MSI Press Blog

  When preparing for a language exam, most people focus on study and sleep—but what you eat and drink can make or break your mental sharpness. Food affects memory, focus, and emotional steadiness, all crucial for performing well under pressure. 🍽️ Eat to Think Clearly Bananas: Excellent pre‑test food. They provide steady glucose and potassium for nerve function—helping you stay calm and focused. Eggs: Rich in choline, which supports verbal recall and mental clarity. Oats or whole‑grain toast: Slow‑release carbohydrates that keep your brain fueled through long exams. Leafy greens and berries: Antioxidants and folate improve memory and reduce mental fatigue. Water: Hydration is underrated—mild dehydration can reduce concentration by up to 10%. ☕ Coffee—Friend or Foe? Moderate coffee (one cup) can sharpen alertness and reaction time. But too much caffeine raises anxiety and heart rate, which can interfere with speaking fluency and listening comprehension. If you’re sensitive, sw...

  Excerpt from  Think Yourself into Becoming a Language Learning Super Star How to Prepare for a Written General Proficiency Test Sometimes language learners have to take a general proficiency test not connected with any course they are take. Sometimes, a teacher may incorporate a proficiency test into the end of course requirements. Other times, you may need to take a general proficiency test for language course placement or for a job. These tests differ from classroom proficiency tests. They are broader in scope and more demanding in the skill set they expect. There are very few such tests in existence. The American Council on Teaching Foreign Languages developed one for academic programs (K-12 and university); you can find information at the organization’s website. The Foreign Service Institute has its own proficiency test for diplomats, and the US Department of Defense administers the Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) to its departmental employees, service members, ...