Reading Comprehension: Matching
Tip 1: The heading for the example is highlighted in grey and should not be considered a possible solution. Cross it out if you are distracted by it.
Tip 2
Two possible answers will not match any of the text options. To avoid unnecessary mistakes and if time permits, check that the remaining headings do not match any of the text items.
Tip 3
Underlining words or parts of sentences that give an indication of the content of the text can make it easier to match them.
Tip 4
Even if a question is too difficult, it is better to guess than not to give an answer. You will not lose points for incorrect answers.
Tip 5
It is best to select the answers that you are most sure of first, regardless of whether or not this corresponds to the order of the text. This way there will be fewer possible solutions for the other texts needing to be matched.
Tip 6
Read the whole text first. It is not necessary to understand the exact meaning of each and every word or expression. Do not be anxious if you come across unknown words in the text.
Reading Comprehension: Fill-in-the-Blank
Tip 1
An example is highlighted in grey and should not be considered a possible solution. Cross it out if you are distracted by it.
Tip 2
There are two incorrect options that do not fit into any gap-fill. These are words, expressions, or clauses that do not fit anywhere. Check that none of the remaining words or phrases fit into the text when you are finished with this section.
Tip 3
Even if a question is too difficult, it is better to guess than not to give an answer. You will not lose points for incorrect answers.
Tip 4
It is best to select the answers that you are most sure of first, regardless of whether or not this corresponds to the order of the text. This way there will be fewer possible solutions for the other texts needing to be matched.
Tip 5
In the gap-filling task, the word/expression selected must also fit the part of the sentence before and after each gap. Check whether you used each word/expression only once. (Indicate those that you already used.)
Reading Comprehension: Short Answers
Tip 1
The order of the questions (items) always follows the order of the text, so you need to find the answer for the first question at the beginning of the text and for the last question at the end.
Tip 2
Underline the key words in the question. Search for words / parts of sentences with synonymous or related words in the text and underline them. Write short answers aligned with keywords by carefully reading the text and responding to the questions.
Tip 3
Sometimes less is more. Answer the questions briefly with keywords, like in the example at the beginning of the test. Do not copy out whole sections of text with multiple sentences. You do not need to answer questions in complete sentences. Lifting complete sentences or a whole paragraph from the text are not accepted as answers. When making corrections, any unnecessary information that is not part of the correct answer will be marked as incorrect.
Tip 4
If the instruction of the task sets a maximum number of words, do not exceed that number. If there is a number “2” in brackets after a question, this indicates that the answer requires two responses to get credit.
Tip 5
If the answer is understandable and clear, no point is deducted for making grammatical mistakes. Answers written with incorrect spelling are accepted.
Written Communication
Tip 1
First write down the keywords that your two written responses should contain and the order they will appear in your writing.
Tip 2
Only spend half your time on the first written task so that there is enough time left for the second written task. In this part of the exam, candidates need to complete two tasks. Start with the one you find easier.
Tip 3
Try to understand the task in detail and make sure that your answer contains the most important information in the writing prompt, topic, and bullet points. Read the bullet points carefully. When writing your responses, elaborate on all of the bullet points.
Tip 4
Spend a short amount of time brainstorming your ideas and arguments so that you can support your answer with good examples and logical reasoning. It is not necessary to compose a draft, but if you decide to do it, it must also be done in the test booklet under the Notes section in the back.
Tip 5
Divide your written responses into meaningful sections in a logical order. Structure your writing appropriately and divide your composition into paragraphs.
Tip 6
Each section should begin with an introductory sentence that introduces the topic of the section. Do not deviate from the topic for each writing section.
Tip 7
Avoid colloquial expressions and words if the task requires a formal and standardized response in English.
Tip 8
Pay attention to the length of your answer by sticking to the required word count. Avoid making your text too long and confusing or too short and inadequate. Keep to the number of words designated in the instructions; however, candidates are allowed to deviate from that number by +/- 10%.
Tip 9
Grammatical and spelling errors will result in deductions. Therefore, give yourself enough time to check your work while writing and at the end. Proper spelling, grammar and punctuation (periods, commas, other punctuation marks) are assessed.
Tip 10
Your written responses are also assessed according to the richness of your language. Vary your sentence structure and use appropriate words. However, do not try to collect points by repeating a favourite sentence or phrase.
Tip 11
Be as clear as possible. You don’t have much time and need to get to the point with your answers. Nevertheless, while long, complex sentence structures can make your answer incomprehensible, it is also not advisable to only use simple sentences.
Tip 12
Do not use titles, subtitles or numbering in your written responses.
Tip 13
Write legibly. Your handwriting should be easy to read for the assessors.
Tip 14
Printed monolingual or bilingual dictionaries can be used during the written communication section of the exam. The use of thematic dictionaries is not allowed. Examination sites cannot provide you with dictionaries.
Listening comprehension
Tip 1
Try to only concentrate on the information you need. You can easily get confused and lose valuable time trying to understand everything. The order of the questions always follows the order of thematic content appearing in the recording.
Tip 2
It is very important that you try to answer all the questions the first time. This will allow you to check your answers while the recording is played the second time. If you use both listening opportunities to give provisional answers, you will have to rely on your memory for the final check. Try to answer all the questions after the first listening so you can use the second listening to check or correct your answers.
Tip 3
With multiple choice questions, you should not concentrate on the possible answers during the first listening, but rather on understanding the content. The two wrong answers in each question also contain words from the text that can mislead you if you are not careful.
Tip 4
On the multiple-choice task, you need to write down your final answers (A, B, or C) into a grid on the answer sheet. If you want to make corrections in the grid, make sure to do it clearly. You will receive instructions on how to make corrections before the exam begins. The markers accept only those answers that are clearly marked.
Tip 5
For tasks where you write short answers to questions, don’t forget that you don’t have much time available. Use keywords for your notes instead of whole sentences. Try to formulate your answer as concretely as possible. Unnecessary information you include in your responses that is not part of the correct answers will be considered incorrect. You do not need to answer questions in complete sentences. Answers written with grammatical mistakes are accepted if the answers can be interpreted and understood clearly.
Tip 6
For the short answer questions, the number “2” in brackets after a question indicates the answer requires two pieces of information to get credit.
Tip 7
Write legibly so your answers are easy to read. If you need to correct an answer, do this by clearly crossing out the response and writing a new one.
Tip 8
You can take notes while listening to the recording and write down keywords. At the end of the listening task, you will have a little time to finalize your answers.
Oral Communication: General Information
- The date of the speaking exam may differ from that of the reading and listening comprehension and written communication parts of the exam. The speaking exam may be scheduled before or after the other sections.
- Candidates take the exam in pairs. If you wish, you may indicate your partner when applying for the exam.
- It is advisable to arrive 30 minutes before the exam starts.
- It is not necessary to dress formally and you can wear comfortable clothes.
- Bring official photo identification (ID card, drivers’ license, passport, residence permit) and your candidate ID number with you, which you will receive in an email from ECL.
- The oral exam is recorded.
- The exam lasts for 20 minutes, which includes the assessment of the candidates once they leave the exam room.
- Your score does not depend on the performance of your partner. The examiners (interviewer and assessor) assess the performance of the candidates individually. If your partner speaks too little or too much, it is the task of the interviewer to establish the appropriate balance.
- Do not speak in your native tongue or use it to ask for the meaning of a word.
- The first part of the exam is a warm-up and this part is not assessed.
- The second part of the exam is a conversation with your partner, and you should be active during the discussion. Ask your partner questions, and feel free to contradict or correct each other. Pay attention to your partner, and react to and comment on what they say.
- Maintain eye contact with your partner during the conversation.
- If you notice that you make a mistake, correct yourself immediately and continue the conversation.
- Do not answer the questions with only yes or no.
- In the third part you will speak individually about a topic related to a montage with four pictures. The interviewer may ask you questions during this monologue.
Oral Communication: Warm-up
Tip 1
The main purpose of this part of the exam is to warm up for the exam and feel comfortable. You will have the opportunity to introduce yourself to you partner. It is important that you relax and build up rapport with your oral examiner and partner.
Tip 2
If you and your test partner know each other, you will have the opportunity to introduce each other to the interviewer at the beginning. Otherwise, you will be asked to introduce yourself to your partner and vice versa. You should also be able to ask your partner questions in order to get to know them better.
Tip 3
You should listen attentively to your partner. It is advantageous if you can make references to your partner’s comments to demonstrate your communication skills.
Tip 4
The following topics are usually addressed during the warm-up exercise: family, work, school and training, place of residence, hobbies and future plans.
Tip 5
You can prepare for the various topics of the interview by collecting key words on the topics and then asking each other questions. Another good exercise is to prepare mini-presentations on the topics. You can present these to your partner and practice building your vocabulary before the exam.
Tip 6
During the warm-up task, different phases of your life will be addressed. The correct use of tenses (past, present and future) should therefore be an important part of responses.
Tip 7
Before the exam, practice introducing yourself to your partner with ice breaker activities.
Oral Communication: Guided Conversation
Tip 1
The questions that the examiners asks must be answered. If you do not understand the questions, it is better to ask for clarification. It is better to ask several times than to simply say something that is irrelevant. As you will not be tested on your listening comprehension in this part of the exam, you should not be embarrassed to ask questions until you really understand the questions.
Tip 2
Asking questions that you do not understand is your first opportunity to demonstrate your ability to express yourself. You can use the recommended question starters during the oral exam:
“Excuse me, but I don’t think I fully understood that question.”
“So, if I understand you correctly, you want to know what … .”
“I’m not sure what (………) means. Could you please explain this word to me?”
Tip 3
You must listen to the person you are talking to. By reacting to what your partner says, you can demonstrate your communication skills.
Tip 4
It may be the case that you have to take the oral examination in a group of three. In this case, the speaking exam will take a little longer. Each individual candidate therefore has the same amount of time as in the two-person exam.
Tip 5
Your body language is an important part of your communication and can influence how you are evaluated. Remember to maintain eye contact with the person you are talking to and move your hands as naturally as possible. Try not to play with your pen, earrings or other objects because of nervousness. Hats, sunglasses, chewing gum and other distracting items are not permitted during oral exams.
Tip 6
The grammatical correctness of your expression is only 20% of how your oral communication skills will be assessed. If you feel that you have been understood, there is no reason to stop or correct yourself because of grammatical uncertainties.
Tip 7
In the last few days before the exam, you should listen to as much English as possible. Even if it is probably too late for systematic exam preparation, it will help you a lot if you talk to others or watch films in English.
Tip 8
Prepare and practice vocabulary for the possible conversation topics you may encounter on an ECL language exam (see the list of official topics on the official ECL website).
Tip 9
Create lists of possible questions related to the topics. This will give you a better idea of what to expect during the exam. You can also use these questions for practice purposes.
Tip 10
The guided dialogue section of the speaking exam is a conversation with normal conversation rules. You are allowed to politely interrupt your interviewer or partner from time to time and respond to their statements.
Tip 11
Learners often want to know whether the questions will be addressed directly to them or whether there will also be open questions addressed to all candidates. This depends on the interviewer and the candidates. However, it is certain that the interviewer will ask the questions directly to a candidate if he or she is not actively participating in the guided conversation.
Tip 12
Learners often want to know approximately how long an average answer should be. This part of the test usually lasts around 5-8 minutes, but the interviewer can also extend the interview slightly. The interviewer usually prepares 3-4 questions for this period of 5-8 minutes. Try to address as many of the questions as possible during the discussion between you and your partner.
Tip 13
For this part of the exam, it is particularly helpful to use different ways of asking questions and expressing your opinion on whether you agree or disagree with your partner on a topic.
Oral Communication Independent Monologue on a Picture Montage
Tip 1
At the beginning of the monologue, the interviewer will show the candidates a montage of four pictures. Candidates do not have to describe what they see in the pictures in order to distinguish them from one another. When talking about the topic related to the pictures, use the references “in this picture”, “in the previous image” or “in the top image” to indicate which picture you’re talking about.
Tip 2
In this task, candidates are often asked to “compare” and “distinguish” the pictures, and they are not expected to simply describe the pictures. All types of exercises in which you practice comparing or distinguishing between pictures will help to build up the necessary vocabulary to be successful on this section of the oral exam.
Tip 3
You will be asked about your personal opinion on the topic related to the pictures. Phrases such as “In my opinion…” and “I personally…” are very useful. Other statements will help you to respond to your partner’s comments: “As you said, …” or “I agree with that, …”, and “I agree with you”.
Tip 4
Make sure that you talk to the interviewer and not to the computer screen with pictures. You can also practice this before the exam by turning the pictures around or by trying to talk about mental images.
Tip 5
If you are interrupted by the interviewer after a very short time, don’t worry. This just means that you have demonstrated your fluency in the foreign language and that it is now your partner’s turn.
