Part #1: Practical Advice on English Proficiency Exams for Japanese Students

I got a few practical tips from Juan Carlos, an expert English examiner with decades of experience, for Japanese students preparing for English proficiency exams like the TOEIC, EIKEN, or TOEFL.

What are the top 3 test-day tips you’d give to students? 

JC: Sleep well the night before and be as relaxed as possible on the test day. Trust your previous work and dedication; review something lightly on that day if you must, and only if it doesn't make you anxious.

Are there common mistakes you see repeatedly that are easy to fix with practice?

JC: Take your time and speak slowly if you have to. Be as accurate as possible in the use of grammar. If you are aware of making a mistake, excuse yourself and correct it on the spot just like in a normal conversation.

Are there any easy wins that you see repeatedly overlooked?

JC: Being kind and calm helps you communicate better and makes examiners more receptive. Think of it as a dialogue in which both sides perform best when they are comfortable.

For writing tasks, what separates a “Pre-1" response from a "1” response.

JC: Accurate grammar, paragraph structure, diverse and specific vocabulary and backing up examples with personal experience, culture or scientific knowledge. You can also use current affairs, news or something that gives greater strength and credibility to your ideas or claims.

If a student feels stuck during the speaking section, what's the best thing to do?

JC: Always try to say something and be as clear as possible, if the right vocabulary or grammar doesn't come out, scale down. Do not be afraid of using simple English and short sentences. Less can be more; it is always better to give a simple and accurate statement than getting lost in vocabulary and grammar that is challenging to develop and understand. 

You can connect with Juan Carlos here to get extra guidance with your exam prep.