INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH TESTS: TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Planning to study abroad and looking to improve your English language proficiency test scores? Many students aiming for international opportunities face the challenge of performing well on standardized English tests such as the IELTS. Recognizing this need, the English Co-Curricular Activities Committee (ECAC) of the English Language Centre (ELC) , with the facilitation of ELC Visiting Instructor, Mr. Matthew Lambert, organized an insightful and highly practical workshop on April 9th, 2025, dedicated to helping students boost their test performance through expert guidance and hands-on practice.
This workshop served as an excellent opportunity for University of Macau students who are preparing to take the IELTS test for a variety of purposes. Whether it is for a student exchange program, a master’s degree, or an internship abroad, achieving a high score in the test is often a key requirement. The ECAC aimed to support students on this journey by providing direct access to an extensive experience of Mr. Lambert, who guided them through every stage of the test.
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The session began with a detailed explanation of the test format, including the four key components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Mr. Lambert offered valuable advice on how to manage time effectively during the test and emphasized common pitfalls students should avoid. Special attention was given to timing strategies, answer structure, and methods for refining responses to achieve higher scores.
To reinforce the tips shared, the workshop also included practical exercises. Students received practice sheets that replicated actual test questions – particularly those in the listening section. This allowed participants to experience the test environment in a simulated but supportive setting, helping them gain confidence and a clearer understanding of what to expect.
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Throughout the workshop, students showed great enthusiasm and active participation. Most of the attendees were planning to take the IELTS in the near future, so they took the opportunity seriously, engaging fully in each mock practice. One of the highlights of the workshop was that it not only allowed students to sharpen their existing skills but also introduced them to new techniques they had never considered before. Many students expressed how useful the session was in helping them prepare the international language tests more effectively.
At the end of the workshop, Mr. Lambert welcomed individual questions from participants. This one-on-one interaction gave students the chance to address their specific concerns, receive personalized feedback, and clarify any doubts they had about the exam process.
(Written by Cinthia Anette Jaramillo Vera, ECAC Student Ambassador)