Я видела вы в своем канале писали про идеи к постам,так вот,хотелось бы предложить идею о кроссвордах,о тактике их решений🙌
Well, you ask - I deliver.
Crosswords 🤓
The crossword has been the first task type in the Use of English section of the regional stage for several years now, and knowing how to solve this type of puzzle is necessary for succeeding, no matter how tedious and annoying it can get. Personally, it used to be one of my least favourite tasks, but it doesn't have to be so for you, especially if you know how to tackle it. 🐧
The Format
In the English Olympiads you are usually provided with a text, where there are some numbered blanks followed by definitions. The second part of the task consists of the crossword grid. Since the jurors want to appear merciful, they might provide you with the first solved clue and some letters, already scattered across the grid. You can use this to your advantage, as you'll know for sure that your guess is correct if it fits within the slot and matches the provided letters.
🌟What should you do?🌟
The Strategy:
❤️ Read through the whole text first, don't start guessing right away.
❤️ Try to first brainstorm some possible answers, only then try to apply them to the dedicated slot.
❤️ Write down your ideas for the words somewhere near the text to avoid forgetting them.
❤️ The text is there for a reason. Think if your word "sounds good" with the rest of the sentence - does it form a collocation or a fixed phrase? Or does it sound awkward with the rest of the sentence?
❤️ If you think of two words of the same length that technically fit in the same slot, choose the one that matches the provided definition best and fits in with the other words you guessed.
❤️ Don't waste too much time on one slot and don't panic if you cannot think of the right word for one of the blanks. If nothing comes to mind right away, take care of the rest of the tasks in the Use of English section and return to the troublesome part of the crossword later.
Taking care of the material aspects:
🍫 If you feel like you're stuck and tired, sip some cool water and look out the window/in front of yourself, let yourself rest. Dark chocolate helps too.
⏰ Always keep an eye on the time and manage it efficiently.
✏️ Don't fill out the grid with a black pen! Use a pencil, in case you'll have to adjust your answer. The jurors will only evaluate your answer sheet, not your task paper.
Practice!
🤩 Make sure to get acquainted with the format by solving as many crosswords from the past papers as you can. You can also use this book, but keep in mind that the tasks here may appear much harder than those that you'll have to solve during the Olympiad.
📚 Try to expand your vocabulary systematically by solving vocabulary textbooks and using different methods to memorize the words.
🤩 When you're done solving a practice crossword, don't just throw it into the dumpster: write down the words that are new to you with their definitions!
⭐️ See the last year's regional-stage crossword below. You can try to solve it and send the answers in the comments under this post. I'll publish the answers in a little while.
#knowhow