Hitting a high benchmark in an English exam can be achieved if you’ve adequately prepared before the big day. That is why when you’re studying for your test, you’ll need to get the basics out of the way well in advance. This means you’ll need to get all the details like where and when the assessment will take place, as well as the requirements of what you need to bring.

It’s also wise to create a study timetable that you can use to work towards your desired level of readiness, along with some detailed instructions of the things you need to do to prepare. Timetables can help you plan your time carefully and identify the areas that you need to work on.

Here are additional tips to up your game and ensure you’ll get high marks on your assessment:

• Know the type of assessment you’re taking

It’s important to know the type of assessment you’re taking since it will give you an idea on how to prepare for it. So, if one of the requirements on your test is to write a text response essay, then you’ll need to read texts multiple times and have a good understanding of the themes, key characters, quotes, and events. This will give you the means to accurately write an essay based on the text you’ve read.

• Consider past exams

Many of the English language tests and exams follow a predictable format, so you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the format and requirement of the exam. This can be done through constant practice. Ask your teacher for a practice test or practice essay question that you can complete under test conditions. You can then ask your teacher to mar it for you and give relevant feedback. If you are completing VCE, past exams are easily accessible via the VCAA website.

• Immerse yourself in the language

If you want to improve your English, you’ll need to immerse yourself in the language, and this can be done by reading newspapers, books, online articles, magazines. You can also dedicate some of your time expanding your vocabulary while you study for an English assessment. Try to find new words and list them down in a notebook or a mobile device. It would help if you also used them in several sentences to familiarise yourself.

• Purchase a test-specific guide or textbook

You may also want to invest in prep materials that are designed specifically for the type of assessment you’re taking. Prep guides are essential tools, especially if you feel you need a little more support. Several second-hand copies are being sold in various online sites like eBay, and this can be an invaluable reference that can give you a solid advantage when you’re preparing for your exam.

• Prepare your body before and during the big day

Before the day of your assessment, you should relax both your body and mind. That is why it’s not advisable to cram and overload your brain with various information. Cramming is not an effective method, and it can even increase your stress level, which means you may even experience a mental block during your assessment.

On the day of your assessment, you should eat breakfast and make sure you arrive early in your exam location. This will allow you to relax your body further as well as focus your mind on the task at hand. If you would like to learn more, or need help studying, contact us. We offer tuition for English in Melbourne and surrounds.