Learn English vocabulary for talking about exams and tests
Exams and tests: they're inevitable milestones in our academic and professional journeys, often accompanied by a whirlwind of emotions ranging from nervousness to a massive sense of relief. Whether you're preparing for standardised tests like the IELTS, gearing up for university entrance exams, or even facing practical tests like a driving exam, having a grasp of the English language surrounding these assessments is crucial. So, let's delve into the linguistic toolkit you need to navigate this territory like a pro.
Talking about Exams and Tests
Firstly, let's tackle the basics: the verbs used to describe the act of taking exams.
You can sit, take or do an exam or test. For instance, your friend might say, "I'm taking my IELTS exam next week," or "She's sitting her university entrance exams."
Exam Preparation
Now, onto the English vocabulary to talk about the preparation phase. Here are some essential terms:
To cram: To study intensively in a short period, usually just before an exam. Example: "I've been cramming all night for tomorrow's test."
To revise: To review previously learned material before an exam. For instance, "I need to do some last-minute revision to refresh my memory."
Brush Up On: To review or refresh one's knowledge of a subject. Example: "I need to brush up on my math skills before the exam."
Look Over: To briefly reviewor examining something. Example: "I need to look over my notes one more time before the exam starts."
Mock Exam: A practice test designed to simulate the real exam experience. Example: "We're having a mock exam next week to prepare for the final test."
Handling Nerves
Feeling nervous is par for the course when it comes to exams. Here are some useful ways to express those pre-exam jitters in English:
To get the jitters: To feel nervous or anxious. Example: "I always get the jitters before an important exam."
To feel anxious/nervous: To experience feelings of worry or unease. Example: "I'm feeling really anxious about the upcoming test."
To feel on edge: To feel tense or nervous. Example: "I've been feeling on edge ever since I started studying for the exam."
To feel a sense of dread: To feel a strong feeling of fear or apprehension. Example: "I woke up with a sense of dread knowing that the exam day has arrived."
To be a nervous wreck: To be extremely anxious or stressed. Example: "I'm a nervous wreck every time I have to take an exam."
To feel overwhelmed: To feel like you have too much to handle. Example: "I feel overwhelmed by the amount of material I need to study."
During the Exam
Once the exam begins, it's essential to stay focused and manage your time effectively. These English phrases will you help you to describe exam technique.
Take time to plan things out: To carefully consider or organize your approach. Example: "I always take time to plan things out before starting the exam."
To go blank: To forget what you were going to say or do. Example: "I went blank as soon as I saw the first question on the exam."
To read through questions: To carefully read and understand the questions. Example: "Make sure you read through all the questions before answering any of them."
To go over your answers: To review or check your answers. Example: "I always go over my answers before handing in the exam paper."
To stay focused: To concentrate on the task at hand. Example: "Try to stay focused and avoid distractions during the exam."
To run Out of time: To exhaust all available time before completing a task. For instance, "I ran out of time during the exam and couldn't finish the last question."
After the Exam
Finally, the aftermath of an exam can be a rollercoaster of emotions. Here are some expressions to describe post-exam feelings:
To feel relieved: To feel a sense of relief or relaxation. Example: "I felt relieved after finishing the exam and handing in my paper."
To nail the exam: To perform exceptionally well on the exam. Example: "I think I nailed the exam; I knew the answers to almost every question."
To pass with flying colors: To pass an exam with a very high score. Example: "She passed the exam with flying colors; she got almost every question right."
To scrape through: To pass with a low score or by a narrow margin. Example: "I didn't study much, but I managed to scrape through the exam."
To get through: To pass or complete something successfully. Example: "I'm glad I got through the exam without too much difficulty."
To flunk: To fail an exam. Example: "I studied really hard, but I still managed to flunk the exam."
To mess up: To make a mistake or perform poorly. Example: "I completely messed up the last question on the exam."
Not to make the grade: To fail to meet expectations or requirements. Example: "Unfortunately, he didn't make the grade and failed the exam."
To be unsuccessful: To fail to achieve a desired outcome. Example: "I was unsuccessful in passing the exam this time."
To fail: To not pass an exam or test. Example: "I failed the exam, but I'm determined to do better next time."
To resit exam/ to retake: To take an exam again after failing it previously. Example: "I have to resit the exam next month because I didn't pass it the first time."
Remember, exams are just one aspect of your academic or professional journey. While they may induce stress, they're also opportunities for growth and learning. So, arm yourself with these linguistic tools, approach your exams with confidence, and remember, success is within reach!