Thursday 5 September 2013

TEST PREP- TOEFL / IELTS

TOEFL

What is TOEFL?

The Test of English as a Foreign Language - TOEFL measures your ability to communicate in English. TOEFL is accepted by 6,000+ institutions in more than 130 countries including those based in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia and New Zealand. With more than 4,300 test centers worldwide, taking the test is convenient and easy. The TOEFL measures how well you read, listen, speak and write in English and use these skills together in the university classroom.

TOEFL offers the iBT-Internet Based Test in most locations and where this is not available it offers Paper Based Tests to applicants.

Why TOEFL?

The test aims at evaluating proficiency in English of candidates whose mother tongue is not English. It is important to note that 'American English' is not quite like the language we are used to in India. Their accent in particular, is quite different. Scores in TOEFL help the colleges to judge whether the applicant, seeking admission, would be able to comprehend the lectures etc.

You would be required to take the TOEFL test, If you are planning to study at colleges and universities where the medium of instruction is English. In addition, many government agencies, scholarship programs, and licensing/certification agencies use TOEFL scores to evaluate English proficiency.

Scores in TOEFL help the colleges to judge whether the applicant, seeking admission, would be able to comprehend the lectures etc.

Eligibility

A 10+2 pass out of any recognised Indian Board or University is a suitable qualification to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) test.

Test Structure

TOEFL can be taken in any working day of the month meaning it is held five days in a week. It has been introduced as a computer based test in most of the countries. The computer-based test has four sections viz Reading, Listening, Speaking and writing sections.

The Reading section will have 3 to 5 passages from academic texts; approximately 700 words long with 12 to 14 questions per passage. The duration is of 60 to 100 minutes during which a total of 36 to 70 questions need to be answered. The Score scale for this section is 0 to 30.Listening section will have 4 to 6 lectures, some with classroom discussion; each 3 to 5 minutes long with 6 questions in each lecture. This section also includes 2 to 3 conversations, each 3 minutes long with 5 questions each. This section is of duration 60 to 90 minutes during which 34 to 51 questions need to be answered. The Score scale for this section is 0 to 30. After a break of 10 minutes, the Speaking section follows. Speaking Section comprises of 2 tasks to express an opinion on a familiar topic and 4 tasks to speak based on what is read and listened to. The duration of this section is 20 minutes for 6 tasks with a score scale of 0 to 4 points converted to a 0 to 30 Score scale. Lastly, TOEFL has a Writing section with 2 tasks. Applicants need to write 1 task based on what is read and listened to and the other 1 task is to support an opinion on a topic. These 2 tasks need to be completed in 50 minutes and will be scored on a 0 to 5 points basis converted to 0-30 score scale. Total TOEFL score will be in the 0 to 120 range.

Application Details

For details like scheduling of an appointment for the test, list of test centers, and more it is best to obtain a copy of the TOEFL Information Bulletin for Computer Based Testing'. It is a free publication and can be obtained from the Regional Registration Center or downloaded from http://www.toefl.org/

IELTS

What is IELTS?

IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is used as the language of communication. IELTS is required for entry to university in the UK and other countries. IELTS is recognized by universities and employers in many countries, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. It is also recognized by professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies.

Why IELTS?

IELTS is accepted by over 6,000 institutions worldwide, including universities, colleges and employers in English-speaking countries and beyond.

Almost all universities in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK accept IELTS.
In the USA, IELTS scores are accepted by over 2,500 universities and colleges including Ivy League and other top institutions.
IELTS is used for immigration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK.
The test is offered up to four times a month by centres in more than 130 countries.
Results are available just 13 days after the test.
You can be sure that an IELTS score demonstrates your true ability to communicate in English across all four language skills - reading, writing, listening and speaking.
IELTS uses Australian, North American and British varieties of English, making it a truly international test.

Eligibility

A 10+2 pass out of any recognised Indian Board or University is a suitable qualification to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) test.

Test structure

All candidates must complete four Modules - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking - to obtain a band score, which is shown on the IELTS Test Report Form (TRF). All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules, while the Reading and Writing Modules differ depending on whether the candidate is taking the Academic or General Training Versions of the Test.

Listening

The listening module comprises four sections. Each section begins with a short introduction telling the candidates about the situation and the speakers. Then they have some time to look through the questions. The first three sections have a break in the middle allowing candidates to look at the remaining questions. Each section is heard only once.

Reading

In the academic module the reading test comprises three sections, with 3 texts normally followed by 13 or 14 questions for a total of 40 questions overall. The General test also has 3 sections. However the texts are shorter, so there can be up to 5 texts to read.

Writing

In the Academic module, there are two tasks: in Task 1 candidates describe a diagram, graph, process or chart, and in Task 2 they respond to an argument. In the General Training module, there are also two tasks: in Task 1 candidates write a letter or explain a situation, and in Task 2 they write an essay.

Speaking

The speaking test contains three sections. The first section takes the form of an interview during which candidates may be asked about their hobbies, interests, reasons for taking IELTS exam as well as other general topics such as clothing, free time, computers and the internet or family. In the second section candidates are given a topic card and then have one minute to prepare after which they must speak about the given topic. The third section involves a discussion between the examiner and the candidate, generally on questions relating to the theme which they have already spoken about in part 2.

Duration

The total test duration is around 2 hours and 45 minutes for Listening, Reading and Writing modules.

Listening: 40 minutes, 30 minutes for which a recording is played centrally and additional 10 minutes for transferring answers onto the OMR answer sheet.

Reading: 60 minutes.

Writing: 60 minutes.

Speaking: 11-14 minutes.

The first three modules - Listening, Reading and Writing (always in that order) - are completed in one day, and in fact are taken with no break in between. The Speaking Module may be taken, at the discretion of the test centre, in the period seven days before or after the other Modules.

How to apply?

To register for an IELTS test, follow these seven simple steps. You can also download the Information for candidates booklet.

1. Find your nearest IELTS centre and check the test dates to find two options that suit you. Note the deadline for registering for each test date. You can also see the cost of the test at your centre in local currency on the IELTS Worldwide Search

2. Check with your organisation or on the Global Recognition System whether you need to sit an Academic or General Training test.

3. Print out the IELTS Application Form (PDF, 273KB) or ask your test centre for a copy. Read the information for candidates, terms and conditions, complete the form and sign it. Please make sure you have a valid postal address and use the same name as on your passport.

In some centres, candidates may be able to register for the test online. Please refer to the test centre's website for further information.

4. Organise two passport-sized photographs, less than six months old, and sign the back of each. Please note, you must not wear glasses in the photographs you submit for IELTS registration.

5. Take a photocopy of your current passport - this must be valid and not expired. (Some centres will accept a national identity card.)

6. If you want your results to be sent automatically to a university or educational institution, include the correct details in the section on the IELTS Application Form (PDF, 273KB).

7. Take your application into your IELTS test centre with your money. If you send it by mail, please talk to your centre about the method of payment.

Once you have registered, the test centre will confirm your IELTS test date, time and venue. Please note the Speaking test can be up to 7 days before or after the test date.

On the test day, you must bring the same passport or national identity card that you entered on the IELTS Application Form.

Can one take IELTS instead of TOEFL?

YES. There are several US institutions that recognize IELTS. They accept either IELTS or TOEFL for admission to award courses.

TEST PREP:-

TOEFL Preparation

Some tips to remember:

Familiarize yourself with the TOEFL format

Most countries now offer the Internet based TOEFL (iBT). A few offer only the paper-based test (PBT). Make sure you find out which test you will be taking before you start studying for the TOEFL. You cannot choose to take the paper based test if your country offers the iBT.

Research TOEFL score requirements

The TOEFL is required for any non-native English student who wants to go to a post-secondary school in the United States. Most people take the TOEFL in order to apply to a specific school or program. Before you begin studying, find out what the requirements are for the schools you are interested in going to. Remember that the scores for the paper based test are different than the scores for the iBT. Some schools will look at your scores from different sections. Each iBT section is scored out of 30. Many universities expect you to achieve higher writing skills than speaking skills. TOEFL scores are only valid for two years.

Learn academic English

TOEFL is used for a different purpose than other ESL tests. The TOEFL measures your ability to succeed in an American university or college. Other English-speaking countries also require TOEFL scores as a prerequisite for admission.

Use practice tests

The best way to prepare for the TOEFL is to practise doing the tests. If you are taking a TOEFL class, your teacher will provide you with plenty of material.

Find a mentor

A reliable native English teacher who knows a lot about the TOEFL is one of the best resources a student can have. You will have many questions that your textbook can't answer for you. Frustrated students often give up. It is important that you have someone who will answer your questions and encourage you when you feel down. If you cannot afford a teacher or a tutor, find a student who has studied for the test before.

Build up your stamina

The TOEFL test takes a long time to write. If you are taking the paper based test it will take you about 2.5 hours. The iBT is much longer. You can expect to be at the computer for 4 hours. Many students have an attention span of about two hours. This is the maximum length of most classes. After this amount of time performance starts to weaken. If you keep your study sessions to one or two hours, your brain will not be prepared to work for four. Start off with short study sessions, and work up to longer ones.

Arrive prepared

If you arrive at the test centre with all of the things you need, you will feel calm and ready. When you are nervous, your memory does not work as well. Make sure you know exactly how to get to the test centre and where you can park. Bring the correct amount of money for parking. If you are writing the paper based test, you should have a number of pencils, a pencil sharpener and a few erasers that don't smudge.

Pace yourself

Plan to arrive at the test centre at least 30 minutes ahead of time. Wear a watch. This is especially important if you are taking the paper based test. Some exam rooms do not have clocks. The iBT has a clock on the screen, however, you should still wear a watch to make sure that you arrive on time!

Improve your typing skills

You will have to fill out your answers on the computer and type your essay. If you rely on a few fingers to type, consider improving your typing skills before taking the TOEFL. Make sure that you are confident typing on a QWERTY keyboard.

Become an expert note taker

You will be able to take notes in each section as you take the TOEFL iBT. Note taking is allowed because it is an important skill you need for taking university or college courses.

Answer every question

Never leave a question blank. Eliminate all of the answers you know are wrong and then make an educated guess. You have a 25% chance of getting the correct answer. When you finish a section or question, try to put it out of your mind. Whether you are reading, listening, or answering a question, put all of your concentration on the task at hand.

Strengthen all skills i.e. listening, writing, reading and speaking

Some people make the mistake of taking the test too soon. Perhaps your reading, listening, and writing skills are ready, but your speaking skills still need work. If you do very poorly on one section of the test, you will have to retake the entire test. You can't redo one section. Make sure that you are ready to take the whole test when you register.

Refer to the official TOEFL website

The official TOEFL website (www.toefl.com) has a number of helpful things that you can download for free. They will supply you with a list of writing topics for the essay. You can also find important information about test centres and test updates. Many of your questions can be answered here. You will also get hints about which resources are worth buying.

IELTS Preparation

In Listening, use the example at the beginning of the first section to familiarize yourself with the sound, the situation, and the speakers.

Keep listening until the recording stops, looking only at the questions that relate to the part being played.

There are often pauses in the recording between different sections. Use these to prepare for the next set of questions.

Answer Listening questions in the order they appear on the Question Paper. Remember that they normally follow the order of the information in the recording.
At the end of the recording you have some time to transfer your answers to the Answer Sheet. Check your grammar and spelling as you do so.

In Academic Reading, begin by going quickly through each passage to identify features such as the topic, the style, the likely source, the writer's purpose and the intended reader.

As you read, don't try to understand the precise meaning of every word or phrase. You don't have time, and those parts of the text might not be tested anyway.

Reading tasks sometimes have an example answer. If this is the case, study it and decide why it is correct.

Some tasks require you to use words from the text in the answer; in others you should use your own words. Check the instructions carefully.

The instructions may also include a word limit, e.g. Use no more than three words. Keep to this by avoiding unnecessary words in your answer.

In Academic Writing, you must always keep to the topic set. Never try to prepare sections of text before the exam.

Keep to the suggested timing: there are more marks possible for Task 2 than Task 1.

Organize and link your ideas and sentences appropriately, using a wide range of language and showing your ability (in Task 2) to discuss ideas and express opinions.