How to prepare for English USE on your own

26.12.2016

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How to prepare for English USE on your own

The New Year’s Day is coming and USE is probably not the biggest concern for students now. However, we think that preparing for English USE in one month thoroughly is impossible. That’s why we decided to write an article about this exam and our advice on preparation until it’s too late.
Why is it impossible to prepare for USE in one month?
It depends on the exam. Theoretically it’s possible to prepare for a history USE in one month: you have to read and learn a lot 24/7.
Language exams, on the other hand, are different. You can’t just learn grammar, build your vocabulary, develop your speaking skills, learn to understand English speaking, and learn how to write properly in such a short period of time.
Unfortunately, even half a year might be not enough. How much time you need depends on your current level of English (read more on English levels here).
Anyway, the earlier you start, the better.
I decided to prepare on my own. Where do I start?
For starters we need to understand what USE is now, because it changes a little every year.
The examination is divided in two days. First day is the written part, the second day is the speaking part.
The written part includes:
1.Listening.
2.Reading.
3.Grammar.
4.Writing.
The written part consists of 40 tasks and the time limit is 180 minutes.
The speaking part takes 15 minutes and it is optional.
You have to know that the top score you can get without speaking is 80. That’s why even if you are convinced that you are the worst speaker ever, go and take it. First of all, perhaps you underestimate your skills; secondly, 5-10 extra points can really come in handy.
Let’s state the obvious just in case: you can’t enter the USE with anything but a pen and your ID. Leaving the room during the exam is allowed only with one of the overseers. If you violate one of the rules, you will be prohibited to continue the exam. Don’t take unnecessary risks.
OK, the rules are clear. Can you tell more about the tasks?
1.Listening. This is the first part of the exam, because the test is the same for everyone. You will hear every audio file twice. You will have 3 tasks:
— match 6 phrases with statements. There are seven statements, so one of them is extra to confuse you. We advise you to exclude answers you are sure about. Take you time and don’t rush with your decisions;
— true/false/not stated. The most difficult part is the not stated option. Remember: don’t read between the lines. If something wasn’t said directly, the answer is not stated;
— choose the right answer. This is the easiest task. You will hear a small monologue and you will have to choose one of the three answers.
Preparation. In order to complete this task successfully, you don’t just need to understand English well, but also be able to hear the most important things speakers say. That’s why find examples of such tasks and do them every day and check yourself with an answer sheet afterwards. Apart from tasks you can also watch movies/TV shows in English and listen to audiobook. Read more about Listening here.
2.Reading. This part also consists of three parts:
— match 8 headlines with 7 texts. Again, one of the headlines is extra. First, match the headlines you are sure about;
— fill in 6 blanks in the text. Pay attention to tenses in the supposed answer. Words like which, who can also be an important marker (who is only used with people);
— answer 7 question about the text.
Preparation. Read as many books and magazine articles as possible. This is the only way to broaden your vocabulary so that it’s enough to pass USE.
3.Grammar and vocabulary. Here are the tasks you have to complete:
— put a grammatically correct word form. For example, you see a sentence like this: «He _ _ _ Jane when she was leaving home». After the sentence there will be a word in brackets that you need to fit in (see in this case). You need to change the word so that it fits in grammatically (saw). Be attentive: look at the tense and the subject;
— fill in the gap with a correct word form. This is probably the most difficult task in this part. Sometimes you need to transform invent into invention, marvel into marvelous;
— fill in the gaps with one of four answers. This task checks how well you understand and feel the style of the text.
Preparation. Just work on your grammar: do tests on different topics, mark your mistakes.
4.Writing. 2 tasks
— write a personal letter. You received a letter from your friend and you need to respond to him/her. The most important thing is to know the rules of writing personal letters: where to use paragraphs, how to use linking words. It’s also very important that you keep within the word limit of 100-140 words. Answer all the questions that your «friend» asks and don’t forget to asks him/her something, too;
— write an essay. You need to tell your opinion on some problem using 200-250 words. Follow the suggested plan if you don’t want to lose your points.
Preparation. Just write more often. Become a dab hand. A personal letter is an easy task, but the essay isn’t. Write on different topics. Use such words as moreover, more than that, however and others.
5.Speaking. Hopefully, we made it very clear that it’s important to take this part of the exam, so here are the tasks:
— read a text out loud. This is a relatively simple task that requires you to have good intonation. You need to understand where to make pauses, have your voice go up and down;
— read a text an ask 5 questions. You will have a plan of questions and a 20-second limit;
— describe one of the photos. Again, follow the plan;
— compare two pictures. The most frequent mistake is talking about pictures separately. Since the task is to «compare», you have to compare. Say what is different in the pictures and what is similar.
Preparation. Use any chance to speak to someone in English. The more you speak, the better. Work on your intonation. The accent is forgivable, however, unnatural intonation isn’t. That’s why listen to English as often as you can: in movies and computer games.
A few myths about English USE
1.You can prepare in one month. No, we’ve already said that it’s impossible.
2.You can take your cellphone and call your teacher from the restroom. You can, just like you can leave the exam with zero points.
3.If your knowledge is low, there is no point preparing. There is a point because even with low skills there is a chance to get at least the minimum score. Better than nothing.
4.You are ready if you read advice and life hacks. No, even a text as good as this one won’t help you pass unless you prepare.
Stop reading already! Go to prepare and good luck!

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