By now, it's become a common practice: Euroexam candidates are allowed to use a printed dictionary during each and every part of the exam. Bilingual dictionaries or thesauruses, whatever. So, bring your favourite version to the exam, but check out this warning from an ex-candidate of ours:
It is worth saving the small “teleprompter” as a last resort. It really does not work in an exam situation to look up every second word in the dictionary. Csilla Vincze
Taking Csilla’s point on board, the dictionary can be a great help, admittedly, but you have to use it wisely. It is time-consuming, so you can easily run out of time if you do not use it economically. And anyway, your overall result will not depend on your knowledge of a certain word.
Imagine doing an exam where you can use a dictionary to...
- ...look for more appropriate vocabulary in writing and speaking;
- ...check words in the instructions, questions of the Reading and Listening tests to fully understand your task;
- ...check the correct use of linking words or adverbs in the Writing test;
- ...proofread your writing (e.g. checking prepositions, irregular verbs, idioms etc.);
- ...extend the range of words you want to use (e.g. during the preparation stage for the Speaking test).
What kind of dictionary can I use?
Any printed dictionary which does not have handwritten notes in it is welcome. Bring one-volume dictionaries preferably, ones you know well and can use easily and fast.
- monolingual
- bilingual (e.g. English-Mother Tongue, Mother Tongue-English)
- thesaurus, dictionary of synonyms, idioms, phrasal verbs etc.
Tips on Dictionary Use in Each Test
Reading
You can use a dictionary throughout the whole test. Most candidates will use an English-Mother Tongue bilingual dictionary at Level A2.
- Use your dictionary to look up key words in the questions, instructions which you need to fully understand the tasks.
- Remember, you have limited time (35’ altogether), so only look up words you really need to know the meaning of.
Writing
You can use a dictionary throughout the whole test. At Level A2, your bilingual Mother Tongue-English dictionary will be useful to look up a few words to use in your English text.
- Use the dictionary only if the task or situation itself is not clear enough.
- When writing the text, try not to look up more than 1 or 2 words. You need all the time to plan your writing and work out how to express the key ideas.
Listening
While the recording is playing, you mustn’t use your dictionary. You can use your English-Mother Tongue bilingual dictionary during the last 5 minutes only, when you are transferring your answers to the Answer Sheet.
- Use the dictionary to look up max. 1 word in the instructions or questions to see if you have understood the task(s) correctly.
- Don’t even try to write down unfamiliar words from the audios to look them up in the last 5 minutes.
Speaking
At Level A2, you can use a dictionary during the 10-minute preparation period for the 1-minute Picture Story task (Task 2).
- Your job during the preparation is to think about the story, to note down the key words (e.g. past tense verb forms, nouns etc.). Try to tell your story without looking up any words.
- Only use the dictionary if you need a key word which is essential to tell the story successfully.
- Don’t waste your time by looking up a new word that you don't know how to use.