ELC BLOG

Cambridge English proficiency exam, everything you need to know

Cambridge English: C2 Proficiency Exam The Cambridge English: C2 Proficiency exam is also called the CPE and more informally known as the Cambridge Proficiency. CPE originally stood for the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English. The CPE is the toughest English language exam of all the Cambridge suite of exams, and if you hold this qualification it proves – according to Cambridge English - that “you have mastered English to an exceptional level. It proves you can communicate... Read More

IELTS Preparation Tips And Tricks For The Listening Test

How to achieve the best results in the IELTS listening paper The IELTS test assesses your English language ability in all 4 skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking. There are 2 types of IELTS test – IELTS Academic and IELTS General training. Typically students wishing to study at a UK university at undergraduate or post-graduate level will require IELTS Academic and so most language schools in the UK offer this training.  Simon Cummings, with around 20 years of experie... Read More

IELTS Preparation Tips And Tricks For The Writing Test

How to get the best score possible in the IELTS writing test! The IELTS test assesses ability in English in 4 skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking. 2 different IELTS tests are avilable – IELTS Academic and IELTS General training. Students who want to study at a university in the UK at undergraduate or post-graduate level will normally need IELTS Academic. For this reason, language schools in the UK tend to offer training and preparation for the IELTS academic module. In ... Read More

IELTS Preparation Tips And Tricks For The Speaking Test

How to achieve the best score you can in the IELTS speaking test IELTS - International English Language Testing System - tests your English language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking. There are 2 types of IELTS test – IELTS Academic and IELTS General training. Normally students who wish to study at a university in the UK at undergraduate or post-graduate level need IELTS Academic. Because of this most language schools in the UK offer academic IELTS training. In this p... Read More

IELTS Preparation Tips and Tricks for the Reading Test

How to get the best score you can in the academic IELTS reading test There are 2 types of IELTS test – IELTS Academic and IELTS General training. The academic IELTS is typically required for students who want to study at a UK university at undergraduate or post-graduate level. Most language schools in the UK, therefore, offer this training. The IELTS test assesses your English language ability in all 4 skills – listening, reading, speaking and writing. In this blogpost we are going t... Read More

Top TEN websites for studying English

The internet is full of websites for studying English but which ones are the most useful? Janice, Assistant Academic Director at ELC Brighton, lists her Top 10 sites to help you practise and improve your English. 1.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish This site focuses on presenting authentic and up-to-date current affairs, with vocabulary support and quizzes to check your understanding and help you to read newspapers and watch the news on TV. Lower Intermediate (CEFR B1) to Advanced (CE... Read More

How can I prepare before my Cambridge exam course?

How to prepare for a Cambridge English Exam course  So, you have booked an exam preparation course in the UK for Cambridge First (FCE), Advanced (CAE) or Proficiency (CPE) but the start of the course is still a few weeks away. How can you make the most of that time to prepare yourself beforehand to get the best possible chance to succeed in your chosen exam? Most schools will ask you to complete an entry test to check that you have a good level to start the Cambridge exa... Read More

Top FCE and CAE exam tips

Top FCE and CAE exam tips Eastbourne School of English teacher, Clive, gives his top tips for students taking the FCE and CAE exam. 1. Do not go out to the pub the night before! 2. Make sure to bring a bottle of water, pens, pencils and ID with you and wear comfortable clothes. 3. Switch off your mobile phone, or do not take it with you. 4. Keep calm, take deep breaths and focus. 5. Read and listen very carefully. 6. Divide your time for each section carefully and do not spend too much time plan... Read More