TEN HELPFUL STRATEGIES
However, if you are in the lower levels, e.g Intermediate, here are a few things you can add to your English Language homework that can begin preparing you for the test later.
- Buy a book of sample tests for IELTS or TOEFL (available at any major bookstore), and take a test or two to gauge the difficulty level.
- Download a list of TOEFL words from the internet (there are about 500 on the list), and give yourself 5 words a day to look up in the dictionary. Your extensive vocabulary will be very important for when you sit the exam.
- Become very familiar with the technically perfect essay format, and make sure you are clear about the difference between academic English and everyday English.
- Watch as many news and documentary programs in English as you can. These exams tackle many different topics that you may need to be familiar with.
- Debate social issues whenever possible in English.
- Begin taking non fiction English books that are on topics of your own interest out of the library to read. Make sure to always take notes on any new vocabulary.
- Go to your normal English class EVERYDAY (this is extremely important as you must get the grammar understanding, and the feedback from a teacher who is teaching you at your actual English level).
- Understand that there is NO WAY that you can skip levels to get to the TOEFL or IELTS level, you ABSOLUTELY MUST work through a full program of English to the Advanced level before you are ready to tackle full time TOEFL or IELTS Preparation.
- Understand that an intensive course in English (i.e. going to classes in the morning, noon and night), will not necessarily get you to the TOEFL or IELTS test faster. It's all about your attitude to making English almost like your first language.
- Accept that the minimum amount of time it takes to begin learning English to passing your TOEFL or IELTS exam is one year.
- Aiyshah (New Zealand)
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