If English isn’t your main language, you may have to appear for an English proficiency exam such as the IELTS or TOEFL to study abroad. Such exams may appear easy but becoming a fluent English speaker is somewhat challenging. Consistent effort is the key but there are several ways to better your test scores quickly.
Tips for last-minute improvement
Watch movies in English: Watching Netflix shows may not make you an English champion in debate but it will help you understand everyday English and get habitual to informal conversation. You may pick up new vocabulary too and learn more formal synonyms of English by looking for new words. Documentaries by the renowned David Attenborough are a great help. Investing more time in English periods will help you begin thinking in English.
Watch English news: You should watch or read news in English language including newspapers, magazines and tabloids. This will strengthen your vocabulary and help you learn new spellings and English word usage.
Build a vocabulary notebook: Develop a list of important words and English phrases in your notebook or on your computer. Whenever you come across a new word, simply write it down and look up synonyms and how the same is used in the right context. Don’t just learn definitions; rather learn to use the English words correctly in sentences.
Converse in English: Though listening and reading are important, you will need to practice speaking English as well. If you have friends who are native English speakers then it would be awesome! But if you have no friends, find someone else who is learning English or try talking to yourself before the mirror or recording yourself while speaking in English. Listening back to what you say will help you recognize your mistakes effectively and easily.
Practice regularly: Academic English fluency won’t happen overnight. Even if your English is good, don’t miscalculate the pressure of scheduled exams. Practice spoken English by choosing a “word of the day” and using the same as much as possible. Strive to learn conversational English which will be more relevant in the exam and not the words that you’ll never use.
Be curious: To improve quickly on your mistakes, ask yourself questions and don’t just accept everything that you read online. Look for unknown phrases to understand why they’re used in a specific way and look at alternative phrases. Don’t just be satisfied with the first answer you find on Google; rather dig deeper to have a better understanding of the same.
Make it fun: Learning English shouldn’t feel like a dull task. Find other ways to make it enjoyable, for example, playing word games with your friends to work on your critical thinking skills.