Business Concepts - When simple tasks take far too long
By The English Farm, December 05 2020
When we have a tight deadline, most of us can finish a lot of work quickly. But if the deadline is far away, that same work takes much longer. Why is that?
GBC
G.B.C. sample answer: A future trip
By Sara, November 14 2020
Let’s look at a personal question today. In the G.B.C. test, there are often questions about travel, and it’s a good idea to think about potential places you would like to visit (or places you have been) and the reasons why you are attracted to the place.
We mostly remember beginnings and endings, which is a problem
By The English Farm, August 15 2020
When you speak, how much does the audience remember, and which parts do they remember? The answer may help you re-think how to be an impressive communicator.
Business concepts: Use the Overton window to discuss new ideas
By The English Farm, June 06 2020
Ideas change, and what's radical to one generation may be normal to the next.
How to prepare on the day of your English speaking test
By Kahu, May 16 2020
Speaking tests are a performance. You have to show your skills.
G.B.C. Grammar/syntax score, explained
By Kevin, April 25 2020
The Grammar/Syntax section of the G.B.C. test is one in which the majority of students score below 3, with scores of 1 or 2 being very common.
G.B.C. Vocabulary score, explained
By The English Farm, April 11 2020
Many students who have studied vocabulary still don't score well in the G.B.C. test. We'll show you why.
G.B.C. Delivery score, explained
By The English Farm, April 04 2020
We'll help you understand the Delivery section of your G.B.C score sheet. You'll also learn how to approach delivery to maximise your score.
G.B.C. Communication of Information score, explained
By The English Farm, March 28 2020
Do you find your G.B.C. score sheet confusing? We'll help you understand the Communication of Information section. You'll also learn how to use the skills you have to score well.
How long should a G.B.C. answer be?
By Matthew, November 16 2019
One of the most frequent questions I get is, "How long should my G.B.C. answer be?"
My immediate thought is always, "How long is a piece of string?"* But this is not a helpful answer! What follows is the actual answer I give to students who ask me this.
All you should know about the G.B.C. test
By Matthew, November 15 2019
I have been teaching consultants for the G.B.C. test since 2011. I have learned a few things about it that I would like to share with you to help you better prepare for the test.
The fastest way to go nowhere with G.B.C.
By Matthew, November 06 2019
I have been teaching consultants since 2011. In that time, I have seen a lot of different approaches to studying for the G.B.C. test. One study method fails every time.
How to say, "I don't know" like intellectual Ta-Nehisi Coates
By The English Farm, November 02 2019
Ta-Nehisi Coates is an important figure who has a particular way of approaching some topics: he openly says, "I don't know."
General language is weak - get specific
By The English Farm, August 03 2019
Specific language is far stronger than general language. Specifics transport the reader or listener and give them a clear image, while general language forces the reader or listener to do the work of imagining what is meant. Let's look more deeply into this.
Want your answer to stand out? Use a little crass language
By The English Farm, July 27 2019
Many non-native English speakers make the mistake of thinking that formal language is always a safe language choice. This is not the case. These days, the American workplace style is becoming more casual and language is going the same way.
Circle back
By Pamela, May 17 2019
If a conversation is going in a new direction and you want to return to a previous point, you can circle back.
In business, it’s very common for discussions to be directed away from the main point as new ideas, issues, or related topics come up. If you would like to refocus everyone’s attention to the main point of a discussion, you can circle back to it.
You can use this expression as a statement or a question. Here are some examples of how to use this phrase:
The G.B.C. test is now tougher, but more realistic
By The English Farm, February 09 2019
The G.B.C. test now has nearly an infinite number of questions that can be asked, just like in te real world. Assessors will also interrupt, as often happens in conversation and business meetings.
How to use anecdotes as evidence
By The English Farm, December 08 2018
Sometimes the best way to answer a question isn't to list a bunch of numbers and facts—it’s to tell a story.
Student writing - What can be done to prevent natural disasters caused by extreme weather events?
By Di, November 24 2018
Students at the English Farm write some amazing G.B.C. answers, and we like to share the best of the best.
This piece has had minor corrections by a teacher, but the logic, structure, and word choice are the student's.
G.B.C. sample answer: What you like about your job
By Di, November 17 2018
Today, let’s look at a couple of ways to show sophistication in a G.B.C. answer. The question is about your work life, a common topic in the G.B.C. test.
Here's the question: What do you most like about your job and why?