Exam Skills: 4 tips about staying motivated

Being motivated to learn leads to positive results. It is easy to begin a course full of enthusiasm, but this can drop off in time, which in turn leads to study being less rewarding and enjoyable.

Watch this video to find out four top tips to help you stay motivated with your studies. Then visit our website and test your understanding in our quiz: http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/course/english-you-need/unit-11/session-1

[Pictures: Getty Images]

Transcript
Rob
Being motivated to learn leads to positive results. It's easy to begin a course full of enthusiasm, but this can drop off in time, which in turn leads to study being less rewarding and enjoyable. Just listen to this student:

Student
I recently became an adult learner of a foreign language. I was really keen. I really wanted to learn the language. But after six or seven classes, I began to lose interest. Nearly all my motivation had been destroyed.

Rob
So to stay motivated, you need to think about what will keep you going. Our top tips might help that student - and you. Start by charting your own progress. Think about what you've achieved so far – maybe compare what you can say and write in English now with what you did in the past. Regularly writing a diary or blog in English will help you do this. What does this student do?

Student
When I learn so much vocabulary and write good paragraph, later, it makes you feeling very well because you wrote it.

Rob
So he looks back at his writing which helps motivate and make him feel good about his progress. It's good to stay focussed on your studies but try to think of the experience of learning a new language as a fun challenge, rather than something negative. Basically: think positive! If staring at textbooks and attending classes aren't motivating you, think about using songs, movies and the internet to improve your language – that's sure to make learning fun. And finally, get yourself a study buddy! A friend who you can practise with either face-to-face or online, and share your concerns and motivate each other to get you through to the final exam. We all get demotivated at times - but think about the great experiences you'll have and new friends you'll make when you're a fluent English speaker. Keep going - and good luck!