Some last tips and the best of luck

Hi! I hope you're not too nervous about the exam, they're already around the corner! You need to keep calm and focus on good results, I'm sure you can do great ;)

So, here I give you some last tips for the subjective parts of the exam; probably the ones which make you feel more nervous.

TIPS FOR THE WRITING TEST     

DO

•      Read each question very carefully.

•      Remember that Question 1 is compulsory.

•      Choose Part 2 questions on the basis of what interests you the most but also bear in mind the task type.

•      Decide exactly what information you are being asked to give.

•      Identify the target reader, your role as writer and your purpose in writing.

•      Check which task type you are being asked to write.

•      Organise your ideas and make a plan before you write. 

•      Use a pen, not a pencil.

•      Write in an appropriate style.

•      Calculate how many words on average you write on a line and multiply this average by the number of lines to estimate how much you have written – don't waste time counting words individually.

•      Follow your plan and keep in mind your purpose for writing.

•      Use as wide a range of structure and vocabulary as you can but think carefully about when to use idioms.

•      Use paragraphs and indent when you start a new paragraph.

•      Check for spelling errors and the use of punctuation such as capital letters, apostrophes, commas, etc.

•      Check structures: subject-verb agreement, tenses, word order, singular and plural nouns.

•      Make sure that your handwriting can be read by the examiner.

DON'T

•      Don't attempt a question if you feel unsure about the format.

•      Don't include irrelevant material.

•      Don't write out a rough version and then try to write a good copy – you will not have time.

 

TIPS FOR THE SPEAKING TEST

DO                     

•      Make sure you know what you have to do in each part of the test and the timing involved.

•      Listen to the instructions carefully and focus on the task set.

•      Listen actively to your partner, develop their ideas and opinions and work with them.

•      Show interest in and respect for your partner's ideas and views.

•      Respond as fully as possible and extend your ideas and opinions, giving reasons where possible.

DON'T

•      Don't let your partner always 'take the lead' – you must also initiate.

•      Don't waffle – be direct, get to the point and say what you mean.

•      Don't speak during your partner's long turn.

•      Don't waste your opportunities to show the examiners what you can do.

•      Don't ask the examiners how you have done.

•      Don't monopolise the discussion. You must be sensitive to turn-taking.

The passive voice

This will be the last grammar point at last! As always, and for the last time, I leave you with the slides to revise, print, and whatever necessary.

Just one remark: remember that although the passive voice is quite frequent in English (more than in Catalan or Spanish), overusing it can lead to unnatural language. So, make sure you use it when it makes sense and is appropriate.

Passive voice from Míriam

• The passive voice in Intermediate Language Practice.
• Exercises on passive voice.

Reported speech

So we're almost finished! One of the last things we need to have a look at, though, is the use of reported or indirect speech, you know, when we repeat someone else's words using our own, not the original sentence (that would be called direct speech, which normally appears in dialogues).

Here you have the slides to revise everything, and also some photocopies with exercises and keys.

Reported speech definitive from Míriam

• Changes in reported speech.
• Reported speech in Intermediate Language Practice.
• Another activity with keys.

And a commercial in which you can see reported speech into practice. You might recognize the ad, and even though it is in Spanish, subtitles are in English, for you to compare!