How to Prepare for your English Exam

English proficiency examinations such as the TOEFL and the IELTS are, more often than not, requirements, for those who wish to study, work, or migrate abroad. This is, of course, policy-dependent. Each institution – school or workplace – may have its own preference, whether to require English tests or not. But if you ARE required to sit an exam that will assess your ability to communicate in the language of the world, then here are some tips on how you can prepare for that test and get the highest possible grade you can.

1.       Know the specifics. Ask whoever is asking you to take the English test the following questions:

a.       Which English exam you will need to take. There are several, but the most popular are IELTS and TOEFL. If you are taking the IELTS, you must ask what module you will take. It is either the academic or general training module. This last bit is important, because if you take the wrong module, the test results may not be accepted.
b.      What is your score requirement is. The score requirement is the lowest possible score you can get but still qualify for the job/school/migration. This gives you an idea of what score you need to hit and transcend.
c.       When the results will be needed. Knowing when your results will be needed will allow you to determine how much time you have to prepare.

2.       Determine your readiness to take the exam. The best way to do this is to answer practice examinations. You can find stuff online, or take advantage of some review center’s free diagnostic examinations. The problem with these methods is that the writing and speaking skills are not assessed. That part will most likely cost you.

3.       Find a review center with a program that suits your needs. Prepping for the IELTS or TOEFL is no mean feat – not only do you have to be proficient in the language, you must also be familiar with the particular techniques for question types that are exclusive to those exams.

4.       Commit to prepare. Whether in a review center or on your own, it is important to have time to prepare. The major mistake of someone with a relatively acceptable background in English, like Filipinos, is to take for granted prepping for their English exam. Many fail because they are unprepared to take the exam. Commit to the preparation.


Good luck!

No comments:

Post a Comment