English Today

Audio Slideshow: Improve Your Listening Skills

Improve your listening skills in English and learn more about the world by watching and listening to these photo slide shows with sound. Each link takes you to a different story about a different person talking about their life.

Audio Slideshow

via world-english

IGCSE Exam Tips - The Speaking Test

1. The first part of the IGCSE Speaking Test is the warm-up phase. The examiner will ask you a few questions about yourself and your interests. Remember that this phase is not marked but the examiner will appreciate your effort to express yourself freely and accurately.

2. In the assessment, marks are given to candidates who can successfully engage in a conversation with the examiner. After all, this is the aim of the speaking test:to test your ability with spoken English. But, by all means, don't use slang expressions. For instance don't say : "I didn't mean to screw my folks up". Say: "I didin't mean to upset my parents"

3. Try to answer the examiner's questions as fully as possible. Avoid yes/no / I don't know answers. Don't be afraid to take a little extra time to think of  replies which will be helpful in keeping an interesting conversation going between you and the examiner.

4. Don't worry too much about mistakes and grammar. Remember, communicating effectively in a natural and lively way is much more important than perfect grammar or pronunciation.

5. If you don't understand a question, ask for clarification with questions such as: "Could you, please, repeat that? I didn't quite understand".  If you can't think of a certain word in English , do not say it in your mother tongue! You can tell the examiner:"Ah well, that word is on the tip of my tongue....anyway, I mean..." and try to explain in other words what you really mean.

6. The highest mark (Grade 1) goes to candidates who are capable of engaging successfully in a conversation with a native speaker of English.

7. Most importantly, don't be afraid to speak and don't let your accent be a barrier. After all, there is a wide range of regional accents and dialects in the UK. Just try to make good conversation with your examiner.

 

Approaching Exercise 2 of the IGCSE Reading and Writing Paper

What to expect

In Exercise 2 of the IGCSE Reading & Writing paper, you should expect a longer text - usually an article - often with pictures or visual material, such as maps, charts or diagrams.

How to approach:

1. Skim the text: have a quick look at the text reading only titles and subtitles and paying attention to visuals. In this way, you will be able to get the gist and have a vague idea of what the text is about.

2. Scan the text: read through the text quickly highlighting the main idea in each paragraph.

3. Read through the text carefully so that you may be able to get more details relating to the main ideas.

4. Read the questions carefully and highlight keywords which will help you find the correct answers.

5. Your answers must be brief and accurate, yet in Exercise 2 some questions may require longer answers. Use only the space provided for your answers.

6. You don't need to use your own words, you can copy the answer from the text. However, do not copy chunks of text which you don't quite understand. Make sure what you copy is clear and answers the question accurately.

7. Don't forget the ABC of the IGCSE Reading  Paper:

A for Accuracy

B for Brevity

C for Clarity