General Exam Day Tips
What should you do if you feel nervous just before starting the exam?
Take deep breaths, focus on positive thinking or use grounding techniques, remind yourself that you've prepared.
During which parts of the exam are you NOT allowed to use a dictionary?
All parts. Dictionaries are not allowed at any stage of the Cambridge exam.
If you make a mistake or forget a word in your speaking exam, how can you recover effectively without losing marks?
Correct yourself naturally ("Sorry, I mean...", "Sorry, I've forgotten the word), keep going confidently, or rephrase yourself. Examiners value fluency over perfection.
During the speaking exam, how can you make sure your partner gets enough speaking time without lowering your own score?
Invite them to speak ("What do you think?), respond naturally. Avoid dominating. Collaboration is part of the score.