Imagine how only 10 out of 300 nurses qualified for an opportunity to work in the United Kingdom. 290 others missed out on the life-changing opportunity because of failing an online English Test known as Specialist Language Courses(SLC).
But how complex in an English test? How do you prepare for the test? Can you still pass the exam when your English is laced with the effects of your mother tongue? What should one do to excel?
In an interview, with Kenyans.co.ke, Prof. Herman Manyara shared tips on how to rightly prepare for an English test.
Get a professional to take you through
Prof. Manyara states, ''Anyone preparing for an online English test should seek professional guidance at least weeks or a month before the tests. Professionals will guide and assist you in knowing the right ways to approach a question, most people assume they know English forgetting that the questions do not test on your grammar but test on your proficiency. How well can you use the language in a situation, how fast can you think? how fast can you get things done?''
Time cautiousness
This is the most important factor, when going through simple tests one is likely to consume too much time overthinking. That is just how the brain is wired, as human beings we tend to look for tricks in the simplest things even when there is none.
Ask yourself ,how many questions can you handle? In this aspect, simply prioritize questions you have answers to in order to save on time.
If a question is troubling you, move to the next one so that you are able to maximize your chances of getting the others correctly.
Understand the Test
What is the intention of the test? Ensure you understand why you are being tested before proceeding with the test. This will help you stay put and understand questions in the manner that is expected.
Who is the target? Know who the test is targeting with reasons as to why they are being targeted. This will enable you to understand the question and answer in the manner expected.
Know the Tricks
Understand the simple tricks of the test. Always ensure you have done thorough research on the types of questions likely to be asked. You can have a professional to get you through so that you are able to know the basics of responding to such questions.
Know the grading system
Before you begin the test ensure you have read the instructions indicated on the guidelines beforehand so that you know what you will be awarded for. This will prepare you with information on what is considered a pass or fail, that way you will be able to set goals on what you want to achieve. Going to the tests unaware of what you will be awarded for each question is a recipe for disaster.
Build confidence
Simple questions tend to confuse the mind, therefore, one may repeatedly doubt their answers. To curb this, always ensure that you are mentally prepared and have built enough confidence through early preparations. Apart from that seeking expert guidance is also great for minimizing tension and anxiety which may cause confusion.
