How to Succeed at English — Complete Guide
Proven methods and study plan to excel at the English section of the psychometric test.
- 3 question types decoded: completion, restatement, comprehension
- Targeted thematic vocabulary lists for the test
- Speed reading and elimination techniques
- Progressive 4-week study plan
- Authentic exercises with detailed corrections
- AI tutor to explain grammatical and lexical nuances
Overview of the English Section
The English section of the psychometric test includes three question types: sentence completion, restatement, and reading comprehension. It evaluates your mastery of vocabulary, grammar, and your ability to understand texts in English.
The required level corresponds to intermediate-to-advanced academic English. You don't need to be bilingual, but you must be able to understand complex texts, grasp the nuances of meaning between similar words, and master common grammatical structures.
This section is often perceived as the most challenging by non-native speakers, as it relies on regular exposure to written English. The good news: it's also the section where targeted practice produces the most dramatic results.
Strategies and Methods by Question Type
Each question type requires a specific approach:
- Sentence completion — Analyze the context : Read the entire sentence before looking at the options. Identify whether the missing word should be positive/negative, concrete/abstract. Look for context clues: logical connectors (however, therefore, although) that guide the meaning.
- Sentence completion — Know your collocations : Certain words naturally pair together: 'make a decision' (not 'do a decision'), 'heavy rain' (not 'strong rain'). These associations are frequently tested.
- Restatement — Identify the exact meaning : The correct answer says the same thing as the original sentence using different words. Watch for options that subtly change the meaning by adding a negation, reversing causality, or modifying scope.
- Reading comprehension — Read the questions first : Before reading the passage, scan the questions to know what to look for. This allows you to read the text purposefully rather than passively.
- Reading comprehension — Distinguish explicit from implicit : Some questions ask what the text explicitly states, others what it implies. Don't make excessive inferences: the conclusion must be directly supported by the text.
Mastering these strategies combined with solid vocabulary will give you a significant advantage on test day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common traps in the English section:
- Falling for false cognates : Words that look similar in your native language may have completely different meanings in English. The test deliberately exploits these cross-language confusions.
- Choosing the most complicated word : Just because a word is rare or sophisticated doesn't mean it's the right answer. The correct word is the one that fits naturally in the sentence context.
- Ignoring grammatical structure : In sentence completion, verify that your answer is grammatically compatible: an adjective can't replace an adverb, a transitive verb needs an object, etc.
- Bringing in external knowledge for comprehension : The answer must be found in the text or logically follow from it. Don't choose an option because you know it's true in reality if the text doesn't support it.
- Neglecting to re-read restatements : For restatement questions, always re-read the original sentence and your choice side by side to confirm they say exactly the same thing.
Recommended Study Plan
A 4-week program to improve your English for the test:
- Week 1 — Core Vocabulary : Learn 20 new words per day from psychometric test frequency lists. Do sentence completion exercises on Hiku in easy mode. Read one English article daily.
- Week 2 — Grammar and Restatement : Review verb tenses, modals, conditionals, and passive voice. Practice restatement exercises on Hiku. Pay attention to meaning nuances between similar sentences.
- Week 3 — Reading Comprehension : Read academic texts in English (popular science articles, editorials). Practice comprehension questions on Hiku at medium difficulty. Train yourself to spot main ideas and supporting details.
- Week 4 — Integrated Timed Practice : Mix all three question types under exam conditions. Time yourself and analyze your results on the Hiku dashboard. Review recurring vocabulary and mistakes.
Daily immersion in English (podcasts, articles, original-language shows) significantly accelerates your progress.
How Hiku Helps You Succeed
Hiku offers authentic exercises for all three English question types, calibrated to the actual psychometric test level. The adaptive engine adjusts difficulty based on your performance to keep you in your optimal learning zone.
The AI tutor is particularly useful for English: it explains not only why an answer is correct, but also the vocabulary nuances, grammar rules at play, and collocations you need to know.
For reading comprehension, Hiku provides varied texts covering typical test topics: science, society, culture, economics. Each text comes with questions that faithfully reproduce the exam format.
Progress tracking by question type lets you quickly identify whether your weakness is in vocabulary (completion), understanding nuances (restatement), or reading (comprehension), and adapt your training accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
What level of English is needed for the psychometric test?
A B2 to C1 CEFR level is recommended. You should be able to read academic texts, understand vocabulary nuances, and master common English grammar.
How can I learn vocabulary effectively?
Use flashcards with spaced repetition. Learn words in context rather than in isolation. On Hiku, each question exposes you to relevant vocabulary that the AI tutor can explain in detail.
Is the English section the hardest?
For non-native speakers, it's often perceived as the most demanding because it requires regular exposure to English. However, it's also the section where targeted practice yields the best results.
Do I need to speak English fluently?
No, the section primarily tests written English: vocabulary, grammar, and text comprehension. You don't need oral skills, but a solid reading foundation is essential.
How many vocabulary words should I know?
Aim for an active vocabulary of about 3,000 to 5,000 academic English words. Focus on the most frequent words in academic texts and logical connectors.
Ready to get started?
Practice for free and prepare your psychometric test with Hiku.