Madrid PAU English study plan

Diagnose reading speed and comprehension by completing one full-length PAU-style text (approx. 500 words) under timed conditions (20 minutes) and self-correcting with a mark scheme.

Identify and list 15 high-frequency PAU vocabulary items (e.g., 'argue', 'claim', 'evidence', 'however', 'therefore') from the diagnostic text and write original sentences using each.

Practice skimming and scanning: locate specific information (dates, names, figures) in two short texts within 5 minutes per text.

Review basic question types (multiple choice, true/false with justification, short answer) and note the required answer format for each.

Analyze the structure of opinion texts: identify thesis, supporting arguments, and conclusion in three different PAU-style articles.

Infer meaning of unknown words from context by completing 20 cloze-style items and justifying each choice.

Summarize a 400-word text in 60-80 words, capturing the main idea and two supporting points.

Answer 10 reference questions (what does 'it' refer to?) and 10 vocabulary-in-context questions accurately.

Plan and write a guided composition (120-150 words) on a familiar topic (e.g., 'Describe a memorable trip') using a clear introduction-body-conclusion structure.

Use at least five cohesive devices (e.g., 'firstly', 'moreover', 'in contrast', 'as a result', 'finally') appropriately in a paragraph.

Revise a draft for coherence: check topic sentences, logical flow, and pronoun reference.

Identify and correct register errors (e.g., contractions in formal writing, slang) in a sample text.

Write an opinion essay (150-180 words) on a PAU-style prompt (e.g., 'Should social media be banned for teenagers?') within 30 minutes.

Incorporate at least two counterarguments and rebuttals using appropriate linking words.

Self-edit and peer-edit (or use a checklist) to improve cohesion, coherence, and register.

Compare your essay to a model answer and identify three areas for improvement.

Master 30 advanced grammar items commonly tested in PAU (e.g., conditionals, passive voice, reported speech, modal verbs) by completing 30 transformation exercises.

Identify and correct 20 common spelling errors (e.g., 'accommodation', 'necessary', 'receive') in context.

Apply punctuation rules (commas, semicolons, apostrophes) by editing a 100-word paragraph with 10 deliberate errors.

Review verb tense consistency and subject-verb agreement in 15 sentences.

Complete two full reading tests (including vocabulary and grammar sections) under exam conditions (45 minutes each).

Analyze errors: categorize mistakes (e.g., misreading, vocabulary gap, grammar confusion) and note patterns.

Practice proofreading a 150-word text for spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors, aiming to identify at least 90% of errors.

Review high-frequency grammar and vocabulary from weeks 1-5 using spaced repetition.

Write two full-length essays (180-200 words) on different PAU topics within 40 minutes each, focusing on structure, cohesion, and accuracy.

Receive feedback (from a teacher or language partner) on one essay and rewrite it incorporating the feedback.

Practice timed integration: complete a reading comprehension and a composition in 90 minutes.

Review cohesive devices and register by rewriting a formal paragraph into an informal one and vice versa.

Complete a full mock PAU exam (reading, grammar/vocabulary, writing) under strict timing (90 minutes).

Self-assess the mock exam using a marking scheme and calculate a score per domain.

Review all error logs and create a one-page summary of personal pitfalls and strategies.

Practice relaxation and time-management techniques for exam day.