I Promise I Speak Well

I had the feeling that it wasn't going to be easy today. It wasn't difficult to come to that conclusion given I have been hibernating at home, and have not had any contact with the outside world for months. I wouldn't have expected myself to be able to hold a proper conversation with someone, let alone, ace the test.

As I suspected, there was a very good reason why the test was held at the council instead of the previous exam venue. Of course, they would want a native English speaker to test your skills more than anyone else. My tester was very tall. I must admit he was really attentive for he turned the air-conditioner down the moment he heard me sniffing away. But other than that, he was so cold - I shall call him a "cold fish". He had very few expressions throughout the test, and definitely doesn't enjoy smiling. I was hoping for a two-way conversation but mostly, it was me doing the talking. I suppose that's why it's called a test, and he's the tester and I'm the candidate.

His questions were easy. My given topic was also easy. But I was nervous. Very indeed. I swore I could hear myself so clearly. Have you ever been in a room that is so quiet that you could almost hear your thoughts out loud? I felt that way in the examination room today. I could hear myself talking, my thoughts aloud, and my heart thumping amidst the frequent sniffles. Worse still, the tape recorder was running and that self-consciousness was magnified.

But, I promise I speak English well. If only he could mark me based on my promise.

Despite the nervousness and occasional awkward pauses, I am so glad this is over. Finally, I could heave a sigh of relief and commence the next most important step. All I have to do now is wait for the results.

Seriously, I will smack myself I ever go back to studying! If I really do that, I must have been either under some powerful spell or the wrongful impression that I would be better at studying with age. The pressure of exams and results should be a matter of the past, and definitely cease at the age of 30!