Test Day Logistics & Tips

What you do on the morning of the exam and during the test itself can influence your score just as much as months of preparation. This lesson covers everything from when to arrive to how to handle unexpected problems.

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Before You Leave Home

Morning Routine

Time before test	Activity
2.5 hours before	Wake up
2 hours before	Breakfast (protein + slow carbs)
1.5 hours before	Final bag check
1 hour before	Leave home / start travelling
30 min before	Arrive at test centre
15 min before	Registration opens

What to Eat

Your brain uses approximately 20% of your body's energy. Fuel it properly.

Good choices:

• Eggs on toast (protein + complex carbohydrates)
• Porridge with fruit
• Yoghurt with granola and banana
• Wholemeal sandwich with cheese

Avoid:

• Sugary cereals or pastries (blood sugar spike and crash)
• Too much caffeine (increases anxiety and may cause bathroom breaks)
• Heavy, greasy food (makes you sluggish)
• Nothing at all (your brain needs fuel for 3 hours of concentration)

Final Bag Check

Essential Items:

• ☐ Valid passport or national ID card (the same one you registered with — names must match exactly)
• ☐ Test confirmation printout or email
• ☐ Pencils (at least 2, sharpened) — paper-based test
• ☐ Eraser — paper-based test
• ☐ Clear water bottle (check centre rules)
• ☐ Watch (analogue — digital/smart watches are prohibited)

Do NOT Bring:

• ✗ Mobile phone (must be switched off and stored)
• ✗ Smart watch
• ✗ Notes or textbooks
• ✗ Electronic devices of any kind
• ✗ Pens (paper-based test uses pencils only)
• ✗ Food (usually not permitted in the test room)

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At the Test Centre

Registration

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.
• You will go through ID verification (photo and fingerprint/thumbprint in many centres).
• Your personal items will be stored in a secure area outside the test room.
• You will be assigned a seat.

Room Setup

• Each candidate has a desk with the question booklet and answer sheet (paper-based) or a computer (computer-based).
• An invigilator will read instructions aloud before each paper.
• A clock is usually visible in the room, but bring your own analogue watch as backup.
• The room may be cold or warm — dress in layers.

If You Are Late

• Most centres will refuse entry if you arrive after the Listening test has started.
• The Listening audio is played for the entire room simultaneously — it cannot be paused for latecomers.
• Plan to arrive early. If using public transport, check for weekend/holiday schedules.

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During the Listening Test

First 2 Minutes

• The recording begins with general instructions. Use this time to read the Section 1 questions.
• Do NOT start writing during the instructions — but DO start reading.

During Each Section

• Write answers directly on the question paper (paper-based) or in the answer boxes (computer-based).
• Use pencil only (paper-based).
• If you miss an answer, write a guess immediately and move on.

Transfer Time (Paper-Based: 10 minutes; Computer-Based: 2 minutes)

Paper-based:

• Transfer answers carefully from the question booklet to the answer sheet.
• Check each answer number.
• Check spelling.
• Ensure you have not skipped any boxes.

Computer-based:

• Review your typed answers.
• Check for typos.
• Ensure all boxes are filled.

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During the Reading Test

Starting the Clock

• The invigilator announces the start time. Note it on your watch.
• Write your target times in the margin: Section 1 by XX:15, Section 2 by XX:35, Section 3 by XX:60.

If You Are Running Behind

Emergency Time Recovery

If you reach Section 3 with less than 20 minutes:

1. Read the questions first (not the text).
2. Scan the text for answers to the easiest questions only.
3. For remaining questions, make educated guesses based on elimination.
4. Never leave a blank.

5 educated guesses are likely to yield 1–2 correct answers. 5 blanks yield 0.

Answer Sheet (Paper-Based)

• Transfer answers as you go — there is NO additional transfer time for Reading.
• Check question numbers frequently.

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During the Writing Test

Task 1 (First 20 Minutes)

• Read the prompt twice.
• Identify the register from the "Dear ___" line.
• Tick each bullet point as you plan your response.
• Do not write an address — the prompt says you do NOT need to.

Task 2 (Remaining 40 Minutes)