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Facing the Challenge of English Mock Tests After University Entrance Exam Reforms

In recent years, the reform of university entrance exams has created a unique challenge for students: the “English wall.” Many students wonder why they struggle to score well on English mock tests and what effective study methods can help them achieve their desired results. In this article, we aim to answer these burning questions and provide insights into overcoming English language hurdles tailored for students experiencing difficulties.

The Impact of ENGLISH-X on Students

This article is brought to you by ENGLISH-X, a specialized English tutoring school located in Meguro, Tokyo. With a proven track record of helping students achieve notable improvements in mock test scores, such as increasing a student's偏差値 (standard deviation score) by 16 points from 51.4 to 67.3 over 10 months or 20 points in just 4 months, we have the experience necessary to guide you.

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Five Reasons Why English Scores May Be Lagging

Let’s dive into the five most common factors that might be holding back success on English mock tests. Reflect on your learning situation and see if any of these apply to you:

1. Insufficient Vocabulary
Vocabulary forms the foundation of English proficiency. If you're struggling with basic words and phrases, interpreting grammar questions and understanding the context of longer texts will be incredibly challenging. To build your vocabulary effectively, focus on the specific level of the mock tests you’re preparing for.

2. Lack of Practice with Grammar and Usage
Many students fail to practice grammar and language usage adequately. Without consistent practice, recognizing areas where your understanding may be lacking becomes difficult. Regularly reviewing grammar rules and sentence structures through problem exercises is crucial for success in mock exams.

3. Deficient Interpretation Skills
Struggling with English interpretation often leads to poor performance in summarizing and comprehending long passages. Understanding grammatical rules and sentence structures is vital for accurate interpretations, so always prioritize these skills in your studies.

4. Unfamiliarity with Mock Test Formats
If you're not accustomed to the mock test format, it may hinder your performance. Especially for high school seniors, it’s recommended to familiarize yourself with the specific styles of the tests you will face in your final exams.

5. Neglecting Review Practices
Simply looking at results without actively reviewing problems missed in mock tests can prevent you from improving your scores. Analyze your mistakes, understand the reasons behind them, and adjust your study habits accordingly.

Three Tips to Improve Your English Mock Test Scores

Now that we've covered the reasons behind poor performance, let's focus on effective strategies to elevate your English scores:

1. Build a Strong Foundation
Prioritize building your basic English skills through focused vocabulary, grammar, and interpretation exercises. It's essential to address any significant gaps in your foundational knowledge to prepare effectively for higher-level questions.

2. Enhance Quality of Learning
Ensure that your study habits are effective in areas like reading comprehension, essay writing, and listening. Use qualitative feedback, such as having knowledgeable individuals review your written work to gain insights for improvement.

3. Study Using Targeted Resources
Choose study materials that align with both your current skills and your academic goals. Utilizing resources with appropriately challenging material will keep you engaged and motivated.

Backdoor Strategies for Quick Score Improvements

Here are some less conventional yet practical strategies for achieving a quick boost in your mock test scores:

1. Practice with Previous Mock Exams
Familiarizing yourself with the formats and question styles of past mock tests can provide important advantages.

2. Focus Intensively on Specific Topics
If you know certain areas will be tested, dedicate time to mastering those sections thoroughly.

3. Develop a Strategy for 'Throwaway' Questions
Identify problems you’re unlikely to solve effectively and allocate more of your time to questions you can answer.

The Path to Steady Improvement

Understandably, many students experience anxieties about their test scores. Remember, significant progress often doesn’t manifest immediately, and substantial changes take time. Consistent practice and adjustment based on the feedback will yield improvements in due course.

For those seeking more structured support, consider ENGLISH-X's dedicated programs, where we tailor your learning experience to your needs and goals.

Join our summer courses today! The journey to achieving your English goals starts here.