Home » How to Improve English-Speaking Skills: Practical tips, tools, and resources to succeed

How to Improve English-Speaking Skills: Practical tips, tools, and resources to succeed

»

Have you ever been in a situation where your lack of English proficiency has stopped you from seizing an opportunity that could turn your life around for good? Well, English is the ticket to world communication whether we like it or not. Regardless of your objective: to land your dream job abroad, study abroad, connect with people from different cultures, or change your current job which does not require English-speaking skills to a job that demands English proficiency, strong English-speaking skills are crucial. You can learn to speak English using any medium but getting a score with proper certification will validate your skills. At OSS, we provide discounted authorized English exam vouchers such as PTE, TOEFL, Duolingo, CELPIP, and a few more to help you book English exams at a reduced price and maximize your savings.

Overview of English Proficiency Exams

Understanding the overview and features of English proficiency exams is crucial to strategizing your learning because these exams formally validate your English proficiency. High scores in these exams can open doors to better Academic and Professional opportunities. Below is a quick overview of the English proficiency exams:

PTE (Pearson Test of English)

PTE is an English assessment test administered by Pearson VUE for non-native speakers wanting to study, migrate, or work in English-speaking countries. The test evaluates the test takers’ ability to read, write, listen, and speak in English. The score is widely accepted by universities and employers worldwide.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the academic Readiness of non-native speakers to be enrolled in an English-speaking University is the key focus of this assessment.

CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)

CELPIP is one of the tests conducted by the Paragon Testing Enterprise which was established in 2009 to commercialize the university’s English language proficiency test. The score is mainly for people wanting to migrate to Canada for work, study, or permanently settle in Canada. The test assesses listening, reading, writing, and speaking in English.

Duolingo English Test

Duolingo is an online assessment test that can be taken from the comfort of your home. The test evaluates the examinees’ English skills and is developed and administered by Duolingo.

PSI-SFE (PSI Secure English Language Test)

PSI Services LLC conducts this test to evaluate the examinees' English practical skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in everyday situations. The score is used for immigration and study purposes.

These exams are a formal validation of your English skills. However, you don't need to have any specific purpose for taking these tests to improve your English skills because taking any of the exams will push you out of your comfort zone to learn English.

Practical Tips to Improve Your English-Speaking Skills

Given that you understand the significance of these exams, let’s get into the practical tips to improve your English-speaking skills.

1. Practice with Consistency

Will Durant remarked: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Find ways to talk in English daily because the more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become in achieving your English speaking. Consider joining an English-speaking course or finding a supportive mentor with whom you can resonate for one-to-one classes. One-to-one classes are advisable to get in-depth assessments and quicker outcomes even if you pay extra. You can also join English-speaking clubs for a supportive environment.

2. Create a Word Bank

Watch informative videos or read extensively and practice depositing every new word in your Word Bank. Maintain your Word Bank in a notepad, notebook, etc. Make it a habit to revisit at the end of the day because it will help you retain what you have learned better. The richer your Word bank, the more confident you’ll become. Never assume the vocabulary when you come across a new word instead download an English dictionary on your phone and deposit the new word/words to your word bank.

3. Listen or Watch English Videos

Develop a habit of listening to English podcasts, audiobooks, and movies that add value to your growth. Learn pronunciation, intonation, and colloquial expressions. Understanding these subtle aspects of speaking will help you understand and speak English better.

4. Take Advantage of Online Resources

We live in a world with crowded information empowered by modern technology. However, many of us tend to spend our time scrolling through feeds endlessly without any substance. Be someone who takes advantage of countless online platforms such as Italki, Tandem, YouTube, etc. These platforms will help you connect with mentors and like-minded people/language partners to improve your English speaking.

5. Practice Through Video Recording

Record yourself speaking, watch the recorded video, and rate yourself accordingly. Identify the areas of improvement, and practice for more fluency.

6. Seek Constructive Feedback

Proactively ask for feedback from your mentor, friends, family, or online communities. Have the courage to receive constructive feedback as it will refine your speaking skills.

Align Yourself with Official Test

Given the outlined strategies above, you must align yourself with the Official Test format. Here are some of the steps:

1. Simulate Yourself with the Official Exam Format

Each exam has its unique structure and requirements. Invest some of your time to understand them and simulate yourself with the official exam format.

2. Taking Practice Tests are Non-Negotiable

Andre Agassi remarked, “If you don't practice, you don't deserve to win.” Practice is the only way to assess your readiness meticulously. They familiarize you with the exam format, highlight your strengths and weaknesses, and help you understand yourself better.

3. Join Preparation Courses

Theory alone without practice can have little or no impact on your preparation. Therefore, joining the preparation courses, especially the speaking component, will help you speak confidently.

Save on Exam Fees with Discounted OSS Vouchers

The journey to English-speaking success requires time and effort, and keeping the financial aspect in mind is essential. Exam fees can stretch your budget quickly, especially if you take multiple tests. That’s where OSS comes in.

Our discounted vouchers for English proficiency exams allow you to maximize your savings on your test fees. It enables you to allocate those savings towards additional study material or preparatory courses, resulting in a better learning experience.

Why Choose OSS for Your Exam Vouchers?

  • Competitive Discounts: We provide the most competitive exam vouchers in the market, making it easier for you to afford the exam with discounts and allocate the savings for other important purposes.
  • Easy Navigation: You can easily navigate and purchase the vouchers securely and hassle-free.
  • Trustworthy: As an authorized voucher reseller, we are committed to providing reliable customer-centric services with prompt customer care to help you on your English proficiency journey.

You are investing for the long haul by investing in your skills today. In a world where English has become a necessity, improving your speaking skills is more than just an academic pursuit. Preparing for English proficiency exams like PTE, TOEFL, CELPIP, and others will help you learn English quickly and open doors of opportunities.

Don’t let language barriers hold you back, give your potential a chance and allow English proficiency to open better opportunities for you. Visit our vouchers page and pick anyone of your choice to get started. Our vouchers can be a perfect combination for your effective speaking strategies where you can save money while working towards your dreams. Use the available tools and resources to your advantage to achieve success. Procrastination is the mother of all failures and action is the antidote. Choose your path wisely. Remember, you don’t have to start perfectly, but practice will help you reach your destination perfectly. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started today and achieve success sooner.

Cheers to your Learning Journey!

Content Writer

Karuna has been writing content for the education industry for more than three years. She

Leave a Reply