Study skills B2 Units

Preparing for an English exam

1 Read the sentences about preparing for an English exam. Tick (✔) the sentences that are true for you.
1 I start revising a few weeks before the exam.  
2 I review concepts that I have found difficult and do complementary exercises.  
3 I have a system for reviewing vocabulary, e.g. using cards or a vocabulary app.  
4 I find out about the format of the exam and practice questions of the same format.  
5 I find out how long the exam is and test myself under exam conditions.  
6 If the exam involves writing, I review examples of the texts that I will need to write.  
7 If the exam involves speaking, I practise speaking in English before the exam.  
8 I test myself with a friend.  
9 I get a good night’s sleep before the exam.  

2 Match each sentence (1–9) in 1 with a reason (a–f).

It is possible to match more than one sentence to
each reason.
a This is so that you know how much time
to spend on each task.
b English skills are acquired over time through
repetition. You can’t learn English in one day!
c You will remember more and concentrate
better.
d Practice makes perfect!
e Models show you good examples of language
and how different texts are organised.
f It is more fun than studying alone!
STUDY TIP
If you want to pass an English exam, you need
to work on different skills regularly during the
course. Writing and speaking are productive
skills, whereas listening and reading are
receptive skills. Unlike other subjects, English
skills are often integrated, which means you
use more than one at a time. For example,
if you are having a conversation you are
speaking and listening, as well as using
grammar and vocabulary. Doing different
activities in English will help you improve
many of your skills.

3 Read the Study tip and the list of activities (1–8). Decide if each activity is using receptive skills (R),
productive skills (P), or both (B).

1 Playing online video games in English with English speakers.

2 Reading short magazine articles in English.
3 Watching TV series or films in English.
4 When your teacher corrects you, writing down the correction and reviewing regularly.
5 Speaking as much English as possible in class without worrying if you are making mistakes.
6 Listening to podcasts in English and copying the pronunciation of the speaker.
7 Singing along to songs in English.
8 Writing a blog in English.

4 Look at the list of activities (1–8) in 3 again. Which of these skills will each activity help to develop? It is
possible to match more than one skill to each activity.

fluency  •  grammar  •  listening  •  pronunciation  •  reading  •  vocabulary  •  writing

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

This page has been downloaded from www.macmillangateway2.com

Photocopiable © Macmillan Publishers Limited 2016 1 of 2
Study skills B2 Units

5 Read the Study tip and match these

STUDY TIP
exam parts to the strategies (1–6).
It is possible to match more than When you are preparing for an exam it is important to know
one exam part to each strategy. strategies which will help you in different parts of the exam.
A strategy is more about the way you do the task than what
listening  •  reading  •  speaking  •  writing you know. You can find strategies in your course books and
on the Internet. You can also ask your teacher. Of course, if
you don’t know anything, strategies won’t help you!
Exam strategy
1 Extend what you say by giving reasons or examples.
2 Look at the words before and after the gap. Think about the type of word that is missing.
3 Read the question carefully and underline key words.
4 Read the text quickly to get a general understanding.
5 Always listen to the end of the recording and check your answer if the recording is repeated.
6 If you don’t understand the question, ask the examiner to repeat it.

6 What can you do to prepare for your next exam better? How can you improve your skills and strategies?
Write your ideas here. Use 1, 3 and 5 to help you.

Skill Action

Grammar

Vocabulary

Reading

Listening

Writing

Speaking: Fluency and pronunciation

This page has been downloaded from www.macmillangateway2.com

Photocopiable © Macmillan Publishers Limited 2016 2 of 2