Improving English Language Skills for International Students Taking Exams

From ESL to A+: Improving English Language Skills for International Students Taking Exams

For international students studying in the US, language barriers can be a significant challenge especially when it comes to taking exams. However, with the right strategies and resources, it is possible to improve English language skills and achieve academic success:

• Practice regularly:

As they say, Practice makes perfect, right? Then:

ð  Read English-language books and newspapers; you can also use e-books.

ð  Watch English-language movies and TV series without subtitles or with English subtitles.

ð  Listen to podcasts.

ð  Listen to English-language songs and read their lyrics.

ð  Talk to people whose native language is English; this will be one of the best ways, and since you are in the United States, finding these people will be easy.

ð  Attend English language classes.

 

• Keep your vocabulary up to date:

Another key strategy is to focus on vocabulary building. The more words you know, the more confident you will be, both in exams and in the society.

This will help you better understand exam questions and write your answers more easily. How can we increase our vocabulary?

ð  Use flashcards.

ð  Use mobile apps and games designed for this purpose.

ð  Read more books and newspapers and write down any words and phrases you do not know on a piece of paper or a flashcard along with their meanings.

• Improve your writing skills:

Writing skills are very useful both during the classes (while writing articles, taking notes during the class, etc.) and during the exam season. By practicing writing regularly, students can improve their ability to express their ideas clearly and effectively.

 So practice writing, how?

ð  Write your daily diary.

ð  Write summaries of the movies and TV series you’ve watched.

• Use mobile apps:

Use apps like Duolingo, which will increase all your language skills with a regular program tailored to your level. These resources can provide additional practice opportunities, grammar and vocabulary lessons, and other helpful tools for improving language proficiency.

In conclusion, improving English language skills is crucial for international students taking exams in the US. Motivation and focus are the two key factors for international students who intend to improve their English language skills to perform better in exams. Learning a new language is indeed difficult, but it is not impossible at all. By practicing regularly, building vocabulary, writing extensively, and utilizing available resources, international students can improve their language proficiency and achieve success in their academic endeavors.