The journey of overseas education is not an easy one. When one considers the chance of foreign yet practical education, there is a list of challenges that are always there. In addition to finding the perfect course, university, financial aid, and a place to live abroad, there are minor yet critical challenges like feeling homesick, planning and procedure of getting into your dream college, writing acceptable SOPs, and most importantly, clearing your English proficiency test.
Preparing for English proficiency exams is a crucial stepping stone for study abroad aspirants; however, with the correct approach and support, you can easily fulfil your goal of overseas education.
For many, pursuing international education is a lifelong dream. Whether seeking a world-class education or building a future abroad, proficiency in English is a crucial step towards achieving this goal.
However, studying abroad comes with its challenges, and preparing for English language proficiency exams is a significant milestone to achieve. With various tests such as IELTS and TOEFL, it is essential to know which exam is required for which destination. Each test has its unique format, content, and scoring system and understanding these differences is vital to achieving success.
How To Prepare for IELTS, TOEFL Exams?
Preparing for any exam is an overwhelming task. The stress and burden of preparing constantly for an exam because the foundation of a better future depends on how well you perform in the exams. Like every other exam, the English language proficiency tests are overwhelming too; however, with the correct strategy, you can easily crack your IELTS or TOEFL exam. This section is your ultimate step-by-step study guide to help you prepare for your English language proficiency test without worrying about anything.
So, without further waiting, let’s start with the plan suggested by Rishi Vikram Josan, Country Head – Franchise at MetaApply.
1. Know the Test and Format:
The first and foremost step you should begin with when you start your preparations for the English language proficiency test is to know the test and format completely. Having a complete knowledge of what you are going to face in the exam will help you to prepare in a better manner.
As you know there are four sections in IELTS and TOEFL exams, reading, writing, listening, and speaking, each of the sections contains different numbers of questions and timing. To be able to crack your English proficiency exams, you must familiarise yourself with the test type, the format, and even the type of questions that can be asked.
2. Set a Clear Goal:
The next step you must follow in the process of IELTS preparation is to set a clear goal. As you know there are different band scores for IELTS, TOEFL, DET, etc., so it is better you know what band score you want to achieve. Indeed, any English language exam is solely needed for an institution or organisation, when you know exactly what band score is required to get in there, it becomes easier for you to focus on your test prep.
A decided goal like the minimum TOEFL or IELTS score will help you in preparing for the exam, whether you need 8 weeks or 90 days to prepare for your exam.
3. Develop a Study Plan:
Once you have set the goal for your IELTS or TOEFL exam and know the exam format, the next step is to develop a study plan. For efficient learning, try setting realistic study goals. You should begin by creating a timetable and dividing different time slots to practice the different English language skills.
Sometimes, when you see the entire module all at once, it can be an overwhelming task, leading you to procrastinate. To be able to study efficiently, you should practice daily and instead of sitting for five hours straight, opt for the Pomodoro technique where you study for a while and then take a break.
4. Enhance Each Skill:
As you know there are four sections in the English language proficiency test, mainly reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Based on your abilities, you will know how much time you need to invest in practicing the asked skills. Knowing that you must be fluent in each of the sections for a comfortable stay abroad, it is better if you practice every day.
For some efficient tricks, you can use the morning time for reading and writing. When it comes to listening and speaking, you can use any time of the day to listen to more English content, besides that, try thinking and communicating in English for fearless English speaking.
5. Take Mock Test:
Finally, the only thing that will make you test-ready is when you take as many mock tests as possible. To know the format of an exam is good, but to know what kind of questions you will be answering gives you a better understanding of the exam. So, in your IELTS preparation timeframe, it is better you not only work on the betterment of your skills but also take as many mock tests as you can.
This will not only help you to know what kind of questions you will be facing, but how you can finish your exam within the allotted time. The mock test will help you figure out what your weaknesses are and how you can make them your strengths.