Welcome to our guide on preparing for the College English Test Band 4, or CET-4. To achieve a score of 435 or higher, you need to understand the test structure first. The exam consists of four main sections: Listening and Reading each account for 35% of your total score, while Writing and Translation each contribute 15%. The passing score of 435 represents about 60% of the total possible points. Let's explore effective strategies for each section.
The Listening section accounts for 35% of your total score. To excel in this section, practice with a variety of accents, both British and American. Familiarize yourself with common question types like conversations, passages, and compound dictation. Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions to build your listening stamina. Expand your vocabulary through audio materials, and develop prediction skills to anticipate content before listening. The listening section typically consists of conversations at 15%, passages at 40%, and compound dictation at 45% of the section.
The Reading section also accounts for 35% of your total score. To excel in this section, practice speed reading, aiming for 250-300 words per minute while maintaining comprehension. Learn to quickly identify main ideas and key details in passages. Build a strong academic vocabulary, especially common collocations. Master skimming for general ideas and scanning for specific information. Reading questions typically include multiple choice at 40%, banked matching at 30%, careful reading questions at 20%, and headings completion at 10%. Take timed practice tests regularly to improve your speed and accuracy.
Writing and Translation sections each account for 15% of your total score. For the Writing section, master the standard essay structure with clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Practice writing within the 30-minute time limit. Learn common academic expressions and build a bank of advanced vocabulary to improve your essay quality. For the Translation section, focus on understanding common Chinese-English sentence patterns. Practice daily with sentence-level translations, study idiomatic expressions, and understand cultural context differences. Writing is typically scored on bands from 3 to 15, with higher scores requiring excellent organization, rich vocabulary, and minimal grammar errors.
To achieve 435 points or higher on the CET-4, remember these key takeaways: First, thoroughly understand the test structure with Listening and Reading each at 35%, and Writing and Translation each at 15%. Second, practice consistently with full-length, timed mock exams to build endurance. Third, build vocabulary systematically across all sections, focusing on academic and frequently tested words. Fourth, use official practice materials to familiarize yourself with question patterns and difficulty levels. Finally, start your preparation at least three months before your exam date to allow sufficient time for improvement. With disciplined preparation and these strategies, reaching 435 points is an achievable goal.
The Listening section accounts for 35% of your total score. To excel in this section, practice with a variety of accents, both British and American. Familiarize yourself with common question types like conversations, passages, and compound dictation. Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions to build your listening stamina. Expand your vocabulary through audio materials, and develop prediction skills to anticipate content before listening. The listening section typically consists of conversations at 15%, passages at 40%, and compound dictation at 45% of the section.