3. 03DOS
•If you are asked a question you don't understand , it is ok to
ask the examiner to repeat it. Listen for key words in the
question to help you understand . It is always better to ask for
clarification than to answer something completely different.
•It's very important that when answering a question ,you don't
give short yes/no answers or a one-line-answer . Elaborate on
the answer, expand , give details, reasons, examples. It is very
important to support your points.
•Stay on the topic. Don't talk about education if you are being
asked about cars
4. 04
• Relate the question to your own life. It is always easier to talk
about your own experiences . But if you are asked about
something you don't like or you don't have much to say about,
make it up, use your friends' experiences or what you know
about this theme from the radio or the news
• Study vocabulary beforehand.For each theme you know you
may be asked about ,learn words and expressions you might
need to use. If you know you might be asked about work ,
learn words and expressions related to that topic such as a
pay rise, to get a promotion..etc
5. 06
•Use a variety of structures. It might be helpful to write some
structures you definitely want to use and practise them a lot
before the exam. If you don't practise them , they won't come
naturally and you'll probably get stuck.
•Remember the examiner is looking for a range of vocabulary and
structures. It's your moment to shine.
•It is easier to talk if you divide up your answer. If you are asked
maybe about the advantages of using mobiles in the classroom ,
you can start by saying: well, there three things I want to mention
about... or there are two problems with ..or there are several
things I want to talk about
•If you can’t remember how to say a word in English, paraphrase
it and explain the word:“It’s a kind of …”or " I can't remember the
word but it is something you use when...”
6. 07
•If you get stuck, don’t worry! Start again:“What I
mean is…” . If they examiner sees you are having
difficulty answering a question , he will ask you
another one. We are human beings , not monsters!
•If you make a mistake, you can correct it and move
on. What is really important is to keep on talking .
•Record yourself and listen to you.
• And the most important tip... .practice, practice
practice
7. 08DON’T
•Don't memorize answers . It is easy to see when a
student has memorized a certain question and this is
not going to help you pass the exam . It is better if
you spend time learning vocabulary, collocations,
expressions...etc than memorising the whole answer
to a question.
•Don't go off topic. Stick to the question asked.
don't use I think too much.
•Don't give short answers and don't use
enumerations
•I know it is easy to say , but don't be nervous!
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