Mastering Your October Study Plan for the English Postgraduate Entrance Exam

As the考研 countdown enters its critical phase, October marks a pivotal time for candidates to refine their English study strategies. This period demands a balanced blend of consolidation, practice, and targeted improvement. Whether you're grappling with vocabulary, grammar, or reading comprehension, having a well-structured plan is essential. Below, we address some of the most common queries that arise during this month, offering actionable insights to help you stay on track and maximize your preparation efficiency.

Common Challenges and Solutions

1. How Should I Balance Vocabulary Building and Reading Practice?

Vocabulary is the cornerstone of effective English comprehension, but simply memorizing words isn’t enough. A successful approach involves integrating new terms into your daily reading routine. Start by dedicating an hour each day to learning 10-15 high-frequency words, using flashcards or apps like Anki for repetition. Then, apply these words in context by summarizing articles or writing short paragraphs. For reading practice, choose passages from past exam papers or academic journals, highlighting unfamiliar words and reviewing their meanings later. This dual-focus ensures retention and contextual understanding. Additionally, grouping words by themes (e.g., "academic settings," "emotional responses") can make memorization more manageable. Remember, consistency trumps intensity—short, daily sessions are more effective than cramming.

2. What’s the Best Way to Improve My Reading Comprehension Speed?

Speed is crucial in the exam, but sacrificing accuracy is counterproductive. Begin by timing yourself on practice passages, then gradually increase the pace as you improve. Focus on skimming techniques—identifying the main idea, topic sentences, and keywords—to grasp the overall structure without getting bogged down in details. Practice active reading by annotating texts: underline key points, circle unknown words, and jot down questions that arise. For exam-style questions, learn to distinguish between main ideas and supporting details, as many questions test your ability to infer meaning. Set aside 30 minutes daily for timed drills, starting with shorter passages and working up to longer ones. Over time, your brain will adapt to processing information more efficiently, but this requires consistent effort and self-awareness of your progress.

3. How Can I Effectively Manage My Time During the Exam?

Time management is a skill that can’t be ignored, especially when faced with multiple-choice questions, essays, and reading passages. Begin by simulating exam conditions under timed constraints to build discipline. Allocate specific time slots for each section: for example, 20 minutes for reading, 40 minutes for writing, and 20 minutes for grammar/填空. Use a watch to track progress and adjust your pace accordingly. Practice answering questions in order but skip those you find challenging to avoid wasting time early on. For writing tasks, outline your essay before starting—this ensures a coherent structure and saves time during the exam. Additionally, learn to recognize and eliminate obviously incorrect options in multiple-choice questions, as this can reduce stress and speed up the process. Remember, practice makes perfect—the more you simulate exam conditions, the more comfortable you’ll become with time constraints.