If you are at the right level for the exam then you only need a maximum of 1 semester or about 3 months even if you are quite a busy person.

The next thing is to get a book of practice tests - try to find one with an answer key of course and it's even better if it has some explanations of the answers - read them carefully as they will help you greatly. The Cambridge tests follow quite a specific format so it really is a good idea to practice a few times with a stopwatch to make sure you know what is coming your way during the exam and get an idea about how long you need for each task. Having said that, most people only have a problem with time during the reading test.

Remember that the Cambridge exams are a very good test of your general level of English - if you don't have good all-round skills it's quite difficult to pass. So what other practical things can you do?

For sure you should always have an English book on the go. At this level it doesn't need to be a 'reader' - a simplified version. Just read! And read and read and read! Don't read with a dictionary and don't write copious notes - just read. Reading should be fun - if you don't like the book, then get another one - us the library or go to your local ciucholand and you should be able to pick up an English book for about 5zl or less. It's worth underlining phrases and difficult words but don't let that interrupt the flow of the book - it'll only make it boring. Set aside half an hour per week to study the things you have underlined. Studying and reading are best separated.

What about listening? Well on www.learnenglish.org.uk you can find some podcasts with exercise sheets to go with them. There is also a library of podcasts - so, just like reading, find something you're interested in and listen, listen, listen.

Writing should also be practiced as much as possible - here a teacher is needed to help check your work. But even if you don't have a teacher you could write on some forums in English or find a penfriend - practice makes perfect. However be careful of the forums you use - English people are getting worse and worse at their own language so you might be shocked at what you see! Don't forget to draw up a plan before you write - this will really help direct your writing.

As for speaking, well, you need to speak. Maybe a member of your family speaks English - you can make a rule that you only speak English at mealtimes or in the car.

So, if you're practicing your reading, writing, listening and speaking then your vocabulary and grammar should improve - in knowledge and also accuracy of use. However it's always good to get a typical book of grammar or vocabulary exercises to practice specific things like the tenses and conditionals etc. Is there a magic formula? Unfortunately not - practice makes perfect, so keep practicing whenever you get the chance.

Partner serwisu: