Col
d Knowledge on English Exams English exams are a common occurrence in most academic systems. Students often prepare thoroughly to achieve good grades in their exams. However, some aspects of the English language are often ignored or not taken seriously, leading to poor performances in exams. In this article, we shall highlight some cold knowledge on English exams that students need to keep in mind to excel in their exams. 1. Contextualize the Text Most examiners will give text extracts, passages, or questions that need to be answered in written form. One mistake that most students make is to provide answers or opinions without contextualizing the text. In other words, students fail to comprehend what the text is all about or what the examiner wants in the answer. For instance, if the examiner gives a passage about a political event, it's essential to understand the political climate or ideology the event is all about. Therefore, students must contextualize the text before responding. 2. Vocabulary It's easy to overlook vocabulary when revising for an exam. However, vocabulary is essential in both written and spoken English. An examiner will be looking for a student who uses precise and relevant words to communicate. Therefore, revising specific words in context and expanding one's vocabulary is essential. Students, especially for comprehension papers, need to understand the meaning of words to answer related questions. 3. Rules of Grammar English has strict rules of grammar that need to be followed. Grammar errors can be subjective, but there are some strict rules that beginners or intermediate students must observe. Grammatical errors can hinder effective communication, and examiners will usually take points for such mistakes. Students should, therefore, understand their grammatical weaknesses and work to eliminate them. 4. Punctuation Punctuation is a significant part of written English. A misplaced comma or a missed apostrophe could change the meaning of a sentence or paragraph. Examiners will usually observe this aspect keenly, and students must, therefore, revise the general rules of punctuation. Furthermore, punctuation is necessary for effective communication, and students must understand the context of the text to use punctuations appropriately. 5. Be Concise Most English exams have a time limit, and students usually need to answer questions within that period. Being wordy or verbose can be detrimental to answering questions within the stipulated time. Students should, therefore, endeavor to be concise in their writing and to communicate ideas succinctly. 6. Practice English The best way to learn English and improve grades is to practice. For instance, reading English literature, newspapers, or listening to English audio or videos can improve one's English. Practicing the language can also improve one's confidence and fluency in both written and spoken English. The language is also continually changing, and practicing can keep students updated on the latest English jargon. In conclusion, English exams require more than just cramming for the exam. Students must understand the context of the text, revise their vocabulary, know the rules of grammar and punctuation, be concise, and practice the language continuously. By keeping these cold knowledge points in mind, students can do better in their English exams and achieve their academic goals.
