Use of English

Preparing for the Exam

Many students decide to improve their English before taking an important college entrance exam. This is a sensible (0) DECISION, because language skills can make a real difference to their final results. Some students focus only on grammar rules, while others try to build (1) .......... their confidence by speaking more often. In fact, the best way to prepare is to work (2) .......... a balanced plan that includes reading, writing, listening and speaking. It is also important to pay attention to vocabulary, especially common phrases and collocations that often (3) .......... up in exams. Learners should not simply memorise long lists of words. Instead, they should practise using new language in context so that it becomes easier to (4) .......... meaning from the sentence around it. Another useful idea is to set (5) .......... time each day for short but regular study sessions. Although progress may seem slow at first, students who keep going usually (6) .......... up improving faster than they expected. They also become less likely to panic when they come (7) .......... difficult questions in the exam. With patience and steady effort, it is possible to make (8) .......... progress and feel ready on the big day.