Preparing for the English Test, What is Expected?
If you would like to study in an English speaking country and you are from a non-English speaking country, you will be required to do an English test as part of the entry requirements. Even though this may sound quite daunting, it is really not that difficult if you have prepared and practised well enough.
What is an English Test?
The English test comprises out of four sections, the reading/listening/writing and speaking test. The test usually takes a couple of hours so make sure that you are well rested prior to taking the test. It is also recommended to take some sweets with you, in order to keep your sugar levels up and to remain motivated and energised.
Reading test
The reading test requires you to understand English when reading it, as you will have to answer questions after having read a short story. These questions often range from very easy to very difficult and may have open ended questions and/or multiple choice questions. If you want to perform and score well, make sure you read a lot of books, magazine and articles. Do this on a constant basis prior to taking the test.
Listening test
The listening test requires you to maintain your concentration for a good 45 minutes. Thus again, make sure that you arrive well rested. The listening test is a very important section as you, as a student, will have to listen to many lectures, thus it is imperative for you to understand everything that the professor or teaching fellow might be saying. The number one tip for practising your listening test is to surround yourself with English, i.e. English TV, English radio, English people.
Writing test
If you fail the reading test you will most likely also have difficulties with the writing test, so make sure that you practise. The writing test may take up to more than one and a half hours and requires you to write about random topics. Because you only have a limited amount of time, it is suggested not to worry too much about specific difficult words that you’d like to use but do not remember and therefore have to look up in your dictionary, but to keep it simple and to use words you do remember.
Speaking test
The speaking test usually only takes 15 minutes and you will be required to speak about any random topic.
Speaking English is probably more difficult if you are from a southern European country, as opposed to a northern European country, as these countries usually have all their media dubbed over in the language of origin, i.e. In Spain, many films, shows and series are dubbed whereas in the Netherlands all films are played in the original language, English, with Dutch subtitles. Besides listening and surrounding yourself more with the English language, you should also work on your pronunciation so try to engage yourself in conversations with English speaking people, so that you are prepared to the speaking test.