The Exam Academy

Many students say they can understand British English, but struggle when natives joke or tease each other.That’s because British humour isn’t just about words — it’s about tone, understatement, and irony .Understanding this style of communication will not only help you in real life but also improve your performance in IELTS and Cambridge speaking tests. What Is “Banter”? Banter is friendly teasing — making jokes to show closeness, not insult.For example: A: “I’m terrible at cooking.”B:...

At C1 level, students often believe grammar is no longer a problem — but even advanced learners make small errors that can lower their marks in writing or speaking.These mistakes are not about knowing the rules; they’re about noticing how native speakers really use English . Let’s test your awareness with five tricky sentences. Try to correct them before checking the explanations. 1. “If I would have known, I’d have done something.” ❌ Incorrect ✅ Correct: If I had known, I’d have done...

Writing at C1 Advanced level isn’t about being poetic or overly formal — it’s about showing clarity, structure, and argument control. Many otherwise strong students lose marks because their essays feel like a collection of ideas rather than a well-developed argument. Here’s how to write essays that feel effortless, logical, and exactly what examiners want to read. Understand the Purpose of the Task You’ll usually be asked to discuss a question, evaluate two ideas, and present your own...