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Learning Tips

Read that an answer is correct just because you hear the
How to do better when doing reading tasks same words that are in the activity.
 When you have sentences to complete, read them irst
 Before you read, try to predict what the text is about and try to predict what kind of information is missing,
with the help of the title and the pictures. as well as the part of speech of the missing words
 Look for key words in the text to understand the (noun, verb, adjective, etc.). After you have completed
main ideas. the sentences, read them again. Make sure that they
 Keep in mind that a text will most probably include make sense and that the words are in the correct form
unknown vocabulary. There’s no need to panic. It (singular or plural form of the noun, correct form of the
does not mean that you won’t be able to understand verb, etc.).
the text as a whole.
 Try to understand which of the words in the text
are really important. Try to guess the meaning of as Write
many of these words as possible from the context. How to do better when doing writing tasks
Use the following strategies:
- Read the words before and after the unknown  Make sure you understand what you are asked to write.
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word and think of the context.  Before you start writing, think about the topic carefully
- Try to igure out if the unknown word is a verb, and try to come up with ideas which are relevant to
noun, etc. it. Make notes of the information you want to include.
You can also make a mind map to organise your ideas.
- See if the unknown word is similar to other words  Plan your paragraphs. Before you start, think of the
in English or in your own language.
ideas you are going to include in each paragraph.
 Read the text quickly to understand the main idea.  Group relevant information together and put it in the
 Read the text carefully to understand speci ic details. same paragraph.
 Make sure you understand who or what the  Do not write very short sentences. Join your ideas
pronouns (he, it, this, them, etc.) and the adverbs with and, but, or, so and because.
(here, there, etc.) refer to in the text.  Use linking words/phrases to add something or list
 Decide in which part of the text you can ind the points (e.g. to begin with, in addition, lastly), to
information you need. express contrast (e.g. but, however), to express result
 Remember that sometimes the answer you are (e.g. as a result) and to give reason (e.g. that is why).
looking for is not clearly stated in the text, but is This will make your writing low.
implied.  Use time linkers (e.g. irst, then, next, after that, later,
 Don’t be in a hurry to answer a multiple choice when, before, while, as soon as, by the time)
question. Read each question carefully to get an to show the order in which events happen.
idea of what you are looking for, and underline  Use a variety of adjectives (e.g. fascinating, shocked)
the section in the text where the answer is found. and adverbs / adverbial phrases
Make sure you have chosen the correct answer by (e.g. unfortunately, all of a sudden) in your writing
eliminating the wrong options. to make it more interesting.
 When completing a text with missing sentences,  Use pronouns (e.g. he, she, it, them, there, this) to
read the whole text irst and then the sentences avoid repeating the same words.
given. Pay attention to the development of the story,  When writing a note, keep the text short and give
the vocabulary, as well as to pronouns (it, they, only the necessary information. Remember that you
this, etc.) and words/phrases which link sentences don’t have to write full sentences. Make sure the other
(however, later, etc.) both in the text and in the person will understand your message, though.
sentences given.  When writing an informal email/letter:
- make sure you understand why you are writing (to
Listen thank, to apologise, to describe an experience, etc.)
and who you are writing to so that you respond
How to do better when doing listening tasks suitably.

 Before you listen, read the rubric and look at the - don’t forget to use appropriate phrases to begin and
pictures carefully. Try to predict what the speakers end your email/letter.
are going to talk about. - use informal language and expressions (e.g. well, of
 Before you listen, read the statements or questions course, you know).
carefully. This will give you an idea of what to listen for.  When writing a formal email/letter:
Also, make sure you haven’t got any unknown words. - use appropriate greetings and signature endings.
 While listening for gist, try to understand the - use formal language and do not use short forms or
general idea, not every single word. abbreviations.
 Listen for key words to help you understand the  Write neatly.
main ideas. Also, pay attention to the speakers’  Write your irst draft and correct it. Check punctuation,
tone of voice to understand how they are feeling. capital letters, spelling, word order, grammar,
 Don’t be in a hurry to answer a multiple choice vocabulary, linking words, paragraphing and style
question. Listen carefully till the end and check all (formal – informal language). Then write your inal
the options before your inal decision. Don’t think draft and edit it once more.
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