How do I understand the instructions in a telc or Goethe exam correctly?
Many mistakes do not happen because grammar is missing, but because a question is read too quickly or the actual task is not answered completely. If you first clarify exactly what is required, you can work much more purposefully in reading, listening, writing and speaking.
What matters most
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What should I look for first in the task instructions?
Before you answer, look for the instruction verb. Are you supposed to name, explain, justify, compare, plan, agree or disagree? These verbs determine what type of answer is expected.
What am I supposed to do?
Mark the task verb. “Name” requires a different answer from “justify” or “discuss”.
How many points are there?
Writing or speaking tasks often contain several content points. Count them and mentally tick them off as you work.
For whom and in which situation?
Pay attention to your role, the recipient and the situation. This determines, for example, whether your language should be formal or informal.
Which words in an exam question are especially important?
Small words can change the entire meaning. Pay particular attention to not, only, first, last, at least, at most, always, never, why, what for, advantage, disadvantage and to time references. If you overlook a negation, you can understand a text perfectly and still choose the wrong answer.
Should I read the question first or the text first?
In many reading and listening formats, it helps to know the tasks and answer options first. Then you know what information you are looking for. The exact exam format is always decisive, however. That is why we train tasks as they actually appear in the relevant telc or Goethe format.
This is particularly important in listening: if you know whether you are listening for a reason, a number, an opinion or a detail, you can listen more selectively.
Why is good grammar alone not enough for a good exam result?
Grammar is important, but a language exam also requires you to process information quickly. You need to read or listen, understand the task, decide which information is relevant and then respond appropriately. This is exactly where many learners lose time.
In my lessons, I often see learners solve written grammar exercises very well and still become unsure when speaking freely or working under time pressure. That is why we train not only rules, but also application under realistic conditions.
How can I train my understanding of tasks specifically?
Do not start with an entire test straight away. First train individual task instructions. Read a task, mark the instruction and say aloud what you need to do. Only then solve it. Later, this develops into a complete mock exam with a real time limit.
1. Break down the task
Mark the instruction, required points and situation.
2. Plan the answer
Decide in a few bullet points what needs to be included in the answer.
3. Practise under time pressure
Only once the structure is secure should you train with real exam time limits.
The exam should not feel new on exam day.
In exam training, we practise the task format, expected type of answer and time limits in advance. In the real exam, you can then focus on the language instead of first having to work out how the test works.
What would you like to practise next?
Brief answers
What is the most common mistake when reading an exam task?
Starting to answer too quickly before fully understanding the instruction, required points and important restrictions.
Do I need to understand every word in the task?
No. What matters is that you confidently understand the instruction, situation and relevant keywords.
Does a mock exam help with understanding tasks?
Yes. Repeated simulations make the format, time limits and typical task types familiar, so you need less energy for orientation in the real exam.
Which exam would you like to practise?
Choose telc or Goethe and your level from A1 to C1. You will receive a free simulated mock exam matching your selection.