Top 7 Ways to Practice English for an Exam

Speaking multiple languages can help cognitive tasks and improve work and study opportunities. If your child has started to practice English, you may realize how hard it is to keep up with day-to-day study tasks and help build their language confidence. Practicing a new language is challenging since it takes consistent and dedicated practice. Luckily, we have put together seven helpful tips on how your child can start practicing English before an exam, so keep reading for more information!

1. English Reading Practice

Reading helps students succeed academically and allows students to identify language structures. Reading creates a visual image that attaches words to meaning.

Incorporating English reading practice with speaking gives a broader understanding of the language and a more thorough perspective on spelling, pronunciation, structure, and more.

2. Start Speaking English

Speaking and immersing yourself in English outside of the classroom is critical for success on the English exam. One of the most challenging exam components is the English composition. One way your child can improve their skills in English composition is by practicing outside of class.

Some examples of practicing include:

• Watching news
• Reading books
• Using English as the primary language at home
• Giving oral presentations
• Listening to music

Consistently engaging in English can make all the difference when it comes time to master the courses. There are plenty of English-based material out there that can seem challenging for your child at first, but if you start with the basics, they will soon pick it up. Pairing at-home materials with English tuition classes and courses can further help.

3. Pronunciation Matters

Pronunciation can completely change your sentence and meaning. Students can improve their test scores by understanding common pronunciation meanings and identifying how different vowels and consonants can change the meaning. While many words don't follow the rules, there are some general pronunciation guidelines.

For example, a single vowel next to a consonant means a short vowel. However, if you have a consonant between two vowels, it usually means the first vowel is long.

4. Find an English Practice Test

Nothing helps prepare you more for an exam than finding a practice test that mimics the layout, structure, and time frame. There are a few different tests that non-native English speakers can take for future work, study, or even citizenship. The most commonly used English exams are:

• TOEFL
• IELTS
• Cambridge exams

Talk with your tutor and professional English tuition centers about which one is right for your child. TOEFL is one of the most widely used English comprehension exams globally and is used for acceptance into many different universities. The Cambridge exams are pass/fail tests with multiple levels that you can take.

A professor or tutor can help determine your child's level and the most appropriate test. The Cambridge O Levels are specifically designed for international students and the final certification after secondary school. After achieving an O Level, a student may continue with A Levels.

Overall, almost 90% of GCE O Level students passed the English exam in 2020. Primary and secondary curricula and programs have designed practice tests and coursework that mimic these tests and helps students feel prepared when the time comes.

5. Organize a Study Plan

Study plans or timetables can help students prepare ahead of time for the English exam. Spending a longer period studying multiple areas of the English language can help a student succeed in the long term and give quality proficiency results on tests. Start small with brief sessions each day and work up from there.

An English tutor and structured course can also help design optimal study plans at home and give ideas on areas needing more focus.

6. Memorize Stock Phrases

Each language has its common phrases that are used frequently in everyday speech. Simply memorizing these sayings can help the conversation flow and build understanding. Stock phrases like 'can you repeat that?' or 'nice to meet you' can be helpful on an exam and showcase a student's proficiency.

7. Spelling vs Pronunciation

English conversation practice is essential for picking up the small nuances in the English language. However, creative writing helps students pick out changes in spelling patterns and is one of the most challenging parts of learning English. The best English tuition classes will have on-site tutors who can provide immediate feedback on a student's writing.

Students can pick out English grammatical and spelling errors from these simple techniques and become more familiarized with the English exam. Weekly spelling and writing practice can show students the difference between two similar words.

Homophones are words that sound the same but have different spelling and definitions. For example, flare and flair are two homophones.

In this example, flare can be a noun and a verb related to fire, while flair is a noun that refers to someone's ability or style. It would be extremely challenging picking out homophones without spelling practice.

Tuition Rates and Qualifications

At illum.e, our teachers have training and experience with the National Institute of Education (NIE) and Ministry of Education (MOE). While other facilities may offer cheaper rates, you must prioritize qualifications to best help your child succeed.

Tuition rates often depend on the class size, experience, and class level. At illum.e, Lower and Upper Primary tuition ranges from 45 dollars to 50 dollars, respectively. Lower and Upper Secondary cost between 55 dollars and 60 dollars, and Junior College is 65 dollars.

Practice English Through illum.e

At illum.e, we strive for students to succeed in their English competency exams. We help students practice English through various tools and strategies such as oral, written, and reading.

These skills are carried over and encouraged in the home environment, which boosts English immersion and understanding. What are you waiting for? If your child needs help with their English, contact us today and get started with our customizable programs.