How to get “A” in Cambridge exam
Beledy Gonzalez, from Venezuela, is 25 years old and she has already achieved a huge goal: a grade A in Cambridge Advanced Certificate (CAE). This is the best result a SEDA student has ever achieved and we are all delighted and proud of her! SEDA News asked Beledy about her exam experience and any tips she may have for other students who are thinking about taking this challenging exam in future.
By Savana Caldas
How long have you been studying English and why did you decide to take this exam?
I guess I’ve being studying English since primary school because it was part of the curriculum, but I took my first private course at SEDA College in Ireland. The primary reason why I decided to take the CAE is because it would give me the qualification required to enrol in a post-graduate course either in Ireland or any other English speaking country. Another reason is because if I leave Ireland it would help me land a bilingual job.
How did you prepare for CAE?
To prepare myself for the CAE I did a 6 month course at SEDA and tried my best to complement it by watching movies, listening to music and writing in English. A month prior to the exam, I started a weekly study routine that included grammar, writing and online exercises.
What tips can you give to SEDA students thinking of registering for this exam?
I believe that the most important thing is to expose yourself to the English language, by consuming all of your entertainment and news in English and talking as much as you can, even to yourself!
What were the most difficult parts of the exam for you?
My personal weakness is listening, I found that part harder than the other ones, plus there’s no way to go back and review your answers after a set time for each answer has passed.
How did your exam day go?
The exam day was less stressful than expected. It felt like the longest morning, though, and I left the room exhausted.
How did you feel during the test?
I felt confident for the most part of the exam and I also felt that I had enough time to select and review my answers (except during listening!)
Were there any surprises for you at the exam?
Not really, I received good advice from SEDA, talked to friends who had sat a Cambridge test before and checked some tutorials online. So by the time I had to take the test I was familiar with the process.
Are you planning to take other international exams in future?
Not really, I decided to take a Cambridge exam because it doesn’t expire and I have achieved my goal, which was a C2 level by the European standard.
Once again, congratulations!!!
Originally published in SEDA News
