How to Plan Your Studies When Your English Skills Are Very Weak for the Postgraduate Entrance Exam

Preparing for the postgraduate entrance exam can be overwhelming, especially when your English skills are not strong. However, with a well-structured plan and consistent effort, you can improve your English and increase your chances of success. This article provides practical advice and answers to common questions that can help you navigate this challenge effectively.

Understanding Your Current Level

Before you start planning, it’s important to honestly assess your current English proficiency. This will help you set realistic goals and focus on areas that need the most improvement. Here are some steps to help you evaluate your skills:

• Take a practice test to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
• Read a short article and note down any words or phrases you don’t understand.
• Listen to a short audio clip and try to summarize what you heard.

Setting Realistic Goals

Once you know your current level, set achievable goals for improvement. For example, you might aim to learn 10 new words each day or complete one chapter of an English textbook per week. Breaking down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks will make it easier to stay motivated and track your progress.

Question 1: What should I include in my daily study plan?

When you have very weak English skills, your daily study plan should focus on building a strong foundation. Here’s a sample plan that you can adjust based on your needs:

• Morning (30 minutes): Start with vocabulary. Use flashcards or an app to learn new words. Write a sentence using each word to reinforce your memory.
• Afternoon (45 minutes): Read a short English article or a paragraph from a textbook. Look up any unfamiliar words and try to understand the main idea.
• Evening (30 minutes): Practice listening to English. You can watch a short English video or listen to a podcast. Repeat phrases to improve your pronunciation.

This consistent daily routine will help you gradually improve your English skills over time. Remember, it’s better to focus on quality rather than quantity. It’s more important to understand and use the words you learn than to memorize a large number of words that you don’t fully grasp.

Question 2: How can I improve my reading skills quickly?

Improving your reading skills takes time, but there are strategies you can use to make progress faster:

• Start with simple materials: Choose books or articles that are written at a beginner level. This will help you build confidence and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Use a dictionary: Keep a dictionary handy while you read. Look up words you don’t know, but don’t stop reading to look up every word. Try to guess the meaning from the context first.
• Read aloud: Reading aloud can help you improve your pronunciation and comprehension. It also makes the process more engaging.
• Take notes: Write down new words and phrases in a notebook. Review them regularly to reinforce your memory.

Consistency is key. Try to read every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Over time, you’ll notice improvement in your reading speed and comprehension.

Question 3: What are some effective ways to practice writing?

Writing in English can be challenging, but there are ways to practice and improve:

• Start with simple sentences: Begin by writing short sentences using the words you’ve learned. Gradually increase the complexity of your sentences as you become more comfortable.
• Keep a journal: Write a few sentences each day about your day or any topic you’re interested in. This will help you practice using new words and phrases in context.
• Use writing prompts: Find writing prompts online or in books. These can give you ideas for what to write and help you practice expressing your thoughts in English.
• Get feedback: If possible, ask a teacher or a friend who speaks English to review your writing. They can provide corrections and suggestions for improvement.

Remember, the goal is to communicate your ideas clearly. Don’t worry about making mistakes at first. The more you write, the more comfortable you’ll become with the language.