EXAMS!!!

In order to train and qualify as a teacher I had to do a degree,a post graduate certificate in education and a work for a year as a newly qualified teacher.This was to teach in schools in England.When I decided to work as a English language teacher to non native speakers I then took the CELTA course.It was hard work ,very intense and I learned a huge amount which I then had to put into practice.Many years later I feel very experienced in the job I do.And I like it.

A lot of students study English for exam purposes.They may need a particular grade or exam to enter university abroad ,take a job at an international company or need it to meet visa requirements.Whatever the reason a student has for taking an exam it is ,without question, a time of stress.

One of the most common exams is the FCE(First Certificate in English) which is for the upper intermediate student.The exam is split into for parts and they test a students abilities in all areas of the language.

The Reading and use of English is split into 7 parts and has a total of 52 questions.It takes 1 hour and 15 minutes.

The writing part of the paper takes 1 hour and 20 minutes and is divided into 2 parts

Part 3 of the exam is listening which takes 40 minutes and is divided into 4 parts and has 30 questions.

Finally ,part 4,is the speaking.This takes app 14 minutes and is divided into 4 parts.

This is not an easy exam to take and it requires preparation for a student  to become familiar with the exam format as well as the skills required to pass.

So far this year I have received a number of requests for lessons to help students prepare for different exams so I have decided to look at the most common exams on a monthly basis.

January is FCE month ......watch this space for helpful hints,tips,links and activities.