Preparing the Advanced is a difficult goal. That’s why we want to help you with some tricks that will help you overcome your fears and get the most demanded advanced English certificate.
- Reading
The texts of the advanced test Reading test can be of several different types. You will have to show that you understand both the main ideas and the details of the text. It is important that you capture the tone, purpose and opinion of the author, just as you must handle and understand typical structures of these texts as demonstrations, references, examples or argumentative texts.
Tips to approve Reading:
Read the text completely the first time. Do not stop at the details in the first reading. Try only to understand the main ideas.
Underline the important words. They will help you when you read the text again to focus on the important points.
Locate the questions in the text. When you read the questions, you will have to associate a part of the text to find the answer.
Use paragraphs for your answers. Do not use single words, write your answers with complete expressions.
Answer all the questions. They do not remove points for answering incorrectly, so do not leave any blank answers.
- Use of English
This part of the test will measure your knowledge of vocabulary and grammar in English. You will have to learn more complex words and not so simple structures, according to level C1.
Tips to approve the Use of English:
Read a lot and improve your vocabulary. Read everything you can in the months before the exam. Expand your vocabulary in English in different areas and contexts.
Do not leave any answer unanswered. Again, we remind you that you do not score negatively for incorrect answers, so make sure you answer all the questions.
Clear answers do not leave room for doubt in your answers. Some students write alternative answers, which makes the examiner hesitate about which one is correct and can give the question as wrong.
Copy the answers to the official sheet. If you use a blank sheet as a draft to write your answers, verify that you copy everything to the official answer sheet (answer sheet). And do not wait at the end to do it, since you can forget some or make mistakes with the nerves of the last minutes.
- Writing
In the Advanced exam, you will have to write texts such as articles, essays, letters, proposals or reports.
Tips to approve the Writing:
Develop your ideas. Do not leave paragraphs by halves. Write answers that answer a question completely.
Improve your writing and I do not mean just your English writing. You must improve your ability to organize ideas and put them on paper.
Show your vocabulary the examiners will evaluate the vocabulary and grammatical structures that you use in your writing. The CAE is an advanced level test, therefore, you must use more complex vocabulary.
Use your own words Try not to copy structures or words from the questions. Write your own content and use synonyms. This will be better valued by the examiners.
- Listening
You will have to practice with very varied listening before the exam, since you can listen to audios such as speeches, interviews, debates, or conferences. The vocabulary and the way of expressing themselves are very different according to the theme and style of each person.
Tips to approve Listening:
Pay attention to the details: strive to understand the content of each audio in detail, not only the most important points or what it is about.
Critically observe the speaker’s tone. Many of the listenings express opinions, attitudes, purposes or feelings, so you will have to interpret the tone of the person who is speaking.
Practice the different accents. The theme of advanced listening is not as simple as in more basic exams (PET or First Certificate). The speakers will be the people from different countries and will have different accents.
Do not stop if you do not understand. Do not worry if you do not understand a question. Do not stop, wait for the second reproduction to respond.
- Speaking
The speaking test is done in pairs. One examiner acts as the primary speaker, and another examiner will take notes to evaluate your level and that of your exam partner.
Tips to approve the Speaking:
Show that you communicate correctly. Give complete answers, no monosyllables or short answers.
Use rich language. Use appropriate expressions, do not use slang or street language.
Do not be nervous. Do not panic if you do not remember a word. Think of a synonym or express it in another way, but try not to block yourself.
Do not leave the goal. Answer the questions according to the tasks. Do not talk more than necessary or want to decorate yourself excessively.
Ask your partner. Try to make the conversation flow naturally. Ask your partner for his opinion, without putting him in a compromise.
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