The test gets you in; these skills help you succeed
Your English test result shows you’re ready to start. Once your course begins, you’ll use English in new ways: long lectures, group discussions, independent reading and assessed writing. Preparing for these before you arrive makes the first weeks much easier.
Following lectures
- Preview: read the lecture slides or reading list beforehand, so key terms are familiar.
- Listen for structure: phrases like first, on the other hand and to sum up show how ideas connect.
- Take selective notes: main points, examples and questions, not every word.
- Review quickly: spend ten minutes after each lecture turning notes into a short summary.
Taking part in seminars and group work
- Prepare one or two points from the reading before each seminar.
- Useful phrases: Building on what Ana said, …, I see it slightly differently because…, Could you explain what you mean by…?
- Contribute early: a short comment early on makes it easier to speak again later.
- In group projects, agree on roles, deadlines and how you’ll communicate.
Academic writing
Academic writing values clear arguments supported by evidence.
- Plan your structure before you write: introduction, main points, conclusion.
- Make one point per paragraph, with a clear topic sentence.
- Use cautious language for claims: suggests, may indicate, appears to.
- Edit for clarity, grammar and consistency.
Using sources properly
- Paraphrase and summarise in your own words, and always cite the source.
- Quote sparingly, with exact wording in quotation marks and a citation.
- Learn your department’s referencing style early.
- Understand academic integrity rules at your university; copying without citation is treated seriously.
Reading efficiently
- Skim abstracts, introductions and conclusions first.
- Read in detail only the sections relevant to your task.
- Keep a vocabulary list of subject-specific terms.
Communicating with staff
- Use a clear subject line and polite, concise emails to tutors.
- Say which course and assignment you’re writing about.
- Use office hours or tutorials to ask questions; this is expected and encouraged at many universities.
Using support services
Many universities offer academic skills or writing support, libraries with study guides, and language support for international students. Find out what’s available during your first week.
Start now
- Listen to one short academic lecture or talk each week and summarise it.
- Practise writing a 300-word paragraph-based argument with a source.
- Learn common academic phrases for agreeing, disagreeing and citing.
