5 ways to improve English test results

Charles Hamilton
Woman with glasses and above shoulder length hair sitting on a sofa and looking down at a laptop

As with all tests, adequate preparation is crucial. For many aspiring migrants needing to take an English test, it may have been several years since they took an official exam. Knowing how to prepare effectively and what to expect on the day are key when it comes to securing a successful outcome. Use these five exam preparation tips below to improve your English test results.

1. Familiarise yourself with the type of test questions you will be asked and know what to expect on the day

The official guides published by the testing bodies are an excellent source of information to help you fast-track your learning. They offer materials that replicate the real test questions as well as guidance and strategies for dealing with every task set. Taking a practice test in exam-like conditions helps to improve time management skills and set realistic expectations on your potential performance.

As with all high-stakes tests, security arrangements at the test center are strict. Test takers need to prove their identity via a passport or similarly approved document, so it¡¯s a good idea to?arrive at least 30 minutes before?the test time and have your documents to hand.

2. Give yourself enough time by setting clear, measurable and achievable goals. This will help keep your motivation up and your end goal in sight

Start with a detailed understanding of your current English proficiency. That makes it easier to focus on any weaker areas ahead of taking the test and plan how long you¡¯ll need to study for to bring your skills up to the required level.

3. Seek English instruction that works for you and matches your specific needs and learning goals

Coursebooks are a good option if you have a little more time to study in the run-up to the test. A rigorous preparation course structure will take you through a series of normally class-based lessons designed to prepare you for the test. Sometimes, however, the best way to prepare for a test is to join a class and receive tuition face-to-face. There is a multitude of courses and they offer class-based or individual tuition, from intensive week-long courses to six-month programs to help brush up on your English skills.

4. Choose quality materials that are at the right level for you ¨C they should stretch you a bit to help you progress so you stay motivated

Digital learning can be very useful, providing opportunities to study at a time that suits and giving lots of feedback opportunities. Many test-takers take advantage of the large amount of free preparation material that includes everything from print and digital course guides to practice tests. A huge amount of information is also posted on YouTube, including tutorials and advice covering the range of different tests on offer.

5. Be persistent ¨C keep practicing at every opportunity

Make the most of those spare minutes to practice your skills. Every workday includes a little downtime so try to incorporate a few short 5 or 10 minute practice activities each day to keep building your knowledge.

IELTS has long been the standardized test approved by the Australian government and the test of choice for visa applicants both for work and study. Since November 2014, in an effort to make it more convenient for applicants, the DIBP has approved a number of additional tests that can be used as proof of English language skills, including TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) and the??(PTE Academic).

Bonus tip just for PTE Academic test takers

PTE Academic offers a wide range of free and paid materials online that help test takers prepare for their migration visa English test. Of particular note is the which gives test takers an indicative score ¨C so they know how close they are to their goal.?

More blogs from ÃÛÌÒapp

  • A group of teenagers reading together in a library smiling

    Ideas using festive literature in your English language classes

    By Sam Colley
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    The holiday season is a magical time to bring festive cheer and rich cultural traditions into your English language classroom. Classic holiday stories and poems not only capture the spirit of the season but also provide excellent opportunities for language learning. In this blog post, we'll suggest some timeless holiday literature and explore how they can be effectively used in the classroom to enhance your students' language skills and allow you to make the most of these festive texts.

    Classic holiday stories and poems

    A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

    This novella tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man who is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. Through these supernatural visits, Scrooge learns the importance of kindness, generosity and the true holiday spirit.

    How to use in the classroom:

    • Reading comprehension: Assign chapters to read in class or as homework. Discuss key events and character developments.
    • Vocabulary building: Highlight and define challenging vocabulary words. Create flashcards or vocabulary quizzes.
    • Role-playing: Have students act out scenes to practice speaking and improve their understanding of the dialogue.
    • Creative writing: Ask students to write a diary entry from the perspective of Scrooge at different points in the story.

    Discussion questions:

    - What are the main reasons for Scrooge's initial behavior?
    - How do the visits from the ghosts change Scrooge¡¯s perspective on life?
    - What lessons can we learn from "A Christmas Carol" about the true meaning of Christmas?
    ?

  • English is the language of AI - why teaching it matters

    By Sam Colley
    Reading time: 3 minutes

    In the rapidly evolving age of artificial intelligence (AI), language plays a critical role in shaping the future of technology. English, in particular, has emerged as the dominant language in the AI domain, driving innovations, collaboration and accessibility. As we delve deeper into the digital age, the importance of teaching English becomes increasingly evident. Here are some key points that underscore why English is essential in the realm of AI and why its teaching matters.

    Global collaboration and research

    AI is a field that thrives on collaboration and the sharing of knowledge. Researchers, developers and engineers worldwide contribute to the collective advancement of AI technologies. English is the common linguistic thread that binds this global community together, enabling seamless communication and collaboration among these diverse professionals.

    By teaching English, we empower individuals from various linguistic backgrounds to participate in global research projects, attend international conferences and publish their findings in widely accessible journals. This global exchange of ideas not only accelerates the pace of AI innovation but ensures that advancements are inclusive and representative of a wide array of perspectives.

    Access to educational resources and technical documentation

    Many AI research papers, educational materials, textbooks, online courses and technical documents are published in English. Leading AI platforms, libraries and frameworks, offer extensive documentation and support primarily in English.

    By equipping individuals with English language skills, we empower them to access these invaluable resources. This democratizes the learning process, allowing aspiring AI practitioners from non-English-speaking regions to acquire the knowledge and tools needed to contribute effectively to the field.

    Enhancing communication and language learning with AI systems

    As AI systems become more integrated into our daily lives, the ability to communicate effectively with these systems is paramount. Many AI-driven applications, from virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa to customer service chatbots, operate predominantly in English. Teaching English ensures that users can interact seamlessly with these technologies, maximizing their utility and enhancing user experience.

    Moreover, as continues to advance, proficiency in English allows individuals to better understand and contribute to the development of more sophisticated and intuitive AI communication interfaces.
    ?

  • placeholder

    How to write a spooky story: tips for English language students

    By Sam Colley
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    How to write a spooky story: tips and tricks for English language students

    Halloween is the perfect time to let your imagination run wild and create a spooky story that will send shivers down your readers' spines. If you're a student learning English, or an ESL teacher hoping to inspire and enthuse your students, writing a Halloween-themed story can be a fun way to practice your English skills. In this blog, we'll guide you through the process of writing a spooky story step by step, from brainstorming ideas to polishing your final draft. Let's get started!