Exam Tips for Listening
1. Spend your time wisely
Before the exam starts, there are a few minutes for you to check the question paper. You can also make use of the time to take a look at the questions first to get the main points. This certainly enhances your understanding of the materials during the listening exam.
2. Be quick
All exam materials will be played ONCE only. Some candidates write down key words or the first letter of some new words in order to remember the main points of the speech. You have to make sure that you spell out these words properly or write down all key words; if not, they will be merely scribble and useless to you.
3. Write legibly
Candidates have to use a pencil to write the answers. Remember to write neatly and legibly even though you need to write fast.
4. Don't miss "units"
Every answer carries one mark no matter it is a long sentence or a single word. Some answers need a unit such as "a.m.", "HK$" or "per year", etc. Missing these units will score no marks.
5. Write in proper places
Write your answers in the appropriate places provided. If not, you may lose marks.
6. Spelling and meaning
Don't misspell words which may change the meaning completely, for example, "two kids" to "tool kit", and "glass" to "glasses".
Last minute preparation
- Bring your tools such as a radio of good reception, and extra batteries, pencils and rubber for backup.
- Design your own set of abbreviations for taking notes in the exam, such as ▲s for people (make sure you distinguish the singular and plural forms).
- Try past exam papers. Listen to the tapes again and again to read the questions and answers. In this way, you can practise listening as well as find out in which parts of the text may answers be usually found.
- Keep calm during the exam. Don't waste time thinking of the answer to a single question only. The exam materials will be played ONCE only. You have to fill in answers one after another. Therefore, it is better to skip one which you do not know instead of giving up all the other questions.
- A clear mind can certainly help you understand the questions, organize the answers, write faster and listen better. Remember to have meals in the morning and afternoon on the exam day. You will feel less nervous in the exam if you can practise watching or listeing to English TV or radio programmes a few days before the exam.
|
The key is to keep calm during the listening exam. It is not difficult to score high marks if you get well-prepared!
|
