Lin was a hardworking and dedicated family man. He had moved from China to the UK with his family for a more relaxed lifestyle, and he was very happy in his Surrey home. His daughter was doing well at school, and he enjoyed walks in the beautiful Richmond Park with his collie dog.

But everything was at risk. He found himself struggling with English. He had assumed that he would be able to pick up English quickly enough, but it just didn’t work out like that. Time flew by as he focused on being the breadwinner, keeping up with his daughter’s education and her English classes, and adapting to life in a different culture.

Now, his UK residency oral exam was just a matter of weeks away. If he didn’t pass the B2 oral exam, he would not be able to get his British residency. His dreams, the comfort, and security of his family depended on his speaking performance. This wasn’t supposed to happen!

Lin approached me for lessons. After our initial meeting, I understood his timeline. I also realized that his English was not at a B2 level. It was going to be a challenge to coach him to pass! But I could tell that he was prepared to work hard. So with his great attitude, I decided to train him bootcamp-style!

There are many things to do to ensure your best performance in an oral exam.

I had to make sure that he met the criteria for B2 level English. Before every lesson, Lin sent me his prepared answers. I checked for grammar mistakes and helped him convert a written text into a spoken response. We upgraded his vocabulary and found a few appropriate idioms and phrases that demonstrated his mastery of English.

I did my best to grill him with many different questions. I tried to trick him and trip him up. I kept giving him feedback and wrote out notes as we worked. I identified his strengths and helped him improve on what he did well. This encouraged Lin as he could find strength in knowing he was worthy of passing.

I met Lin online nearly every day for three weeks. He always did his homework. He always smiled. And he was always very grateful for the lessons. He was giving his everything… Because he had to pass.

When the exam date arrived, I wondered how Lin would do. If he maintained his focus and energy, he’d do well. If his lovely, friendly, kind personality showed through, I felt he would succeed.

It was a great day when Lin’s email popped into my inbox, and he told me that he’d passed! When I first met Lin, I knew it was a long shot and that he needed a coach. I also knew he was a person worth working with and helping.

In Lin’s email, he included some beautiful photos of his dog walking in Richmond Park. Lin’s a good father and husband. He has secured a life he enjoys, and it’s a good life. As I think of him now, I’m sure he is still taking stunning photos of the British landscape and walking with his collie dog; enjoying his new life.

This is his review:

“Sandra gave me confidence. She gave me tips and structures to follow each part of B2 speaking. She is very knowledgeable and kind. I have successfully passed the exam, and I am very grateful for the professional guidance.”

No matter how impossible it seems, always try to do your best! Remember, there is always a way to pass exams. My best advice is to find a coach to bring out the best in you and also builds your confidence.