaps in the text of the
sentences given to the selection and set the correct sequence of paragraphs of
text. We can obtain 20% of all points.
Using of
language test contains of two short text we have to fill the gaps in the text
of the form given to the selection, eliminate the wrong word in sentence and fill
the gaps in the text without given form. We can obtain 25% of all points.
Writing
test is to write your own text. Student have to write a letter up to 100 words
and essay up to 150 words. We can obtain 20% of all points.
Speaking
test takes 15 minutes in this time student undertake the following tasks:
performance role or expressing language functions according to the situation or
command, describing the process,
expressing opinions on the basis of a
short text, picture or diagram, discussion with the examiner, presenting own point of view and arguments. We can obtain 20% of all
points.
A
detailed description of this exam (unfortunately in Polish) we can find on this
page: http://www.certyfikacja.uw.edu.pl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50&Itemid=57
Sample
exam is on this page: http://www.certyfikacja.uw.edu.pl/testy/B2_angielski.pdf
There are some tips how to prepare for an exam and what to do when you write it or do some example.
Listening
Before
exam you should:
·
listening
a lot in English especially watch a lot of videos in English on youtube
When you
write an exam or do some example:
·
carefully read the instructions
·
read all the answers to the tasks
so that you'll know about what is text
·
check if the answer you entered to the first
hearing record, is
confirmed when record is replay
·
give an answer for all questions even if you are
not sure
·
do not focus on questions that make you difficulty, you may run out of time for other easy questions
Reading
Before
exam you should:
·
read
a lot in English: books, newspaper and article in the Internet
When you
write an exam or do some example:
·
remember
that you don’t need understand all words
in the text to know about what is it
·
note
the title
·
read
your answer two time
·
pay attention to any references to
places, people or things (pronouns) in part to refill. They must match
the nouns in the text before and after the gap
·
first
do easy exercises
Using of language
The best
way to prepare for this part of exam is doing a lot of exercises. You should
have same books or use Internet. There is many webpage with exercises for
example: http://www.englishexercises.org/
When you
write an exam or do some example:
·
read
careful ale sentence before fill the gap or eliminate wrong word
·
don’t
write more words than requires the instruction
·
write clearly
Writing
Before
exam you should:
·
write
a lot in English, a good way to do that is Internet, write posts on some
English forum or chat with other people
When you
write an essay:
·
write
an short outline
·
use
paragraphs
·
use diverse vocabulary
·
be careful about grammar
·
read carefully instruction and use official or colloquial
language
·
write on topic with is easier for you
·
try don’t cross the limit of words
Speaking
Speaking is the most stressful part of exam for students. The best way
to prepare is active participation in classes. We should watch a lot of videos
it helps prepare not only for listening. If somebody have friends who speak in
English is good to talk with him or if somebody isn’t shy the good way is
speaking with somebody from the Internet for example on skype.
When you
are on exam:
·
listening
your examiner
·
ask
examiner about repeat if you don’t understand something
·
try
to speak fluently
·
your answers
should be expanded
To sum up, if you want prepare good for an English certification exam you should do a lot of exercices and use English language everytime and everywhere you can.
Sources:
http://www.certyfikacja.uw.edu.pl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50&Itemid=57
http://www.certificates4teachers.com/language10.php
http://portalwiedzy.onet.pl/6485,,1,,,,467855,fce.html
Sources:
http://www.certyfikacja.uw.edu.pl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50&Itemid=57
http://www.certificates4teachers.com/language10.php
http://portalwiedzy.onet.pl/6485,,1,,,,467855,fce.html
I agree that the best way to improve our skills is to exercise a lot. Using language all the time will help us to become accutsomed to express ourselves in this language without stress. Sometimes we are so nervous because we speak a litlle in English and we have some problems with words. Talking and reading books will help us overcome nervousness. Of course, we should spend some time on preparing to this test. Do some sample tests, some grammar exercises in the book and some reading comprehension. It will help us to be well prepared for this exam.
ReplyDeleteYou have put here all the tips that can be useful for language learning. I agree with you, that very important to learn English, and also another languages is doing more exercises. Listening a lot of language which we should know, reading very lot and speaking is very important in learn.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you. The best way to learn foreign language is using it whenever it is possible. We can speak in foreign language with our friend or exchange messages. It is also helpful to read a lot of articles and books and watch movies without dubbing or lector.
ReplyDeleteFor me personally the most stresfull thing about learning foreign language is speaking. When I am about to speak I feel blocked, I forget words and I make a lot of mistakes.
I passed English B2 exam this year and I still remember all of my fears. It was the worst of exams during the latest session because I didn't have enough time to prepare for it. Fortunately I passed for the first time. I was very pleased and... suprised because I didn't believe in my hidden strength and power :) As you mentioned the most stressful part is speaking. I think, I am very lucky person because I spoke with very kind committee even though I was very sleepy after a sleepless night. Today I am working on my BA Thesis and I have to read most publications in English language. I must admit that it is very beneficial for me and my English is improving rapidly
ReplyDeleteFor me the oral exam is also the worst part of it. I remember my Matura exam and I was very stressed and terrified, but I pass it with good mark. I hope in this time will be the same. I totally agree that do some work if we want to succeed. All this tips you written sounds very reasonable to me.
ReplyDeleteI think that every student is the most stressed before oral exam not only in English but before every exam e.g. Math. To minimize stress before English exam I think is watch a lot of movies without dubbing and speak a lot to get used to the language.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to learning you should be 2 things: hard-working and very focused on what are you doing. What's more, you should be very lucky too. I can remember many exams on which I was well-prepared but I've left absolutely nothing on paper and opposite - totally unprepared but I've passed well.
ReplyDeleteThe exam in the University is similar like matura exam on B2. We must pass writing section, listening section, grama and oral presentation. To be good prepared you should do grammatical exercises, listen news on the net, reading newspapers, websites, blogs, even watch films in English. Moreover, you should exercise your speaking. Good idea is maybe meet with your friend and speak to him or go to the pub with many Erazmus people and there try to speak .
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I have to pass certification exam this year. And to be honest I'm stressed about it. I don't feel well-prepared to that. But I hope that more practice will help me. From May I'm planning to start preparation. I would like to read and speak more in English. Most of my problems are connected with speaking, I must improve this element. Maybe practice makes perfect.
ReplyDeleteFor me the worst part of the exam is the Speaking too. In Spain I only spoke English at classes, and I didn't have enought fluently so I decided to go abroad for Erasmus to improve my spoken English, and now I can practice it not only with Poles but with a lot of people from other places too.
ReplyDeleteI think the best way to learn English is watching movies with spoken English. Unfortunately, we don't usually have time for that before exam. Another good idea is doing exams from previous years. As for oral examination, practising with good speaker could be helpful.
ReplyDeleteThere is no easy way to pass language exam. For those who think like that: good luck, because there is very little chance for you to pass. Besides going to an exam without being prepered makes you very stressed. None should take a risk like that. Study hard is the only way to makes mind at easy when taking an exam. It also would be marvelous if you find studing fun :)
ReplyDelete“if you want prepare good for an English certification exam you should do a lot of exercices and use English language everytime and everywhere you can ” - yeah, that's the best summary of this presentation and all advices. What can I add... “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat”.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I also have to pass this exam this year. I am unhappy with that because I have to do a lot of more important thigs until this year will end. For example a great Latins' exam which is much more difficult and I am learning this language much shorter than english. I also adore that quotation, which was situated by Leperr.
ReplyDeleteB2 exam is not so hard to pass at all. But it is some difficult to pass with good result. For me oral part was easier. Maybe because I like to watch movies and serials in English and this is really helpful to learn some “live” langue. Also music and computer games are very useful. But for written part there is no shortcut- only hard work brings benefits and true results. By the way really great presentation:)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the best way to learn language i to speak to native or to go abroad for few months. For me the easiest is oral exam. I've always had difficulties with writing my thougths. When I write I always spend too much time deciding which word will be the best. face to face contact is more exciting than "talking" to a piece of paper.
ReplyDeleteB2 is a Quite easy exam. For me oral par is easier then test. If you want pass very wall you must learn hard and do exorcise for B2 exam. I think if you want pass well you do it.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking is for me the hardest part of the exam- I don’t like speech, because it is for me stressful.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the best preparation to the exam is practice- watching, reading and writing in English. When we use some skills in everyday life, we learn easier and faster.
My preparation requires mostly on feeling natural while talking to strangers. Aside of regular crosswords in English and some grammar revisions, right now I try to ask people on the streets and sound as genuine as posible like British tourist.
ReplyDeleteBeside that, I once a week make one preparatory test on both B2 and C1 to be on the edge of abilities I have right now.
My English is better when practise on Internet. I read a lot of article, I sign up for same e-learning courses and I watch movies with subtitles. I know haw to learn and what I need. I don't worry about oral part I am not so happy about test part about grammar exercise and listening.
ReplyDeleteMy personal advices.
ReplyDelete1. Read in English - I often prefer to use English news sources. If I don't understand the word, I immediately check it in an Internet dictionary. This method had surely improved my vocabulary.
2. Once, I was reading about interpreters - people who interpret people speeches live. What they did to improve their abilities, was to translate every short message, like road signs, adverts, etc., in their own language, into English.
3. It was proved that using written subtitles instead of spoken ones, improves English - children in Sweden are the example.
4. The only thing I was worried about was to talk about the topic I have never thought before, because I simply didn't care.
As for me the best way to learn any language is using it. It sounds so simple that you won't believe, but it's true, at lest for me. I learned english pretty well by playing Forgotten Hope II - FPS in which you have to cooperate very close with other players in your team - by voip - voice communicator.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, the most important before the language test is practicing.
ReplyDeleteIt's important to do a lot of egzample test and find someone who will talk with you in english, sometimes Skype with friend from england is the easiest way.
There are plenty of sites which offers some tests for free and so on.
I'm still waiting for my certification exam. And to be honest - I'm very nervous! All the time I wonder if I know English at an appropriate level. It seems that the best way is to practice, repetition and read old questions. For now, I'm trying to organize knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. Wish me luck!
ReplyDeleteI think these tips may be useful, but only like a little improvement of skill. It is impossible to prepare for English certification exam in few smart steps. Few years of learning should be more helpful ;]. These tips are just like a little repeat and systematization of knowledge.
ReplyDelete