Preparing For Language Proficiency Examinations

Language proficiency examinations are intended to measure or test the proficiency of an individual in various foreign languages.  Language proficiency tests, unlike other examinations, are not based on any particular scope, course materials or software programs.  It is accumulated with different grammar and vocabulary questions which can be found in any language book. 

There are some institutions who offer language proficiency examinations for evaluation purposes.  Some schools would be require for a student to pass language proficiency tests to assess the capability of the student in writing and reading the foreign language. 

Let’s take English for example, there are English proficiency tests which are very important especially for students whose native tongue is not English.  English would have proficiency tests like FCE, CAE, IELTS, and TOEFL.  In these tests, language skills are tested through sentence structure and completion, paragraph development and reading and comprehending texts. 

If you are aiming to take and pass a language proficiency exam, you would need to address the issue of finding good teachers.  There are also language programs that offer different areas of focus, there are some programs that focus on strengthening listening and speaking activities.  These programs would include proper pronunciation and vocabulary rather than on grammar structures.  This is why you would have to know what language areas the language programme is noted for.  However, if you wish to have a balanced language development, then there are some instances that language programs are instructed to create programmes that will target all the fields.  

When planning to take the exam, the most crucial mistake that test-takers would commit is to be misguided that they are ready to take the exam.  Most of the times,  individuals would be taking the proficiency test because they have already developed their grammar and vocabulary knowledge.  Others would take the exam because they know some techniques that will help them pass.  Unfortunately, these are not true.  It is important for exam-takers to be fully aware that you would need at least to be on intermediate level before taking the exam. 

If you think you are already prepared to test the exam, then here are some practical tips that could help you. 

• There are different workshops which could help you in the writing proficiency part of the exam.
• Some would like to take an English class before actually taking the test.  This would give them a chance to refresh their knowledge about grammar, writing and vocabulary.
• Make use of your grammar, vocabulary and English books to do some exercises. The benefit of having the net is that they have stimulated or sample tests that would help you at least have an idea on what to expect from the language exams.

Some colleges would have an oral proficiency test, so make sure that you would also be prepared for that.  Do not talk to fast or to slow, just take the speed in which you are comfortable speaking using the required language.  There is nothing wrong in pausing to formulate your answers.  During oral proficiency exams, it is strongly recommended to expound on your answers.  In this case a simple yes or no will not get you anywhere. 

Our knowledge and proficiency of languages could be measured by taking language proficiency tests.  But for some individuals it is not just about getting evaluated, but it could mean a better education and better career opportunity. 
