G.B.C.テストの問題が広範囲に渡り、テスト対策だけの勉強では高得点を取ることがさらに難しくなってきました。どんな会話でも対応出来るように日々の積み重ねがとても大切になっています。努力は必ず実を結びますので、気後れせず当イングリッシュファーム講師やスタッフに色々ご相談ください！
New G.B.C.style
The G.B.C. test is evolving to be even more difficult, but also more realistic.
The test originally involved a strict list of questions. The assessors read one, waited for the test taker to finish answering, then read another one. But this is not how communication typically works. When you are asked a question, the person asking rarely sits passively, waiting for you to finish. Rather, they will respond with follow-up questions and may occasionally interrupt you to get to the essence of what they were asking about.
Likewise, the G.B.C. test is becoming increasingly free-form. There is an almost infinite number of questions that can be asked, as the assessors are free at times to make their own questions. They will also interrupt, as often happens in business meetings.
Here are a few ways you can prepare to perform well on the new G.B.C. exam:
1. Vary your intake to include discussion.
A lot of English learners use TED talks or news broadcasts to learn English. This is a great way to learn how to give a presentation, but it will only help you a little in meetings or conversation.
It’s a good idea to watch interviews, or even sitcoms like Friends, Big Bang Theory or The Office. These are very useful because the speakers ask questions, make comments, interrupt and respond to people around them.
2. Take care of quality control.
Don’t continue speaking simply for the sake of continuing. Only say important things. For instance, if you have three reasons but only two are strong, then don't say the third. Stop after the second one.
This might mean ending your answers early. If you ramble, the interviewer may cut you off. Again, this is a realistic way of communicating—if you are in a meeting and you pause for a long time, someone else will likely start speaking. And if you keep talking for too long, you'll probably be cut off so someone else can speak. So, give your best information and then wrap up.
3. Ask your teacher to interrupt you occasionally.
At The English Farm, we take care to be polite and patient with our students. Many students need time to practice using new speaking styles or new vocabulary.
We will rarely interrupt you because we understand that as a learner, you need time. Also, honestly, we don’t want to offend you. But if you are serious about succeeding on the new G.B.C. exam, and in real business meetings, then at the beginning of your lesson tell your teacher, “Please interrupt me sometimes. I want to practice that.”
Even though the new G.B.C. test may be more challenging, it will better prepare you for the difficulties of communicating in the English workplace.
As always, the best way to win is to be a very strong English communicator. So, keep studying!
If you are new to The English Farm, then book a lesson using the link on the right. If you are currently studying with us, then be sure to request interruptions.
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Get to the essence—to access the core message or important aspect.