EXAM TIPS

READING & UOE

Was it time consuming? Which parts for you are the easiest? Do you have a watch?

Do part 1 (easiest) and another part you find easier than any other part -> then do UOE 2,3,4

If difficult, put a mark and get back to it, WHY?

By reading, it can help you refresh your memory and NOT WASTE TIME!!!! DON’T FORCE
IT!!!!!!!! POR FAVOR!!!

WRITING

This is probably the EASIEST PART to rack up points (along with speaking)

Make a list of things you have to do when writing:

MOST IMPORTANT ONES:

o Content – did I answer ALL the tasks?

o Content/ Organisation – did I write 220-260 words?

o Content – did I indicate the more important aspect (e.g. in essays)?

o Organisation – did I separate them into paragraphs with enough spacing?

o Organisation – were my thoughts clearly organised in each paragraph?

o Organisation – did I put a main title and headings for each paragraph (usually in reports)?

o Communicative achievement – is it formal or informal, appropriate with the task?

o Communicative achievement – did I use the correct writing style (e.g. if it’s a letter, does it
look like one?)
o Language – did I use advanced vocabulary?

o Language – did I use synonymous words or lexical links to avoid repetition (e.g. 1st
paragraph: ideas, these; 2nd paragraph: concepts, they, what it means…; 3rd paragraph:
themes, which)?
o Language – did I use the correct punctuation marks?
 o Language – did I use linkers and expressions (formal e.g. introduction: first and
foremost, for many people,… it is believed that…; contrasts: on the one hand… on the
other hand; but, however, nonetheless, despite the fact that…, although…; result: so, as
a result, consequently, therefore; reason: because, since, otherwise, owing to, as;
purpose: for the purpose of, with the intention of, so as to, in order to; additional info: in
addition, furthermore, aside from that, as well as; conclusion: above all, in conclusion, to
sum up, to summarise

ADDITIONAL POINTS (LANGUAGE PART)

Try to add at least one sentence for each category in your writing. Imagine you’re writing a
complaint letter:

o Use of different tenses

o Present tense – I am writing on behalf of my wife in respect of our recent purchase.
o Past tense – We tried to return it but the saleswoman was quite rude.
o Future tense – For that reason, I will cancel my monthly membership.
o Perfect tense – I have been a loyal customer for ten years.
o Passive/ Causative – For some unknown reason, the product was damaged.
o Participle clause (optional) – Realising the issue, I decided to double back.
o Reported speech – I was informed by the production officer that they were looking into it
and the product replacement would take weeks.
o Conditional – Store policy states that the retailer can accept returns, issue full refunds or
provide store credit as long as the merchandise is bought within 60 days with the receipt.
o Inversion (optional) – After the incident with the shop assistant, never again will I go
back to this place.

LISTENING

Write expressions you find confusing on the blank spaces of your test paper and just get back
to it after listening. Don’t worry as you have time to put the answers onto the separate answer
sheet.

SPEAKING
o Speak quickly

o Expressions, linkers – avoid repetition

o Use advanced level of vocabulary

o Self-correction gives additional points

o Body language – maintain eye contact, try to look composed and confident, you can use
hand gestures but not too much.