How to Deal with Stress when Taking your Test

To be nervous before taking a test is normal, it’s actually a good thing. Scientists have proven that test takers generally do better when they are little nervous before their exam. However, there is also a negative impact of nervousness and stress when taking an exam especially if you let the stress control you and occupy your mind rather than focusing on the task at hand.

A key factor when it comes to reducing stress when taking a test is to get into a positive rhythm and sense of forward movement.

Students often come to us and explain that they underachieved on their test because they were so stressed throughout the exam. After asking the students a few questions we realized that 90% of these students had difficulties with the first question on the test. What was interesting is that instead of skipping the first question they panicked, wasted time, and got stuck on the first question.

So the first few questions are crucial to get into a positive flow. If you are stuck with a question in the beginning skip it and try to answer it later. If you have no clue what the answer is…guess! Remember there is still a chance that you will choose the right answer, so there is no need to panic if you are uncertain.

Another aspect that’s important for reducing stress when taking a test is to actually practice your test taking skills. Take your computer and go to a coffee shop a couple times before taking the exam. By taking practice tests in an environment where you have people around, you learn to focus on the questions rather than distractions around you.

Other small details to remember are, to leave early so you have plenty of time to get to the test center. If you are rushing to the test center you will definitely be stressed and speed through the test. Think of what you can achieve with a good score rather than thinking of failing. Do not try to cram a lot of information the night before taking the test, it’s better to just review a little and get a good night sleep.

There is no better help for stress when taking a test than being fully prepared. By taking practice tests and putting yourself in an environment which simulates the actual test, you will feel relaxed and ready to give it your best on the day of the exam.

How to Improve your English Grammar

Good grammar is a key component in being able to speak English; in this section we will give you some tips on how to improve your English grammar.

It’s normal for non-native English speakers to make grammatical errors on occasion. The key to improve your grammar is like the key to improve everything else, practice!

Before you begin with exercises, quizzes and lectures it’s important to understand the foundation.

For example you should learn the difference between adjectives, verbs, adverbs, conjunctions, nouns, pronouns, interjections and prepositions.

When doing practice exercises it’s crucial that you pay attention on how correct sentences are constructed. By paying attention every time you read an article you will be able to memorize the different grammatical rules.

The fastest way to improve your grammar is to actually speak and write in English. A great tool that some students at ePrepz take advantage of is creating your own blog. Write about topics that you are interested in; as long as it is in English it will help your English grammar tremendously.

After taking different grammar exercises you will learn what different areas you need to work on, by staying consistent you can improve your English grammar within months.

To learn more about how to improve your English grammar, check out ePrepz Online English course.

How Being Able to Communicate in English Can Help your Career

A high standard of English in an organization, especially at the management level is a competitive advantage that facilitates international growth. While a lack of English language skills can seriously hinder a company.

The English language surrounds us in everyday life and is used in various fields such as culture, politics, education and economics. Knowledge of the English language increases the opportunities for individuals to be part of different social and cultural environments and to participate in a globalized world.

English proficiency may also provide new perspectives on the world, increased opportunities for contact and better understanding of consumers, partners and clients from different parts of the world.

Taking the time to learn English can increase your chances of getting promoted or getting you that new position abroad.

Way’s to learn English

The best way to learn English is to live in a English speaking country. If you have the opportunity to live in an English speaking country for an extended period, this will be the most effective method.

If you want to improve your English before going to a English speaking country you can take intensive English course online. It is true that it is easier to learn new languages quickly when one is young, but this does not mean that older people can not learn English. If you have a good plan and patience, you can acquire a new language or improve the skills you already have.

There are many benefits to learning a language online, a crash course gives you a good foundation in a language that can be helpful in business-related trips.

If your work requires you to be relocated abroad, it will ease your transition if you know English. You will not be as stressed by the cultural differences if you understand what people around you are saying.

If you have plans to do a longer trip to a country or countries you might consider taking a quick course online. By learning the basics of a language you show cultural sensitivity by learning how to communicate with locals in their language.

New Course Coming Soon at ePrepz

We have exciting news for all our students at ePrepz. The ePrepz test preparation packages will be updated with new study material for the TOEIC, TOEFL and IELTS. We will also release new a course that will focus on improving students general English skills. So if you are a beginner and want to go over the basics of the English language this course will be perfect for you.

The course also works well for intermediate English students that want to brush up their skills. If you are interested check back here at eprepz.com to get access to the beta version for free!

Improving your English on a Tight Schedule

Are you struggling to find the time to learn, study, and improve your English skills? It’s not easy to put time aside to study when you have a job, family and other obligations. The good news is that you can soon learn English on the go. ePrepz is about to launch an interactive English course so that you may study whenever you have time to spare. In the meantime there are several things you can do to work on your English skills.

We are big believers in the concept of effective study time rather than (excuse the language) screwing around. For example I would take a couple intensive 10 minute sessions a week rather than 3 hours of bore repetition. This means you can study on your lunch break, on your way to work or whenever you have a little time to spare.

Is there something you’re passionate about? Maybe a sport, movies, music, fashion? With the innovation of the internet you can talk about what you love with hundreds of other people who love the same thing, in English! Join a forum, community or blog and obtain the benefits of having improved English. It won’t even feel like you are studying!

Set your surroundings to English settings, for example your internet browser, TV settings, shopping list. Write English words on small note cards and place them around your room. By customizing your surroundings to English you will improve your vocabulary faster than you can say banana!
Make sure that you spend some time every day before going to bed reviewing what you have learned that day.

Don’t get discouraged, just with a little practice every day you can do wonders for your English skills.

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