You’d have to be mad to take an English exam these days. They cost a small fortune and mean staring at a computer screen for several hours and will no doubt cause you at least a couple of sleepless nights and probably a grey hair or two. So why are you doing this?
It may be because you’re a language nerd and you love collecting certificates to prove it. If so, more power to you. However, it’s probably because you’ve been asked to prove your English level for some application you’re making: maybe for a university course, maybe for a business promotion, maybe for a visa.
Whichever it is, it’s huge. These are potentially life-changing moments. A new start, a jump up the career ladder, a chance to get away, a chance to stay. All huge.
Getting this far has already been nerve-wracking. But you’ve gone for it. You’ve taken the jump. Unfortunately, now the frustrating bureaucracy has begun to cloud the dream you had. Application forms, and now language certificates. Is it all worth it?
You’re probably feeling a mix of emotions.
Frustration. You know you can manage in English, advanced level you think, and you’ll learn quickly once you’re in the country or on the course. Isn’t this all just a waste of time and money?
And nervousness. What to expect. What do they test? Will I pass? How much time do I need to dedicate to this? Do I need a private tutor? What happens if I don’t pass? Can I wait another year to apply again?
This is normal. Everyone just wants things to be simple, plain sailing. Well it’s not. But there’s good news. The fact that you’re reading this post about exams already shows two things.
1. You’ve confronted the fear.
2. You’re taking this seriously. Well done.
These are two of the most important steps to take when feeling uncertain about an exam. Now, here’s the third.
3. Share.
A problem shared is a problem halved .
I mean this. The frightening thing is the uncertainty, the lack of clarity. The exam is floating behind you like some dark, shapeless monster. Like mörkö.
Find someone who knows about the exam and talk to them (not a random website that will, like online diagnosis sites, make you even more confused and worried). Ask them of their experience, how hard it is, what’s the timetable, what was the most difficult. Ask if they have any tips. See how they react to your news and see their emotions when talking about the exam.
The uncertainty becomes clarity and the fear becomes focus
When people first contact me about taking an exam, we chat. We talk about the test, of course, its structure and logistics, but also about their objectives, their applications, their available time and their deadlines. And as we talk, the uncertainty becomes clarity and the fear becomes focus. A plan begins to form, a path to follow, a path that ends in that original dream that started all this madness.
You can do this too.
If you're interested in improving your English, get in touch. I'm happy to have an online chat, free of charge, and discuss how I can help.
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