When signing up for Enem, many people choose the English language for the foreign language test without adequate preparation. In this context, at the time of taking the test, there are many problems that can occur with those people who do not speak the language. Because of nervousness or even because they do not understand all the content presented in the tests, there is a fear and insecurity that, together with the short time allotted for the resolution of so many issues, they become the perfect ingredients for a catastrophic note, which can even interfere with the results of the others subjects.
For this and many other reasons that may be responsible for a not pleasant final grade, we propose some tips to help you prepare for the Exam.
Tips for the Enem English test
1) Get in the habit of reading different textual genres in English!
Anyone studying for Enem knows that foreign language tests are focused on text interpretation. Therefore, the student who is not used to reading in English has difficulties when faced with questions of interpretation in that language. The tip here is for the student to READ several textual genres in English.
Generally, Enem's English tests feature cartoons, reports taken from newspapers and magazines, quotes from short stories, among other types. As the range of textual genres used in the tests is large, the student must be familiar, at least, with the ones that are most recurrent. Take a look at the last three Enem tests and see what the most used textual genres were. From there, start reading more to familiarize yourself with its features. Once this is done, at the time of the test, you will be used to the type of language used in each one of them, which, consequently, will facilitate its understanding.
2) Identify the test texts!
One thing leads to another. You see, since reading various literary genres has become a habit, you will soon be able to identify them when you come across them! Being able to identify the texts on the test is a quality that gives an advantage over competitors who cannot differentiate the characteristics of one text from another.
When you already know what text it is, it becomes easier to know how to deal with it, that is, what kind of structure, criticism or response to expect. If it is a cartoon, for example, once you are used to this type of reading, it will be easy to interpret and raise questions (what is the theme, purpose, criticism, etc.).
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3) Stay on top of current affairs!
The test applied by Enem, in general, is very contextualized. so it isIt is common to find issues such as politics, environment and technology in foreign language issues. This is because, each day more, the tests are looking for a unification of content and, for this, they resort to the contextualization, which can make the student out of date with recent events disadvantage. If taking a Portuguese test with some historical or geographical content can be complicated, imagine an English test with current affairs that you don't know about! Therefore, it is extremely important that you stay on top of the topics discussed in newspapers and magazines in the country and abroad. Always update yourself!
4) Understand the main idea of the text!
Perhaps the key to getting top marks in a foreign language is this: Understand the text's central idea! Everything in an English question revolves around the central theme discussed by the question. It is very important that the student is able to understand what the text or statement refers to. It seems like the most obvious thing in the world, but countless people get low grades in English because they don't get the central idea of the text. If you can't identify the theme, all the alternatives will be confusing for you, because, for if you have no idea what is being discussed, any argument will seem true and right. Remember: everything in the question is tied to the main topic that it addresses, so find it and focus on it.
5) Practice English before the test!
Perhaps this is the number 1 difficulty for students. As the test has 180 questions divided into four areas, the student has several focus of study. This reality can cause some disciplines to be taken more seriously than others. Generally, the study of the English language ends up being a little neglected, as it is only done in very specific moments of study. If the student practices the language before the test and not only at times specifically designed for studying, he will have greater clarity and ease in judging the test. Listening to music, dialogues, reading, writing short texts in English, etc., are habits that should become practical for those who want to do well on the Enem foreign language tests.
Good studies and good test!
By Janaína Mourão
Graduated in Letters - English
