In each Part of the exam, we give some advice as well as tips and tricks for answer that section. Here is our advice for Part 1.
How do I approach Use of English Part 1?
Read the given text quickly to understand its general meaning before you attempt the task.
As you read the text for the first time, if a word naturally comes to you for a gap, jot it down. This will help as you go into the next steps.
Check the words before and after each gap in the text.
Choose the best option.
When you have finished, read the text again with the words inserted to check that it makes sense.
Tricks:
Do NOT leave a gap blank/empty. Even if you guess an answer, always answer the question. There is no negative marking.
There is only ever ONE possible correct answer, so never mark two answers on your answer sheet. This question be will be disregarded and not marked, if you do.
The four options may be similar in meaning, but only one answer will fit the gap more naturally or grammatically correct. This is tricky and the words before and after the gap can help with this.
Tips:
Before taking the exam, read as much as possible in English. Read newspapers, internet articles, books, novels, magazines, journals, textbooks, etc. This exposure is invaluable when taking a test like this.
Do at least 3 - 5 mock exams under timed conditions before taking the exam. You can sign up for one of our mock exam sessions, or do your own mock session at home. But doing them under timed conditions is crucial.
Ensure that your reading speed and time management skills are up to par. This can be done and tested with the mock sessions mentioned above.
On average the Part 1 text is 150 - 180 words.
