How to Get Perfect English Language Exam Scores Every Time Part 2

We continue here in part two with steps you can take and techniques you can use to line yourself up to get a perfect score on your next English language exam. In part one of this article we looked at four key techniques for preparing to get a perfect score on English language exams. These included:

o Know the Specific Exam Topics

o Asking for and Attending Tutorials

o Preparing tutorial sheets for self-study

o Using Your Personal Learning Styles and Characteristics

In using your personal learning styles and characteristics in exam preparation, don't be shy about asking your teacher or tutor to help you prepare study aids that are specifically tailored for you such as:

o Flash cards and other visual aids

o Graphics, charts and tables

o Vocabulary lists, synonym listings and definitions

o Manipulatives and realia

o Digitally-based media and audio (MP3, wav, aud files, practice websites)

o Interactive activities (VHS or BETA cassettes, CDs, DVDs, games, etc.)

5. Establish a Regular Study / Review Schedule - and Stick to It

Start off by getting an accomplice or two to join or form a study and practice group with you for regular sessions. The added support will help to keep you on track. Have short but regular study breaks or sessions instead of fewer and longer ones. Use any and all methods and study aids at your disposal.

6. Relax, Unwind and De-Stress

If you've studied and practiced regularly, prepared well and kept up to date with class work and course requirements, you genuinely needn't worry. Before the exam, relax, unwind or de-stress yourself. The skills and material are in your brain. You put it "in there" numerous times in numerous ways. Now the knowledge is there waiting for you to use it or "let it out" at your whim. No amount of preparation will do you any good if you're" stiff as a board" or "tight as a drum" come exam time. So you need to relax beforehand. The day before the exam take a relaxation break and do whatever you need to de-stress yourself.

Keys to Relaxation

Here are suggestions for relaxing that have worked for many others:

o Take a hot shower or soak in a warm, soothing bath

o Listen to soft music like ballads, romantic songs, classical or New Age instrumentals

o Watch a movie or video - comedies are especially good for unwinding; it's the gales of laughter (yours) you see ...

o Try Yoga or meditation - adding a few relaxation techniques to your test - taking repertoire can come in mighty handy.

Use The Five P's Principle

The five P's Principle: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance, will ensure you do your very best on an English language (or any other) exam. So apply these steps and techniques to line yourself up for a perfect score on your next exam. And if you score a 4.9 or 99 on the exam, well, nobody's perfect.

Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an English language teaching and learning expert author and university professor in Cali, Colombia. Now YOU too can live your dreams in paradise, find romance, high adventure and get paid while travelling for free.