ESL Learners Test Preparation

ESL Learners Test Preparation Its important to prepare well for big tests - especially for exams like the TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge First Certificate (FCE). This guide will help you take steps towards doing your very best on the big day. Know Your Test First things first: Find out about the test! Reading test-specific preparation materials will help you understand your strengths and weaknesses on specific topic areas covered in the test. Understanding which types of problems are easiest and which are most difficult will help you develop a study plan for the test. While developing your plan, take note of grammar, vocabulary, listening, speaking and writing expectations. Also, take note of specific exercise types on your exam. Preparing for the TOEFLPreparing for the First Certificate ExamPreparing for the IELTS Practice, Practice, Practice Once you have established a study plan, youll need to do lots of practice. Practice begins with understanding the subjects that will be included in reading, writing and listening. If youre not taking a course, using advanced level resources at this site can help you study up and practice grammar, build vocabulary, as well as improve writing techniques and listening skills. Advanced Grammar ResourcesAdvanced Writing ResourcesAdvanced Vocabulary Resources Practice Specific Types of Test Problems So youve studied up on your grammar, writing, and vocabulary, now youll need to apply these skills to specific types of exercises you will find on your exam. There are a number of free and paid resources available on the Internet. Cambridge Exams Practice Materials Take Practice Tests After you have become familiar with the types of exercises on your test, youll want to practice taking the test as often as possible. For this purpose, the best thing to do is purchase one of the many books that provide practice tests for the TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge Exams. Top TOEFL Study MaterialsTop First Certificate Study Materials Prepare Yourself - Test Taking Strategy Shortly before the big day, youll also want to spend some time developing specific test taking skills. These skills include strategies on multiple choice questions, timing, and other issues. Effective Test Taking Strategies Prepare Yourself - Understand the Test Structure When you understand the general techniques required to do well on a test, youll also want to study specific exercise techniques to help you develop a strategy for each type of question. These links focus on specific exercises that youll find on the Cambridges First Certificate Exam. However, these types of exercises are found on most of the major exams in one form or another.