General Exam Day Tips
Suggest one essential item you should bring to the exam.
Photo ID. Also recommended to bring: your exam confirmation, water (in a clear bottle), a snack (can only be eaten during breaks).
Suggest at least 2 alternative ways of saying "I like".
"I'm fond of"
"I'm keen on"
"I really enjoy"
"I have a passion for"
"I'm particularly interested in"
How can a positive mindset affect your performance in an exam?
Reduces anxiety, helps concentration, improves confidence.
How many tasks do you have to complete in the writing paper?
Two tasks.
How many parts are there in the Cambridge speaking test?
Four parts
What's something you should do the night before the exam?
Get enough sleep, avoid last-minute exam preparation
Suggest 2 ways of correcting yourself smoothly when speaking.
"Sorry, I meant to say..."
"Actually, what I meant was..."
What should you do if you get stuck/don't know an answer? (Different answers for different parts)
Listening - guess
Reading/UoE/Writing - mark it to revisit later, move on
Speaking - say something like "I've forgotten what I want to say" and try to recover as quickly as possible.
Use paragraphs, start paragraphs with clear topic sentences, use linking words appropriately (e.g. firstly, moreover, in conclusion).
Suggest 2-3 things that examiners look for in your pronunciation.
Clear, natural intonation and stress patterns.
(They don't care about accent free speech).
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.
Suggest 3 ways of making suggestions.
Some advanced options:
"It might be a good idea to..."
"Perhaps we could consider..."
"Why don't we...?"
Why should you avoid leaving any blank answers?
There's no penalty for wrong answers, so guessing gives you a chance to score points.
Why is it important to create a paragraph plan before you start writing?
Planning helps you organise your ideas, ensure all points are covered, avoid extensive re-writing later.
How can you show interaction skills during the Cambridge speaking test?
Listen actively, respond to your partner's ideas, ask for their opinion, agree/disagree politely.
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.
Suggest 4 alternative ways to say "a lot of".
"a great deal of"
"a large number of"
"numerous"
"plenty of"
"an abundance of"
What's are 2 good ways of dealing with multiple-choice questions efficiently?
Eliminate clearly wrong options, underline key words, choose the most logical answer.
If you finish writing early, what's the best way to use the extra time?
Check for typing mistakes, check for grammar/spelling/punctuation mistakes, make sure you have fully covered all content points.
What kind of language can you use to buy time if you need a moment to think?
Phrases like...
"That's an interesting question"
"Let me think for a second"
"Well, I suppose"
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.
Suggest 5 alternative ways of saying "I think".
"I suppose..."
"I reckon..."
"I'd argue that..."
"It seems to me that..."
"As far as I'm concerned..."
How can you keep your energy levels steady throughout a long exam day?
Bring water and small snacks (breaks only), avoid caffeine overload, rest the night before.
Why is it important to use linking words in your writing? (Two things)
They make your ideas clearer, they improve cohesion.
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.