Tips for Preparing
Before the exam
  • Do not revise the evening before the exam. Instead, relax with friends and family and get a good night’s sleep.
  • Avoid using earphones for at least two weeks before the written test. Let your ears become accustomed once more to listening under natural conditions.
Έκθεση
  • Remember to focus on answering the question(s) so that you do not go off topic.
  • Don’t copy parts of the topic in your essay, without attempting to paraphrase to the best of your ability.
  • Make sure you make correct use of linking words and phrases.
  • English sentences are shorter than advanced Greek sentences.
  • Opinion essays are not objective or balanced. You need to express your opinion in a clear manner with relevant support.
Listening
  • Remember that the questions are printed in the order in which the information needed to answer them is heard during the conversation.
  • Though you may write on the booklet, you must transfer all the answers onto your answer sheet within the time allowed for each part of the listening section. You will not be given extra time at the end to transfer your answers to your answer sheet.
  • Most test centers use state-of-the-art central sound systems with speakers installed at intervals around the examination room.
  • If you are not sure what the correct answer is for one or more items, you should make an intelligent guess!
Grammar
  • If you are unsure of the answer, don't leave the form blank. Take your best guess!
  • Remember that word syntax is also part of the grammatical phenomena (for example, using the right linking words along with their unique syntax, the adverbs, adjectives, conjuctions, prepositions, etc.)
Reading
  • Manage your time correctly; don’t spend too much time on the first texts and not leave yourself enough time for the last ones.
  • All questions are printed in the order in which the information needed to answer them is read in the passage. ­By locating the vocabulary questions, you can then navigate easily in the text to locate information to answer those questions which are found before and after each vocabulary item wherever applicable.
  • The last question is always a global comprehension question; there is no specific textual evidence to support the answer but rather the answer is based on a general evaluation of the text.
  • If you are not sure what the correct answer is for one or more items, you should make an intelligent guess!
Speaking
  • The examiners know that you are under pressure and understand how you feel because many of them have students and children of their own.
  • Don’t use pre-learnt answers during the interview; it is likely that using such stock answers will lower your grades.
  • Listen carefully to the prompt/question before you attempt to respond.
  • Don’t use the gap filler /e/ when you are searching for ideas or words. It is preferable to remain silent.
  • If you do not understand a word in the prompt / question, you can ask for clarification. If you have nothing to say on the topic, you can ask for a change of prompt / question.
The Golden Rule
  • If you come to the test center afraid that you might fail, you will fail! A positive attitude, a good night’s sleep, staying focused and a light breakfast or lunch will get you through any exam.