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Ambition Grandes Écoles: Final Stretch to the Exams

As part of our Ambition Grandes Écoles program, the 30 beneficiaries took part in a webinar named “Passing the English Exams” given by Steve Brown, president of the Language and Culture department at the École des Ponts ParisTech, and Claire Lambard, director of our Language department and vice-president in charge of language exams.

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A Custom Support for a Key Exam

 

The English exam, whether written or oral, is very important to students of preparatory classes for nationwide competitive exams. Each specialty has its specificities, so this webinar aims at giving general and applicable advice in order for the students to work efficiently and make quick progress.

To motivate the students, the webinar started by an interactive poll to identify their struggles and needs. A good way to make them reflect on their methods for studying, and to give appropriate recommendations.

Read about some key advice from this webinar to help the participants prepare for these exams.

Written Exam Strategy: Building a Convincing Argument

 

  • Write out the entirety of your introduction on your draft to properly and clearly introduce the topic, and to make sure not to forget anything.
  • Make sure your different paragraphs follow a logical order and that your ideas flow in a progressive manner.
  • Use strong topic-sentences: each paragraph must start by a clear idea which is later developed and explored in depth.

Passing the Oral Exam: Have an Impact and Interact

  • Answer questions directly, avoid unnecessary digressions.

  • Give your own opinion and be specific with your examples.

  • Think of every question as an opportunity to show your motivation and critical thinking skills.

  • Interact with the jury by asking questions and engaging actively with them.

Efficient Studying: Methods and Resources

  • Listen to English-speaking podcasts (BBC, The Guardian are good sources) to practice listening and speaking.

  • Look at past exam questions and subjects to know what will be asked of you.

  • Make a list of theme-based vocabulary to be ready to talk about a variety of topics.

Steve Brown and Claire Lambard offered the participants to go further by sharing and sending their plans and questions after the webinar.

An Ambitious Program Supported by Sponsors

This webinar is part of the Ambition Grandes Écoles program, which supports students in preparatory classes for nationwide competitive exams with:

  • Customized tutoring sessions with our students or those of partner Grandes Écoles.
  • Methodological webinars to help them prepare for the exams.
  • Campus visits to help them picture themselves pursuing the same studies.

This program is made possible thanks to the precious support of our sponsors, who share our commitment to fight for equality of opportunity and academic success.