Questions about TEF/TCF that you definitely didn’t know the answer to
Today I want to go over some specific topics that, however, come up quite often when preparing for exams.
1️⃣If I need to take the B2 level exam, can I not answer the third task in TCF at all?
Many people argue like this:
1 task - for those with level A1
Task 2 - A2 and B2
Task 3 – C1 and higher
Those who passed say that I didn’t say/write anything on the third assignment, but I got my level.
But first of all, none of us were present at this answer. Perhaps for this person, “said nothing” implies that he gave a detailed answer with arguments, but not as excellent as he could have.
Secondly, a counter question from me personally. Will you yourself be psychologically comfortable when you have half an hour left for the third task, and you just sit and do nothing?
When will you turn in the paper with a blank number 3?
When in the oral part will you tell the examiner: “That’s it, I won’t answer here, goodbye”? It seems to me that if you go to the exam, then without the intention of losing any part of it and prepare thoroughly in full force.
2️⃣Is it necessary to come up with headings in writing?
Let's just use common sense here. If the assignment requires you to write a letter to your relatives about how you spent last summer, what could be the title?
If, according to logic, a title may be implied in the text, first of all, still concentrate on the main content. Don't waste time on a catchy title. We have repeatedly discussed this topic with students who have already passed the exam. According to my observations, the presence or absence of a title had no effect on the score.
3️⃣Do I need to highlight paragraphs in texts?
Definitely! Break your essays into small blocks and leave space between them - indents. It doesn't matter whether you write by hand or type on a computer.
Such text is more convenient and pleasant to perceive.
The structure is immediately visible.
4️⃣Is it possible to use erasable ink if the written part is submitted “by hand” (relevant for those who live in Thailand or China)
I personally used such a handle, and it was very convenient. Writing by hand is more difficult because you can’t go back, press the Delete button, add or change something. But! Check in advance what color ink is allowed and what type of pen should be - ballpoint or gel. This is important, otherwise you might just get turned around with your magic ink.