5 Surprising Reasons To Take An English Language Exam

You want to study or work abroad in an English-speaking country, but English isn’t your first language: what do you need to do? You normally need to take an English language exam, which are required by universities, immigration departments, professional bodies and employers.

But, aside from formal requirements, there are lots of other reasons why taking English language tests can be good for you…

1. INCREASE YOUR MOTIVATION LEVELS

Before a test, you tend to study harder than ever. Researches have shown that this can lead to improved language ability.

Whether you love them or hate them, tests clearly motivate us to get learning. Students who are given regular tests study the longest and the most regularly. Students who have less frequent tests tend to study just before their test.

2. THEY TEST ALL YOUR SKILLS

Every learner has certain things they are good at and things they struggle with. The problem with this is that we tend to prefer doing the types of task we know we can already do, which is why some students can read to an advanced level, but can’t understand pre-intermediate listening exercises..

Most exams have papers examining your reading, speaking, writing, listening, grammar and vocabulary. If you take an exam in English, you will have to improve in all areas to pass.

3. THEY’RE EASY TO UNDERSTAND

Has anyone ever asked you how good your English is, and you haven’t really been able to respond?

Exams follow the Common European Frame of Reference (CEFR), so when you say you’ve passed your B2, everyone will understand what this means.

4. IMPROVE THE WAY YOU STUDY

Tests and quizzes are really useful study techniques, which can improve how quickly you learn.

When you do an exam, you have to recall and apply what you have learnt. This process greatly improves your chances of remembering information. It also makes future study sessions more productive, by showing what you need to work on next.

5. THEY COULD GET YOU A JOB

Is there are lot of competition for jobs in your industry? Do you work for a company that deals with other companies around the world? For most people these days the answer to these questions is “yes”.

Show that you are a cut above the rest by putting your English exam achievement on your CV!

These skills will not only help you pass your exam, but they will help you to learn much faster in the future.

So there you have it – five reasons why taking an English exam is the best way to supercharge your learning!