Easter Exam Revision

Programme content 

• Reading. Locate evidence quickly, recognise paraphrases and rule out plausible wrong answers. Practise deciding when to move on from a difficult question and return to it later. 

• Listening. Use the time before the recording to predict the type of answer needed. Listen for corrections and changes of opinion, then check spelling and any word limits that apply. 

• Writing. Break down the prompt, plan both responses and reserve time to check them. Use the exam’s marking criteria to revise a response, paying particular attention to missed task points, unclear arguments and recurring language errors. 

• Speaking. Give direct answers and develop them with reasons or examples. Practise sustaining an individual turn and, where the exam requires it, responding to a partner and keeping the discussion moving. 

Practice for each exam 

IELTS 

Students practise distinguishing false from not given in reading by checking whether the text contradicts a statement or gives too little evidence to decide. In Academic writing task 1, they select key features and write a clear overview. In General Training task 1, they cover each bullet point and choose a tone that suits the recipient. Both groups practise developing a clear position in task 2 and give it more time because it carries more weight. Speaking practice includes using the preparation minute for the individual long turn and developing answers to follow-up questions. 

Cambridge B2 First and B2 First for Schools 

Students practise using grammar and context to complete cloze and word formation tasks. In key word transformations, they check that the new sentence keeps the original meaning and follows the word limit. In writing, they cover all the required points in the compulsory essay and choose a second task they can answer fully. In speaking, they compare photographs while answering the prompt, then practise inviting a partner’s views and working towards a decision. 

Cambridge C1 Advanced 

Students compare viewpoints across texts and use evidence to infer a writer’s attitude. In the compulsory essay, they develop and justify a judgement. For the second task, they adapt the structure and register to the reader and purpose. In speaking, they practise comparing and speculating about photographs, then build on or challenge a partner’s ideas while keeping the discussion focused.