Exam Skills: 4 tips about staying motivated

Rob: Being motivated to learn leads to positive

results. It's easy to begin a course full of enthusiasm, but this can drop off in time,

which in turn leads to study being less rewarding and enjoyable. Just listen to this student:

Student: I recently became an adult learner of a foreign

language. I was really keen. I really wanted to learn the language. But after six or seven

classes, I began to lose interest. Nearly all my motivation had been destroyed.

Rob: So to stay motivated, you need to think about

what will keep you going. Our top tips might help that student - and you. Start by charting

your own progress. Think about what you've achieved so far – maybe compare what you

can say and write in English now with what you did in the past. Regularly writing a diary

or blog in English will help you do this. What does this student do?

Student: When I learn so much vocabulary and write

good paragraph, later, it makes you feeling very well because you wrote it.

Rob: So he looks back at his writing which helps

motivate and make him feel good about his progress. It's good to stay focussed on your

studies but try to think of the experience of learning a new language as a fun challenge,

rather than something negative. Basically: think positive! If staring at textbooks and

attending classes aren't motivating you, think about using songs, movies and the internet

to improve your language – that's sure to make learning fun. And finally, get yourself

a study buddy! A friend who you can practise with either face-to-face or online, and share

your concerns and motivate each other to get you through to the final exam. We all get

demotivated at times - but think about the great experiences you'll have and new friends

you'll make when you're a fluent English speaker. Keep going - and good luck!