GBC

When we have a tight deadline, most of us can finish a lot of work quickly. But if the deadline is far away, that same work takes much longer. Why is that?

Let’s look at a personal question today. In the G.B.C. test, there are often questions about travel, and it’s a good idea to think about potential places you would like to visit (or places you have been) and the reasons why you are attracted to the place.

When you speak, how much does the audience remember, and which parts do they remember? The answer may help you re-think how to be an impressive communicator.

Ideas change, and what's radical to one generation may be normal to the next.

Speaking tests are a performance. You have to show your skills.

The Grammar/Syntax section of the G.B.C. test is one in which the majority of students score below 3, with scores of 1 or 2 being very common.

Many students who have studied vocabulary still don't score well in the G.B.C. test. We'll show you why.

We'll help you understand the Delivery section of your G.B.C score sheet. You'll also learn how to approach delivery to maximise your score.

Do you find your G.B.C. score sheet confusing? We'll help you understand the Communication of Information section. You'll also learn how to use the skills you have to score well.

One of the most frequent questions I get is, "How long should my G.B.C. answer be?"

My immediate thought is always, "How long is a piece of string?"* But this is not a helpful answer! What follows is the actual answer I give to students who ask me this.

I have been teaching consultants for the G.B.C. test since 2011. I have learned a few things about it that I would like to share with you to help you better prepare for the test.

I have been teaching consultants since 2011. In that time, I have seen a lot of different approaches to studying for the G.B.C. test. One study method fails every time.

Ta-Nehisi Coates is an important figure who has a particular way of approaching some topics: he openly says, "I don't know." 

Specific language is far stronger than general language. Specifics transport the reader or listener and give them a clear image, while general language forces the reader or listener to do the work of imagining what is meant. Let's look more deeply into this. 

Many non-native English speakers make the mistake of thinking that formal language is always a safe language choice. This is not the case. These days, the American workplace style is becoming more casual and language is going the same way.

If a conversation is going in a new direction and you want to return to a previous point, you can circle back.

In business, it’s very common for discussions to be directed away from the main point as new ideas, issues, or related topics come up. If you would like to refocus everyone’s attention to the main point of a discussion, you can circle back to it.

The G.B.C. test now has nearly an infinite number of questions that can be asked, just like in te real world. Assessors will also interrupt, as often happens in conversation and business meetings.

Sometimes the best way to answer a question isn't to list a bunch of numbers and facts—it’s to tell a story.

Students at the English Farm write some amazing G.B.C. answers, and we like to share the best of the best.

This piece has had minor corrections by a teacher, but the logic, structure, and word choice are the student's.

Today, let’s look at a couple of ways to show sophistication in a G.B.C. answer. The question is about your work life, a common topic in the G.B.C. test.

Here's the question: What do you most like about your job and why?