Cette page dans ta langue

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 Noun (plural) #9 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

exams

Top 9

At the A1 level, 'exams' are simply described as 'big tests' that you have at school. You use this word to tell people you are busy or that you are studying. You might say, 'I have an exam today' or 'The exams are difficult.' At this stage, you focus on the basic idea: a teacher gives you questions, and you write the answers to show what you know. You learn that 'exams' is the plural of 'exam.' You also learn simple verbs like 'have,' 'take,' and 'do.' For example, 'I take my exams in June.' The focus is on everyday school life and the basic schedule of testing. You don't need to know the difference between 'midterms' or 'finals' yet, just that 'exams' are important events in a student's life. You might also learn that exams make people feel 'nervous' or 'tired.' It is one of the first academic words you will learn because it is so common in the lives of learners. You should practice saying 'I am studying for my exams' as a way to explain why you cannot play or go out. This level is about basic communication and identifying the word in a simple sentence. You will see it on school schedules and in simple stories about children at school. The goal is to recognize the word and use it in short, simple sentences about your own life or the lives of others.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'exams' with more descriptive words and in more varied sentences. You understand that exams happen at specific times, like 'at the end of the year' or 'next week.' You start to use adjectives like 'hard,' 'easy,' 'important,' or 'long.' You also learn more natural-sounding verbs like 'pass' and 'fail.' For example, 'I hope I pass my English exams.' You might also talk about 'preparing' for exams instead of just 'studying.' At this level, you can describe your feelings about exams in more detail, such as 'I am worried about my math exams because they are very difficult.' You also begin to see 'exams' in the context of adult life, such as 'driving exams' or 'language exams' like the one you might be preparing for now. You understand that 'exams' are a way to get a certificate or a grade. You can ask others about their exams: 'When are your exams?' or 'How were your exams?' This level moves beyond just identifying the word to using it to share information and ask questions. You are also introduced to the idea of 'exam results' and how to talk about them. You might say, 'I got my exam results yesterday, and I am very happy.' The focus is on expanding your vocabulary around the topic of testing and being able to hold a short conversation about it.

At the B1 level, you have a solid understanding of 'exams' and can use the word in more complex ways. You are familiar with different types of exams, such as 'entrance exams,' 'final exams,' or 'mock exams.' You start to use more sophisticated collocations like 'sit an exam,' 'revise for exams,' or 'grade exams.' You can discuss the process of exams in detail, including the preparation, the experience of taking them, and the consequences of the results. For example, 'If I don't pass these exams, I won't be able to get into university.' You can also use 'exams' in the context of giving advice or expressing opinions: 'I think that having too many exams is stressful for students.' At this level, you understand that 'exams' can be a noun that describes a period of time, like 'during the exams.' You are also able to use the word in different tenses and with modal verbs: 'I should have studied more for my exams' or 'I will be taking my exams this time next month.' You can also distinguish between 'exams' and 'tests' more clearly, using 'exams' for more formal and significant assessments. Your ability to use 'exams' reflects your growing ability to talk about education, career goals, and personal achievements in a more nuanced and connected way. You can write a short essay about the advantages and disadvantages of exams, using the word correctly throughout.

At the B2 level, you use 'exams' with a high degree of precision and fluency. You are comfortable using it in academic and professional contexts. You understand the nuances of terms like 'standardized exams,' 'competitive exams,' and 'qualifying exams.' You can use a wide range of idiomatic expressions related to exams, such as 'passing with flying colors' or 'cramming for exams.' Your sentences are more complex, often using 'exams' in subordinate clauses: 'Although the exams were incredibly challenging, most of the students managed to achieve high marks.' You can discuss the broader implications of exams in society, such as their role in social mobility or the debate over whether they are a fair measure of intelligence. You are also familiar with the formal version, 'examinations,' and know when to use it for a more professional tone. You can use 'exams' as part of compound nouns like 'exam board,' 'exam hall,' or 'exam paper.' At this level, you can also use the word in a metaphorical sense, though this is less common. You are able to follow complex discussions or lectures about educational reform that mention 'exams' frequently. Your writing about exams is organized, uses a variety of synonyms (like 'assessments' or 'evaluations'), and shows a clear understanding of the cultural weight the word carries. You can also handle 'exams' in the context of medical or technical evaluations without confusion.

At the C1 level, your use of 'exams' is near-native. You understand the subtle differences in meaning and register between 'exams,' 'examinations,' 'assessments,' and 'appraisals.' You can use the word in highly formal academic writing, such as 'The validity of standardized exams as a metric for student potential is often questioned by educational psychologists.' You are also aware of the regional differences in how the word is used, such as the British preference for 'sitting exams' versus the American 'taking exams.' You can use 'exams' in complex grammatical structures, including passive voice and conditional sentences of all types. You are also familiar with the historical and etymological background of the word, which can add depth to your writing. You can engage in deep, nuanced debates about the 'exam-centric' nature of certain education systems and the psychological impact of 'high-stakes exams.' Your vocabulary includes specific terms like 'proctored exams,' 'invigilated exams,' and 'formative vs. summative exams.' You can read and understand academic papers or news reports that use 'exams' in a technical or statistical sense. At this level, the word is just one tool in a very large and sophisticated vocabulary, and you use it with total confidence and accuracy in any situation, from a casual chat to a formal presentation.

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over the word 'exams' and its entire semantic field. You can use it with absolute precision, choosing between 'exams' and 'examinations' based on the finest nuances of tone and context. You are capable of using the word in creative and sophisticated ways, perhaps in literature or high-level journalism. You understand the most obscure idioms and cultural references related to exams. You can analyze the word's role in different pedagogical frameworks and discuss the 'psychometrics of exams' with expertise. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You can write comprehensive reports on 'examining bodies' or 'national exam standards' with ease. You are also able to use the word in a highly abstract or metaphorical way to describe life's challenges or rigorous periods of trial. For you, 'exams' is not just a word for a school test, but a concept that encompasses evaluation, standard-setting, and the measurement of human capability. You can effortlessly switch between the informal 'exams' and the highly formal 'examinations' to suit your audience. Your ability to use the word in conjunction with complex academic terminology—such as 'norm-referenced exams' or 'criterion-referenced exams'—demonstrates a profound understanding of the subject matter. You are a master of the language, and 'exams' is a word you use with effortless grace and perfect accuracy.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

exams en 30 secondes

Exams are formal assessments used in schools and professions to measure knowledge and skills, often determining grades or certifications.
Commonly used with verbs like 'take,' 'sit,' 'pass,' and 'fail,' and adjectives like 'final,' 'entrance,' or 'standardized.'
The term is the plural of 'exam' and is more formal and high-stakes than 'test' or 'quiz.'
Exams are a major source of stress for students but serve as essential milestones for academic and career advancement.

The word exams is the plural form of 'exam,' which is a shortened, more common version of the formal noun 'examination.' At its core, an exam is a formal test designed to evaluate a person's knowledge, skill, or physical fitness in a specific area. While the term is most frequently associated with the academic world—think of high school midterms or university finals—it extends far beyond the classroom into professional and even medical contexts. In the educational sphere, exams serve as a primary metric for determining whether a student has mastered the curriculum. They can take many forms, including written papers, multiple-choice questionnaires, oral presentations, or practical demonstrations of a skill, such as a chemistry lab test or a music recital.

Academic Context: In schools and universities, exams are the high-stakes assessments that often occur at the end of a semester (finals) or in the middle (midterms). They are used to assign grades and determine if a student can progress to the next level of study.

The students were incredibly nervous as they waited for their final exams to begin in the great hall.

Beyond school, professionals must often pass rigorous exams to earn certifications or licenses. For example, aspiring lawyers must pass the 'Bar exams,' and medical graduates must complete various board exams to practice medicine. These tests ensure a standardized level of competency across a profession, protecting the public and maintaining high standards.

Professional Context: Professional exams are often referred to as 'licensure' or 'certification' exams. They are mandatory hurdles for careers in accounting, engineering, nursing, and many other specialized fields.

After years of intense study, she finally sat for her professional accounting exams last Tuesday.

In a broader sense, 'exams' can also refer to medical check-ups, though this is more common in the singular 'exam' or 'examination.' When people talk about 'exams' in the plural, they are almost always referring to a series of tests or a specific period of testing, often known as 'exam season.' This period is characterized by intense preparation, late-night studying, and a general atmosphere of stress and focus.

Informal Usage: Informally, people might use 'exams' to describe any situation where they feel judged or tested, though this is metaphorical. Most usage remains strictly within the bounds of formal assessment.

I have three exams scheduled for next week, so I won't be able to come to the party.

The results of the entrance exams will be posted on the university website by Friday afternoon.

Preparation for the civil service exams usually requires months of dedicated reading and practice tests.

Understanding the nuances of 'exams' involves recognizing the weight they carry in society. They are often the 'gatekeepers' to higher education and lucrative careers, which explains why the word often carries a connotation of anxiety or pressure. However, they are also celebrated as milestones of achievement once passed.

Using the word exams correctly requires attention to the verbs that typically accompany it. The most common collocations are 'take,' 'sit,' 'pass,' 'fail,' 'study for,' and 'prepare for.' Because 'exams' is a plural noun, it must be paired with plural verb forms in the present tense (e.g., 'Exams are difficult') and plural pronouns (e.g., 'I need to pass them').

Action Verbs: When you are the person being tested, you 'take' or 'sit' the exams. When you are the teacher, you 'give,' 'administer,' or 'grade' the exams.

She had to sit her medical exams twice before she finally earned her license.

Another important aspect of using 'exams' is the descriptive adjectives that modify it. You might hear about 'competitive exams,' 'standardized exams,' 'mock exams' (practice tests), or 'open-book exams' (where you can use your notes). Each of these provides specific information about the nature of the testing environment.

Descriptive Modifiers: Adjectives like 'rigorous,' 'grueling,' or 'challenging' are often used to emphasize the difficulty of the exams.

The mock exams helped the students identify which topics they needed to review more thoroughly.

In sentence structure, 'exams' often functions as the direct object of a sentence. For example, 'The university requires entrance exams.' It can also be part of a prepositional phrase, such as 'The pressure of exams can be overwhelming.' When discussing the timing, we often use 'during' or 'after.'

Prepositional Usage: Commonly used with 'for' (study for exams), 'in' (do well in exams), or 'on' (perform well on exams).

He spent the entire weekend studying for his biology exams.

There is a significant difference between oral exams and written ones in terms of preparation.

Many students find that their anxiety levels peak right before their exams start.

It is also useful to know how to talk about the results. You can 'pass exams with flying colors' (meaning very successfully) or 'scrape through exams' (meaning you barely passed). If the outcome is negative, you 'fail' or 'flunk' (informal) the exams. These expressions help convey not just the fact of the exam, but the quality of the performance. By mastering these patterns, you can discuss academic and professional progress with precision and variety.

You will hear the word exams in a variety of settings, but primarily where education and career advancement are the focus. In schools, it is a constant topic of conversation among students, teachers, and parents. You'll hear it in the hallways ('How many exams do you have left?'), in the classroom ('The exams will cover chapters one through five'), and at home ('Have you finished studying for your exams?').

Educational Settings: In universities, the term is ubiquitous during 'finals week.' You'll see signs for 'Quiet: Exams in Progress' and hear students discussing their 'exam schedule.'

The professor announced that the final exams would be worth fifty percent of the total grade.

In the professional world, 'exams' are discussed in the context of licensing and professional development. If you are in an office, you might hear a colleague mention they are taking 'professional exams' to get a promotion or a specific certification. HR departments might discuss 'entrance exams' or 'aptitude exams' for new job applicants to filter candidates.

Professional Environments: In fields like finance, law, and medicine, 'exams' are the milestones that define a career path. Passing the 'CPA exams' or 'Medical Boards' is a major talking point.

The company offers a bonus to any employee who passes their technical exams on the first attempt.

Media and news outlets also frequently use the word, especially during national exam periods. You might see headlines about 'record-breaking exam results' or 'controversy over exam difficulty.' In movies and TV shows centered on school life (like 'Harry Potter' with its 'O.W.L. exams' or 'The Big Bang Theory'), exams are often used as a plot device to create tension or show a character's intelligence.

News and Media: Journalists often report on the 'stress of exams' and the impact of standardized testing on the national education system.

The news report highlighted the increasing pressure on teenagers during the national exams season.

Documentaries often explore how different countries approach their final school-leaving exams.

In the film, the protagonist's future depends entirely on passing his qualifying exams.

Finally, you might hear it in a medical context, though usually as 'physical exams' or 'eye exams.' While 'tests' is more common for blood work, 'exams' refers to the comprehensive evaluation by a doctor. Whether in a hospital, a high-rise office, or a quiet library, 'exams' is a word that signals a moment of truth and evaluation.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with the word exams is confusing it with the word 'tests.' While they are often interchangeable, 'exams' usually implies something more formal, comprehensive, and high-stakes than a simple 'test' or 'quiz.' Calling a five-minute vocabulary check an 'exam' might sound overly dramatic. Conversely, calling a three-hour final university assessment a 'quiz' would be an understatement.

Confusion with 'Test': Use 'exams' for formal, end-of-term, or professional assessments. Use 'tests' for smaller, more frequent evaluations.

Incorrect: I have a small exam every Friday morning. (Better: I have a small test/quiz every Friday.)

Another common error involves the verbs used with 'exams.' Many learners mistakenly say 'make an exam' when they mean they are taking one. In English, teachers 'make' (create) or 'set' exams, but students 'take,' 'do,' or 'sit' them. Using 'make' as a student is a clear sign of a non-native speaker.

Incorrect Verb Choice: Avoid saying 'I made my exams yesterday.' Instead, use 'I took my exams' or 'I sat my exams.'

Correct: The professor spent all night making the exams, while the students spent all night studying for them.

Subject-verb agreement is another area where errors occur. Because 'exams' is plural, it must take a plural verb. 'The exams was hard' is incorrect; it must be 'The exams were hard.' Similarly, 'This exams' is incorrect; it should be 'These exams.'

Preposition Pitfalls: Students often say 'study exams' instead of 'study for exams.' The 'for' is necessary to indicate the purpose of the studying.

Incorrect: I need to study my exams. (Correct: I need to study for my exams.)

Incorrect: He is good in exams. (Correct: He is good at taking exams or He does well in exams.)

Incorrect: I have many examinations works. (Correct: I have a lot of exam work or many exams to do.)

Lastly, be careful with the spelling. Some learners add an extra 'e' at the end ('exames') or confuse it with 'exams' (the verb 'to examine' in third person singular, though they are spelled the same). Context usually clarifies this, but in writing, ensure you are using the noun plural correctly.

While exams is the most common term, several synonyms and related words can be used depending on the context and the level of formality required. Understanding these alternatives will help you sound more natural and precise.

Tests: The most common alternative. 'Tests' is more general and can refer to anything from a quick quiz to a major exam. It is slightly less formal than 'exams.'

We have weekly spelling tests every Friday.

Assessments: This is a broader, more academic term. It includes exams but also projects, essays, and presentations. It focuses on the process of evaluating a student's progress.

The final grade is based on a variety of assessments throughout the year.

Evaluations: Often used in professional or workplace settings. An evaluation might look at job performance rather than academic knowledge.

The annual performance evaluations are scheduled for next month.

Finals and Midterms: These are specific types of exams. 'Finals' occur at the end of a course, and 'midterms' occur in the middle. They are almost always plural.

I'm so relieved that finals are over and summer break has started.

The midterms showed that many students were struggling with the new material.

Professional boards are the most difficult exams a medical student will ever face.

For very formal contexts, 'examinations' is the full word. In specific fields, you might hear 'boards' (medicine/law), 'practicals' (hands-on skills), or 'vivas' (oral exams for PhDs). Knowing these variations allows you to tailor your language to the specific academic or professional environment you are in.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The original Latin 'examen' also meant a 'swarm of bees,' because the movement of a swarm was thought to resemble the vibrating needle of a scale!

Guide de prononciation

UK /ɪɡˈzæmz/

US /ɪɡˈzæmz/

The stress is on the second syllable: ig-ZAMS.

Rime avec

jams hams clams grams scams slams dams rams

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'x' as 'ks' (like 'eks-ams') instead of 'gz'.
Making the 's' sound like a sharp 's' instead of a 'z'.
Stressing the first syllable (IG-zams).
Adding an extra vowel sound at the end (ex-am-es).
Muting the 'g' sound in the 'gz' cluster.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

The word is short and common in many languages, making it easy to recognize.

Écriture 3/5

Spelling is mostly phonetic, but the 'x' and 's' sounds can be tricky for some.

Expression orale 3/5

The 'gz' sound in the middle requires some practice for non-native speakers.

Écoute 2/5

Easily identifiable in context due to its distinct sound.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

test study school teacher learn

Apprends ensuite

assessment qualification certification curriculum proficiency

Avancé

psychometrics invigilation pedagogy standardization summative

Grammaire à connaître

Plural Noun Agreement

The exams ARE (not is) next week.

Preposition 'For' with Purpose

I am studying FOR my exams.

Countable Noun Quantifiers

I have MANY exams (not much).

Irregular Verb 'Sit' (UK)

He SAT his exams in London.

Compound Noun Stress

In 'EXAM hall,' the stress is usually on the first word.

Exemples par niveau

I have two exams today.

J'ai deux examens aujourd'hui.

Plural noun 'exams' follows the number 'two'.

The exams are in the morning.

Les examens sont le matin.

Use 'are' because 'exams' is plural.

Are the exams hard?

Les examens sont-ils difficiles ?

Question form using 'Are' for plural subject.

I study for my exams.

J'étudie pour mes examens.

Use 'for' to show the purpose of studying.

She likes exams.

Elle aime les examens.

Present simple third-person singular 'likes'.

We do not have exams this week.

Nous n'avons pas d'examens cette semaine.

Negative form using 'do not have'.

My exams start at ten.

Mes examens commencent à dix heures.

Plural subject 'exams' takes the base verb 'start'.

The teacher gives the exams.

Le professeur donne les examens.

The teacher is the one performing the action.

I need to pass my exams to go to the next class.

Je dois réussir mes examens pour passer à la classe supérieure.

Infinitive 'to pass' shows purpose.

He failed his math exams last year.

Il a échoué à ses examens de mathématiques l'année dernière.

Past simple 'failed'.

Are you nervous about your exams?

Es-tu nerveux pour tes examens ?

Preposition 'about' used with 'nervous'.

These exams are very important for my future.

Ces examens sont très importants pour mon avenir.

Demonstrative adjective 'These' matches plural 'exams'.

I have many exams at the end of the term.

J'ai beaucoup d'examens à la fin du trimestre.

Use 'many' with countable plural nouns.

She is preparing for her driving exams.

Elle se prépare pour ses examens de conduite.

Present continuous 'is preparing'.

The exams were easier than I thought.

Les examens étaient plus faciles que je ne le pensais.

Comparative 'easier than'.

We had four exams in one week.

Nous avons eu quatre examens en une semaine.

Past simple 'had'.

I spent the whole weekend revising for my final exams.

J'ai passé tout le week-end à réviser pour mes examens finaux.

Gerund 'revising' after 'spent time'.

Entrance exams are required for this university.

Des examens d'entrée sont requis pour cette université.

Passive voice 'are required'.

If I pass my exams, I will celebrate with my friends.

Si je réussis mes examens, je fêterai ça avec mes amis.

First conditional: 'If' + present, 'will' + verb.

Mock exams help students understand the real test format.

Les examens blancs aident les étudiants à comprendre le format du test réel.

Plural subject 'exams' takes 'help'.

The pressure of exams can affect your mental health.

La pression des examens peut affecter votre santé mentale.

Modal verb 'can' for possibility.

He decided to retake his exams to get a better grade.

Il a décidé de repasser ses examens pour obtenir une meilleure note.

Prefix 're-' in 'retake' means to do again.

There are no exams in this course, only projects.

Il n'y a pas d'examens dans ce cours, seulement des projets.

'There are no' used with plural nouns.

I found the oral exams much more difficult than the written ones.

J'ai trouvé les examens oraux bien plus difficiles que les examens écrits.

Comparison using 'much more... than'.

Standardized exams are often criticized for being unfair.

Les examens standardisés sont souvent critiqués pour être injustes.

Passive voice 'are often criticized'.

She passed her professional exams with flying colors.

Elle a réussi ses examens professionnels avec brio.

Idiom 'with flying colors' means very successfully.

The exam board announced a change in the syllabus.

Le jury d'examen a annoncé un changement dans le programme.

Compound noun 'exam board'.

Students are prohibited from using calculators during these exams.

Il est interdit aux étudiants d'utiliser des calculatrices pendant ces examens.

Passive structure 'are prohibited from'.

The results of the competitive exams will determine the placements.

Les résultats des concours détermineront les affectations.

Future tense 'will determine'.

Despite the difficulty of the exams, she remained calm.

Malgré la difficulté des examens, elle est restée calme.

Preposition 'Despite' followed by a noun phrase.

Revised guidelines for the medical exams were issued yesterday.

Des directives révisées pour les examens médicaux ont été publiées hier.

Past participle 'Revised' acting as an adjective.

He is currently cramming for his law exams next week.

Il est actuellement en train de bachoter pour ses examens de droit la semaine prochaine.

Informal verb 'cramming' for intense last-minute study.

The validity of high-stakes exams as a measure of aptitude is a contentious issue.

La validité des examens à enjeux élevés comme mesure d'aptitude est une question litigieuse.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

Rigorous exams are essential to maintain professional standards in engineering.

Des examens rigoureux sont essentiels pour maintenir les normes professionnelles en ingénierie.

Adjective 'Rigorous' emphasizes intensity.

The university has decided to abolish traditional exams in favor of continuous assessment.

L'université a décidé de supprimer les examens traditionnels au profit du contrôle continu.

Phrase 'in favor of' shows preference.

Invigilators are responsible for ensuring that no cheating occurs during the exams.

Les surveillants sont responsables de s'assurer qu'aucune triche ne se produit pendant les examens.

Formal term 'Invigilators' for exam supervisors.

The psychological impact of failing such crucial exams can be devastating.

L'impact psychologique d'un échec à des examens aussi cruciaux peut être dévastateur.

Gerund 'failing' as the object of the preposition 'of'.

She meticulously reviewed her notes before entering the exam hall.

Elle a méticuleusement revu ses notes avant d'entrer dans la salle d'examen.

Adverb 'meticulously' modifies the verb 'reviewed'.

The sheer volume of material covered in the exams was overwhelming.

Le volume impressionnant de matières couvertes par les examens était écrasant.

Noun phrase 'The sheer volume of' for emphasis.

Qualifying exams serve as a gateway to advanced research opportunities.

Les examens de qualification servent de passerelle vers des opportunités de recherche avancée.

Metaphorical use of 'gateway'.

The psychometric properties of these exams ensure a high degree of reliability and validity.

Les propriétés psychométriques de ces examens garantissent un haut degré de fiabilité et de validité.

Technical term 'psychometric properties'.

One must navigate a series of grueling exams to attain the status of a consultant.

Il faut passer une série d'examens exténuants pour atteindre le statut de consultant.

Formal pronoun 'One' and adjective 'grueling'.

The shift toward digital exams has necessitated a complete overhaul of the testing infrastructure.

Le passage aux examens numériques a nécessité une refonte complète de l'infrastructure de test.

Present perfect 'has necessitated'.

Critics argue that such exams merely test rote memorization rather than critical thinking.

Les critiques soutiennent que de tels examens ne testent que la mémorisation par cœur plutôt que la pensée critique.

Contrast between 'rote memorization' and 'critical thinking'.

The integrity of the exams was compromised by a widespread leak of the question papers.

L'intégrité des examens a été compromise par une fuite généralisée des sujets.

Passive voice 'was compromised'.

Proponents of the new system claim it mitigates the stress typically associated with exams.

Les partisans du nouveau système affirment qu'il atténue le stress généralement associé aux examens.

Verb 'mitigates' means to make less severe.

The longitudinal study tracked students' performance across various standardized exams over a decade.

L'étude longitudinale a suivi les performances des étudiants à travers divers examens standardisés sur une décennie.

Adjective 'longitudinal' for a long-term study.

The sheer administrative burden of coordinating national exams is often underestimated.

La charge administrative pure et simple de la coordination des examens nationaux est souvent sous-estimée.

Noun phrase 'sheer administrative burden'.

Collocations courantes

take exams

sit exams

pass exams

fail exams

final exams

entrance exams

study for exams

exam results

competitive exams

mock exams

Phrases Courantes

exam season

exam hall

exam paper

exam stress

exam board

written exams

oral exams

open-book exams

qualifying exams

standardized exams

Souvent confondu avec

exams vs tests

Tests are usually smaller and less formal than exams.

exams vs quizzes

Quizzes are very short and low-stakes evaluations.

exams vs examinations

This is just the longer, more formal version of 'exams.'

Expressions idiomatiques

"pass with flying colors"

To pass an exam very easily and with a high score.

She studied so hard that she passed her exams with flying colors.

informal

"burn the midnight oil"

To stay up very late studying or working.

I'll be burning the midnight oil tonight to get ready for my exams.

informal

"hit the books"

To start studying hard.

I need to hit the books if I want to pass these exams.

informal

"flunk out"

To fail so many exams that you are forced to leave school.

If he doesn't start studying, he's going to flunk out of college.

slang

"scrape through"

To barely pass an exam.

I didn't study much, so I just managed to scrape through my exams.

informal

"a piece of cake"

Something that is very easy to do.

The history exams were a piece of cake compared to the science ones.

informal

"brain dump"

Writing down everything you know as soon as the exam starts.

I did a quick brain dump on the back of the paper before I started the first question.

informal

"pull an all-nighter"

To stay awake all night to study for an exam.

I had to pull an all-nighter to finish revising for my exams.

informal

"ace an exam"

To get a perfect or near-perfect score on an exam.

He was so happy because he aced all his final exams.

slang

"under the gun"

To be under a lot of pressure to perform.

With three exams in two days, I'm really under the gun.

informal

Facile à confondre

exams vs examines

Spelled the same as the plural noun in some forms.

'Examines' is a verb (he examines), while 'exams' is a plural noun.

He examines the patient while the students take their exams.

exams vs assessments

Similar meaning in education.

Assessments include projects and essays; exams are specific timed tests.

The course has two exams and three written assessments.

exams vs trials

Both involve testing.

Trials are usually for experiments or court cases; exams are for knowledge.

The clinical trials were successful, but the students failed their exams.

exams vs checks

Both involve looking at something.

Checks are informal verifications; exams are formal evaluations.

The teacher checks the homework, but the board grades the exams.

exams vs inspections

Both involve formal looking.

Inspections are for buildings or equipment; exams are for people.

The safety inspections were done before the exams began.

Structures de phrases

I have [number] exams.

I have three exams.

I am studying for my [subject] exams.

I am studying for my history exams.

If I pass my exams, I will [action].

If I pass my exams, I will go to university.

Despite the [adjective] exams, I [result].

Despite the difficult exams, I passed.

The [noun] of exams is often [adjective].

The validity of exams is often questioned.

One must [verb] a series of [adjective] exams to [goal].

One must navigate a series of grueling exams to qualify.

Any

The exams are [time/place].

The exams are in the main hall.

Any

How were your exams?

How were your exams yesterday?

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in academic and professional contexts.

Erreurs courantes

I made my exams yesterday. → I took my exams yesterday.
In English, students 'take' or 'sit' exams. Only teachers 'make' or 'set' them. This is a very common error for speakers of languages where the same verb is used for both.
The exams was very hard. → The exams were very hard.
Because 'exams' is a plural noun, it must be paired with the plural verb 'were.' Always check for subject-verb agreement.
I am studying my exams. → I am studying for my exams.
You study 'for' an exam to indicate the purpose or the goal of your studying. Without 'for,' it sounds like you are analyzing the exam paper itself.
I have much exams this week. → I have many exams this week.
'Exams' is a countable noun, so you must use 'many' or 'a lot of' instead of 'much,' which is only for uncountable nouns.
I am nervous for my exams. → I am nervous about my exams.
While 'for' is sometimes used, 'about' is the more common and natural preposition to use with 'nervous' when referring to a future event like an exam.

Astuces

Start Early

Don't wait until the last minute to study for your exams. Spreading your study over several weeks is much more effective than 'cramming' the night before. This is called spaced repetition.

Get Enough Sleep

Your brain needs sleep to process and store the information you've learned. Pulling an all-nighter before your exams can actually hurt your performance because you'll be too tired to think clearly.

Read the Instructions

Always read the exam instructions carefully before you start writing. Many students lose marks simply because they didn't follow the directions, such as answering too many questions or forgetting to show their work.

Practice with Past Papers

One of the best ways to prepare for exams is to practice with papers from previous years. This helps you get used to the format of the questions and the time limits you will face.

Stay Calm

If you feel panicked during your exams, take a few deep breaths. Remind yourself that you have prepared and that you can only do your best. Anxiety can block your memory, so staying calm is key.

Subject-Verb Agreement

Always remember that 'exams' is plural. Use 'are' instead of 'is' and 'were' instead of 'was.' For example: 'The exams were easier than I expected.'

Learn Collocations

Instead of just learning the word 'exams,' learn the verbs that go with it, like 'take,' 'sit,' 'pass,' and 'fail.' This will make your English sound much more natural and fluent.

Check the Schedule

Double-check your exam schedule to make sure you know exactly when and where each exam is taking place. Arriving late to an exam hall is a major source of unnecessary stress.

Use Synonyms

In your writing, try to use synonyms like 'assessments' or 'evaluations' to avoid repeating the word 'exams' too many times. This will make your writing more interesting and professional.

Study Groups

Studying with friends can be a great way to prepare for exams. You can quiz each other and explain difficult concepts, which helps reinforce your own understanding of the material.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'EX-tra AM-munition.' You need extra knowledge (ammunition) to win the battle of the exams!

Association visuelle

Visualize a large, quiet hall filled with rows of desks and the sound of ticking clocks. This is the classic 'exam' environment.

Word Web

Study Grade Stress Results Hall Paper Pass Fail

Défi

Try to write a paragraph about your most difficult exam experience using the word 'exams' at least three times.

Origine du mot

The word 'exam' is a late 19th-century shortening of 'examination.' 'Examination' comes from the Old French 'examinacion,' which in turn originates from the Latin 'examinatio(n-).'

Sens originel : The Latin root is 'examinare,' meaning 'to weigh or test,' derived from 'examen,' which referred to the tongue or needle of a balance (scale).

It belongs to the Indo-European family, specifically the Italic branch leading to Latin and then Romance languages.

Contexte culturel

Be mindful that 'exams' can be a trigger for high anxiety in many people. When discussing them, it's often helpful to acknowledge the stress they cause.

In the UK, 'sitting' an exam is the standard term. In the US, 'taking' an exam is much more common.

The O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. exams in the Harry Potter series. The 'Chunin Exams' in the anime Naruto. The 'Bar Exam' often featured in legal dramas like 'Suits' or 'Better Call Saul'.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

University Life

finals week
exam schedule
cramming for finals
past papers

Professional Licensing

board exams
certification process
qualifying exam
licensure

Language Learning

proficiency exam
oral component
listening section
pass mark

Medical Checkups

physical exam
eye exam
routine examination
medical history

Job Applications

aptitude exams
entrance test
pre-employment screening
assessment center

Amorces de conversation

"How do you usually prepare for your exams?"

"Do you prefer written exams or oral exams?"

"What was the most difficult set of exams you ever had to take?"

"Do you think exams are a fair way to measure intelligence?"

"How do you handle the stress of exam season?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a time you felt very proud after passing your exams.

Write about your study routine during a busy exam period.

If you could change the way exams are done, what would you do?

Reflect on how your perspective on exams has changed since you were a child.

Discuss the pressure of exams in your country's culture.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Generally, an exam is more formal, comprehensive, and high-stakes than a test. Exams often occur at the end of a course or for professional licensing, while tests can happen frequently throughout a term. For example, you might have a weekly math test but a final math exam.

No, if you are the student, you should say 'I took an exam' or 'I sat an exam.' Only the teacher or the person creating the questions 'makes' or 'sets' the exam. Using 'made' as a student is a common mistake for learners.

No, the singular form is 'exam.' You use 'exams' when referring to more than one test or the general period of testing (e.g., 'I have three exams' or 'I am busy with exams').

It is a common British English expression that means to take an exam. It comes from the idea of sitting down at a desk in an exam hall to complete the paper. In American English, people almost always say 'take an exam.'

You can say 'I failed the exam' or, more informally, 'I flunked the exam.' If you barely passed, you can say 'I scraped through.' If you did very poorly, you might say 'I bombed the exam' (slang).

Mock exams are practice tests that are designed to look and feel exactly like the real thing. They help students prepare by identifying areas where they need more study and getting them used to the time pressure.

An open-book exam allows you to use your textbooks, notes, or other resources during the test. These exams usually focus on your ability to apply information and think critically rather than just memorizing facts.

Use 'examinations' in very formal writing, such as academic papers, official school policies, or legal documents. In everyday conversation and most standard writing, 'exams' is perfectly acceptable and more common.

Entrance exams are tests that students must pass to be admitted to a specific school, university, or program. They are often very competitive and are used to select the best candidates from a large pool of applicants.

It is pronounced /ɪɡˈzæmz/. The 'x' makes a 'gz' sound, and the 's' at the end sounds like a 'z'. The stress is on the second syllable: ig-ZAMS.