If you are an ESL student who wants to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL it is important for you to be prepared when you take the test. Like all tests it sounds scary but if you concentrate on learning you will do fine. Here are some easy guidelines to follow every day to make it easier for you:
• Listen - Television, movies, radio, music and online programs will help you tremendously because listening will strengthen your vocabulary and if you listen closely to the words you will understand what syllables to stress. Take note of special expressions or slang terms that are used that might be regional or might not.
• Read - Newspapers, magazines, books, textbooks, even labels at the grocery store – al of these things will help you to learn English and are available everywhere.
• Write – Sending emails is ideal for helping you with sentence structure although many people tend to make abbreviations so try to avoid that. In class you can take notes – and not in your native language – especially write down words or phrases that are new to you. Keeping a journal or a diary is a good way to see your progress. It will also make a nice remembrance for later years but gives you good practice now when you need it.
• Speak – Try to speak to people as much as possible. Make excuses to start conversations by asking for directions or asking an opinion about something. The more you practice the better you will be and the easier it will get every day as well.
Here are a few more tips for taking International English Tests. On test day don’t waste time on questions that you aren’t sure of. Skip them and come back to them later but remember to pace yourself so that you don’t run out of time. Most of all – don’t panic if you have been using the tips you should have no problem passing the test.
