The Sunday Mail
The Cambridge Language Coach
HELLO to all schoolchildren who will sit the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) 2023 Ordinary Level English Language tests. Some of you will be writing in June while the rest of the pack will be sitting towards the end of the year. I am here to give you some handy hints on how to come out with a straight A in English without hassles.
Below are some study tips for ZIMSEC English Language:
Buy a dictionary for word meanings and vocabulary.
Buy the ZIMSEC Green Book for revision of past papers.
Avoid buying pirated cheap copies from the street because they may have errors, might have been stolen or are an infringement of copyright.
Mark the past papers by yourself because the green book has answers.
You may ask your teacher to mark your essays.
Do not register to write in June if you struggle with English. This is suicidal.
Writing in June gives you less time to prepare.
If you plan to write in June, ask your teacher whether he or she feels you are ready for it.
Write in November so that your mock examinations may give you an idea of where you need to improve.
Take remedial lessons if you have problems with English.
One-on-one lessons have an advantage over revision lessons as a class or big group.
Ensure that you work with private tutors by recommendation.
Beware of wolves that have never seen the door of a teachers’ college or university parading as teachers.
Join online teachers for reasonably priced lessons.
Download a novel weekly to improve vocabulary, composition and comprehension.
Download newspapers and magazines, and read them.
Buy online learning material.
Use ZIMSEC apps and revision websites like www.revision.co.zw for tips.
Download specimen papers and syllabus from the ZIMSEC website or
www.revision.co.zw
Get a copy of the “Step Ahead” series or “Focus on English” for grammar revision.
The Cambridge Language Coach is a private tutor with more than 20 years of experience.
