Prepare

Key terminology

A mock test is used as practice for a future real exam. In this toolkit we use the term ‘test’ when we refer to this practice test and the term ‘exam’ when we refer to the official Cambridge English Qualification learners will take at the end of their course or period of study.

Here are some more key terms related to testing and assessment that you will find in this tool kit:

View the key terms

Why do a mock test?

A mock test can be used as a diagnostic test to check whether your learners are ready for their exam. It can give you more detailed information about:

their strengths
the areas they still need to work on
their motivation level
their expectations.

A mock test will give you and your learners a better understanding of how the exam is conducted, marked and assessed. Your learners can benefit from the test in the following ways:

with clear feedback and time to reflect on their answers, they learn from the test
they get a better understanding of the question types, exam strategies and the time they have to complete each paper
their performance in a mock test often motivates learners to study more both in and outside class
it helps build confidence as they know what to expect on exam day
it helps them put together a study plan with clear goals to take them up to the exam.

Frequently asked questions

Activities

There are two activities you can try before the mock test. Activity 1 is designed to explore and encourage positive growth mindset about preparing for and taking exams. Activity 2 is designed to check learners understand the exam format before they take their mock test.

Developing a learner’s growth mindset means helping them to understand how they can improve their knowledge and skills. A positive growth mindset means learners are more open to trying different learning strategies, and so they are more likely to be successful. It is also important to review the format of the test with your learners, so they know what to expect in the mock test.

Activity 1: Pyramid discussion

View activity 1

Activity 2: Reading for specific information

View activity 2

Understanding the exam format

The Information for candidates booklets contain useful information on the test format, the procedure on exam day and self-study ideas to help learners prepare for each of the four papers
Videos of real speaking tests and a copy of the examiner’s mark sheet are also available for each exam; these videos and mark sheets show learners and teachers how the Speaking paper is conducted.