Dear Stephen:

The approaching CET-4 college English exam is causing me a lot of anxiety. I’m afraid that I won’t be able to pass it. Although I’ve been working hard to prepare, I don’t think I’ve made much progress. I’m very frustrated, and don’t know what to do.

Could you please give me some advice on how to overcome my fear of this exam? I am looking forward to your reply, and thanks in advance.

Yours,

Bella

Dear Bella,

As a Chinese college student, you have already had a lot of experience taking important exams, and you’ve done well in the past. By now, you’re pretty much a professional exam-taker! Your previous successes should help to boost your level of confidence with the CET-4. Just tell yourself that it’s just another exam, and relax. It’s quite natural to feel anxious before taking an exam, but as you know, thorough preparation is the best remedy for a case of ‘butterflies in your stomach’. You have done your best to prepare. So, when you walk into the exam room, pencil or pen in hand, bring a positive attitude along with you. It’s your best ally. Your enemy is your ‘negative imagination’ about the future – the thought that you might fail the exam. Your ally is real, but your enemy is imaginary. Get it?

All the best on the CET-4 exam, Bella! I’m rooting for you!

Sincerely,

Stephen