Prep for Language Exams

[venusofwillendork]

Hi all!  I don't see a thread on this, so I thought I'd get one started.  Does anyone have advice about pre-program (or during, of course) preparation for language exams?  I am debating enrolling in a summer course to continue preparing for the exam I will need to take in my first year.  However, I feel that a standard course (usually intended for speakers rather than readers) is not necessarily what I need, and that perhaps self-study or work with a tutor would be more appropriate. What do you think?

How did you prepare?  Do you have any resources to recommend?  Anything that, in retrospect, did not help you?   Thanks in advance

[IphigeniaInAulis]

Hi!  Timely question, will also be preparing for a first-year language exam.  Does anyone have any suggestions for prep or on resources specifically for German/Italian?  Thanks ?

[nmtopspot]

I've found the Penguin Parallel Text series very helpful for brushing up on languages and learning new vocab. The Pimsleur program is also helpful if you can check the tapes out from your library

[venusofwillendork]

thank you @nmtopspot my local library has both!  checking it out   thanks!

[fauna876]

At a campus visit, current students said they liked iTalki for language tutoring. It cost money though. That program also provides previous exams for practice.

[ohhhlala9]

I had to do language exams for my MA and PhD and both institutions had us translate selections from exhibition catalogs. In addition to general language study, I used to practice by reading catalogs that were published in English and my target language, as well as museum online catalogs (highly recommend the Louvre if you plan to take a French language exam). It was extremely helpful in learning art-specific vocabulary.  

[Arthistoryiscool]

i need to pass DALF B2 level (French) let me know if anyone has any good prep resources. Currently doing Duolingo subscription and trying to read articles in French and watch French TV but obviously that won't be enough

[2ndbreakfast]

For anyone needing to study for German, I just bought this book! It's been out of print so even the used copies are a little pricey, but the format seems very helpful and there were several reviewers who passed language exams with it. Hope this can help someone! 

https://www.amazon.com/German-Reading-Programmed-Approach-Undergraduate/dp/0133540197/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=