What does this mean?
Exam fluency is about having exam-related communication and/or comprehension skills in the language you're learning. Since you will need these skills for a language-official exam, focusing on test-taking skills, vocabulary, and grammar will be the best strategy here.
This goal mainly focuses on passing a test. It might not include skills needed for casual conversational skills.
To learn more about how this relates to your language goals, keep reading!
Maybe you...
- are learning this language for the first time and want to take a language exam as your long-term end goal.
- are already familiar with the language and want to take a language exam to display your language level.
Suggestions for reaching "fluency":
To reach this goal, you have to focus on test-taking strategies just as much as you will on vocabulary and grammar. You should also consider your current level with the language and the language skills you will need to achieve the score that you want.
To do this, you can look up language proficiency resources that outline the skills you would need to achieve the exam rank you want. Although most exams use the A1-B6 system, some language exams use a different system, so be careful!
Especially if you are learning this language for the first time, consistency will be crucial for you. This doesn’t mean that you have to study for hours and hours every day!
In fact:
Word of advice? Pace yourself.
Unless you have a specific reason to have a shorter deadline, 3 months is the absolute minimum we would recommend for the time aspect of your ultimate goal(s). If you’re more of a detail-oriented person, then you might want to give yourself somewhere between 6 months to 1 year to account for flexibility in your study plan.
Finally, it's a good idea to aim for a lower grade as a mid-goal and take the test again at your set deadline to achieve your goal. This is a good way to get a sense of where you are and how you can improve!
S.M.A.R.T. Goal Outlines:
Here are some outlines you can use to build your own goals using the S.M.A.R.T. acronym. Choose a couple or use this as inspiration to make your own from scratch:
1. By [date], I will have a strong [language] foundation in the following topics: [list of topics you want to study]. I will measure my progress on [date] by [your method or methods of checking your progress].
2. By [date], I will be able to have a [time] minute conversation in [language] with a native speaker and get their feedback to measure my progress.
3. I will complete [resource or resources of choice] by [date] to build a stronger foundation in [language].
4. I will be able to write, read, and/or memorize scripts in the following topics by [date]: [list of topics you want to study].
5. I will take the [language exam name] by [date] with proof of my [desired fluency level] to measure my progress.
Pro tip: Pair this with your results from our other quizzes to help set more specific goals, such as how often a week/month you should do study sessions!
REMEMBER!
Learning a language can teach you so many things about yourself and the world around you. Treat this wonderful opportunity like you would treat any other hobby; avoid thinking of studying as a chore.
Once you've decided on your goals, find activities that combine your interests with your needs so you can enjoy the learning process.
More about S.M.A.R.T. Goals:
That's all for this one!! Check out our other blog posts to learn even more about creating goals and solid study plans!!
Psssssst!!!
Need more? Check out our resources for PDFs, resource instructions, and a sneak peak of the content in our Spade Language Playing Cards!
Ok, now it's really done! Happy learning!
Study like a diamond ♢ Practice like a club ♣ Vibe like a heart ♡ Speak like a spade ♠