Aptis reading Test: General Tips and Strategies

If you would like to access to more simulated APTIS writing tests then please visit our exam 
library here. 
Top Tips For The APTIS Writing Test: 
Tip 1: Analyse the question 
Like in all exams you will lose points if you answer the question incorrectly or do not answer every 
point. You must achieve the task that the questions ask. For example, a letter of complaint usually 
explains the problem and then the solution you want. If you don’t do both, you will lose points. 
Tip 2: Use the right register. 
This is the level of formality, friendliness, politeness you use when you write. Knowing and being 
able to use the correct register when you write (and speak) shows that you can use English well. 
Using the correct register is more likely to get you the solution you want and so, it is also important 
for task achievement. 
Tip 3: Plan carefully. 
Your writing needs to be well planned. If it is disorganised it will be difficult to read and understand. 
That will affect your task achievement and your cohesion, and you will lose marks. We will look at 
making writing plans when we look at the individual writing parts. 
Tip 4: Use paragraphs. 
English writing is typically written in paragraphs and in most cases the formula is: one topic to one 
paragraph, change the topic, new paragraph! You also need an introduction and a conclusion. It isn’t 

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usual to introduce topics or add topics to introductions and conclusions (look in section 4 writing for 
more information). 
Tip 5: Master linking words. 
We looked at how important these are in speaking and they are more important in writing. You will 
need to know a good range of linking words to write clearly and cohesively and ‘cohesion’ is worth 
25% of the marks. Remember the words that: Sequence, contrast, give examples, give results, refer 
back, change the topic, sum up. 
Tip 6: Learn ‘standard phrases and expressions. 
When we write in English, we use similar phrases for particular situations. For instance, when we 
introduce our letter we may say ‘I am writing to you in connection with/with regard to…’ Once you 
know these, you can use them as a framework and add the appropriate words around them. 
Tip 8: Know the correct spelling. 
English spelling is difficult but when you learn the standard phrases, you can also learn the spelling. 
This will make spelling easier. We will look at other difficult words which occur often later. UK 
English and USA English sometimes have different spellings. It is not important which one you use 
but you should be consistent in every question. 
Tip 9: Know the word count. 
You lose marks if you write too little and waste time if you write too much (it isn’t counted). 
Therefore, you should know how many words should write and how long you have for each 
question. Then you can practice them at home. Remember that formal sentences are generally longer 
than informal sentences. 
Tip 10: Read model answers. 
Doing this will give you a good idea of what to expect. Think about the things the examiners are 
looking for and look at how accurate the grammar is. Ask yourself ‘is it cohesive and clear?’ ‘Is the 
vocabulary wide-ranging or repetitious?’ and ‘is it well planned?’. 
Tip 11: Know the common topics. 
Often the question is ‘Say why you are interested in/why you like…’ or you may be asked to 
describe something or your feelings about something. Often the topics are similar to the speaking 
topics and it is a good strategy to learn vocabulary related to those. 
TIP 12: Stay on topic 
This is again about answering the question and affects task achievement. If you are asked for an 
opinion you should give one. If you have to say, for example, why you are applying to join a club. 
Then you should write about clubs in general. 
Tip 13: Give your personal opinion 
This is a way you can add more information. Imagine that you are explaining what you think to 
someone you know (remember the ‘opinion’ phrases). It is important that your opinions are not too 
controversial. If you strongly believe something which may upset people. Sorry, don’t give it. 
Tip 14: Get used to the timings 
Make sure that you know how long you have for each part and don’t go over that time. Practice ant 
home with a timer will stop you getting any horrible surprises. If you know an APTIS examiner or 
trainer speak to them and ask them what you need to do to improve. 
Tip 15: Know how the exam is scored 
Look at where you will receive most marks and concentrate there. Don’t spend ten-minutes on Part 1 
because you will only get a few marks and it only checks if you are above A1 level. 
Tip 16: Start Practice Tests Slowly 
Many teachers advise students to practice for the APTIS test ‘under exam conditions’. This means 
you do the practice test in one hour without any help, just like in the exam. This is poor advice for 
students who have just started preparing for the test. By doing the test under exam conditions you 
put too much pressure on yourself. You don’t give yourself time to reflect on how to answer specific 
question types, spot patterns in questions and how you answer them, note down common vocabulary 

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and notice how much time you spend answering certain questions. It also does not give you a chance 
to analyse your mistakes. Once you have practiced several tests slowly, you can then practice them 
under exams conditions.
Tip 17: Finish in time 
You don’t get any marks for blank spaces, so always write something. Even if you think it’s bad, and 
you might be surprised, it is better than nothing. 
Tip 18: Check your work 
It is easy to lose points for making silly mistakes. Check what you have written. Look at spelling and 
punctuation. For grammar check- prepositions/dependant prepositions/verb noun 
agreement/countable and uncountable/tenses. 
Tip 19: Do a 24-hour English warm up 
It takes most APTIS students 10-15 minutes to ‘warm-up’ and perform to the best of their ability on 
test day. Just like an athlete needs to warm up before a sporting event, you also need to warm up 
before your APTIS exam. 
Therefore, you should speak, write, read and listen to English for 24 hours before your APTIS 
Speaking test. Your family and friends might think you are crazy, but it will make a huge difference 
to your score! 
Tip 20: Try as many as practice APTIS tests 
Doing practice tests will help you build your concentration levels and your instinct. More than that, 
practice will improve your English and help you with the timings you need to complete the test with 
the best result.