How to prepare for the TEF/TCF exams effectively
There’s a reason I discussed preparing for exams quickly in an earlier article. Lately, people facing very tight deadlines have often been coming to me for advice. ⠀
Here it’s time to turn to the European Competence Scale. For each of the six levels of language proficiency, it determines the number of hours that need to be spent on mastering it. For example, for a minimum A1, 100-200 hours of work with a teacher and independently is enough. And B2, of course, will require much more perseverance.
But at the same time, the majority continues to think that achieving the desired level is not so difficult. You just need to practice a little. ⠀
Yes, I have seen more than once how people, motivated by a dream, achieved their goals in a very short time. There was a frenzied ability to work and dedication. ⠀
There were also those who believed that the chances were low. Like, I taught, but I forgot everything long ago. However, they began to work, the language “woke up” and the pace rapidly increased. ⠀
Some people, though, doubt their abilities from the outset and progress slowly. ⠀ Every situation is different. I would never tell someone, “Your deadline is too tight — you won't make it.” But I cannot offer an absolute guarantee either. Preparation is always a shared responsibility, with the greater share resting on the student.
Besides, there is one secret!
Sometimes you don't have to KNOW a language to a certain level to PASS it.
The trick is that you prepare specifically for the exam, taking into account its format, possible topics, and other details. You direct energy in a targeted manner, rather than mastering the level on a global scale. ⠀
In the same way, the fact that you did not pass the exam will not mean that you do not reach a specific level. Perhaps you were simply unlucky with the topic, felt bad, the environment was uncomfortable or the format was not suitable. ⠀
To summarize, I can highlight the following points:
- Evaluate deadlines adequately based on statistics
- Be motivated and ready to give your best effort
- Enlist the support of a teacher who prepares specifically for exams⠀
I have watched many times how people did the almost impossible and achieved their goal! Hard work and belief in success always brings results.
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Language courses or individual lessons. Which is more effective?