Learn English online by Skype

Exam hints and tips. People don't plan to fail, they just fail to plan

• Use English Every Day. Set aside time each day to communicate only in English. Listen, read, speak and write in English every chance you get. Call people who speak English. If you do not know anyone consider speaking to call or customer service centres to talk about a product or service, just to practice.
• Write as much as you can. Send e-mails, send information request letters and make notes for yourself, write down daily reminders, use new words and common expressions regulary. Practice 3 or 4 new words every single day.
• Listen. Listen to music, online broadcasts, radio, television and movies in English. The more you listen, the more you will understand vocabulary and everyday expressions. Music helps you acquire the rhythm and stress patterns of spoken English. Listen closely to the words and intonation.
• Read. Reading is the best way to improve your vocabulary. To improve your reading use websites, newspapers, magazines and books.
• Speaking. Concentrate on speaking loudly and clearly with good pronunciation and intonation. Try to speak in thought patterns, use lots of pauses and gaps, try saying things in different ways and add emotion and feeling to what you are saying. Practice the same speech in your own language and then try to match the same gestures and feelings when you use English.
• Keep a Journal. Write down things you are doing to prepare for exams, college and other events in your daily life. This is a great way to organise your thoughts and practice writing in English. You can track your progress and reading it out loud really helps.
• Practice on a QWERTY Keyboard. A standard English language (QWERTY) computer keyboard is used for many tests. Practice typing on a QWERTY keyboard to become familiar with the keys and layout.

On the day of the exam

• Dress comfortably, giving yourself space and room to move
• Eat a good breakfast, a natural breakfast with lots of water
• Plan your route, know how long it takes and also where to park 
• Arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes early 
• Follow all test directions carefully to avoid wasting time. 
• Read the questions very carefully to ensure full understanding
• Do not panic. Concentrate on the task in front of you.
• Do not think about questions you have already answered. 
• Do not spend too much time on one question. Leave it and move on 
• Do not leave questions blank. If you are not sure of the answer, make the best possible choice. 
• Pace yourself to answer every question and avoid rushing at the end.
• Check and double check that everything is complete and all questions answered