A Simple Habit To Improve Your TOEFL And IELTS Scores

University applications are challenging for most students. One thing you can count on for sure, if you’re applying to study abroad, is that you will be asked to take a test of English language. You may be asked to take this test even if your education thus far had been in English. This could either be the TOEFL, or IELTS, or a university-specific test. Many non-native speakers of the English language worry that their lack of fluency will hold them back. Whether you need a perfect score, or to just meet the minimum requirement, a high TOEFL score can only benefit your application.

Both the TOEFL and IELTS are tests of English fluency for non-native speakers. These tests measure your ability to use and understand English at an academic level. They evaluate how well you combine your listening, reading, speaking and writing skills to perform academic tasks. Which means that comprehension and ease are given more importance than rote learning. In fact, often times answers that read as word-for-word definitions come off as jarring and stilted.

(source: azimuthacademy.com)

The key to improving your scores on English language tests is not in knowing how to answer each question, but being prepared for the types of questions you might face. These tests measure your fluency in English not mastery.  You cannot be expected to memorize every vocabulary word in any prep book. Nor can you remember every single grammar rule. What you need to do, however, is understand the basics of sentence formation and flow of language.

While this seems complicated and confusing, you only need to look at your native or first language to realize that you’ve been doing that since you were a child, without even thinking about it. This fluency comes with a deeper understanding of how the language works rather than a structural understanding of its rules. The way to improve your comprehension and command of the language is to practice. There are many ways to practice–spend more time talking to native speakers of English, watch TV shows and movies in English while focusing on how the words and phrases are used colloquially and formally, and, our favorite, read more books.

(source: nottingham.ac.uk)

Reading books can help with getting a stronger grasp on language. It is written, so you can go through it over and over again, or look up the phrases that confuse you. There are endless options in countless genres to interest anyone and everyone. You can get books that are written for native speakers, or start at a more basic level. Even if you’re reading a science fiction book, or pokemon fan-fiction, chances are, you are already increasing your vocabulary. Books are definitely cheaper than prep-classes and can be more entertaining too.

So, this begs the question, how do you start reading? If you feel like it is not as simple as picking up a book and just reading, don’t worry. You are not alone. Sometimes books feel too long to get through, or just not entertaining enough. Some books feel like the perfect medicine for insomnia. Others, often feel too complicated to understand. These are all very common complaints from students. Reading does require a longer attention span and dedication. So, how do students make reading a habit?

(source: opticianonline.net)

The easiest way, of course, is to start reading from a very young age. Kids’ minds are very pliable. Kids observe the world around them and pick up habits that parents often don’t even realize. Since the easiest way kids learn is through observation, one can start very young. For example, parents can read bedtime stories to children, and as they grow older, you can make them read along with you. You can take older children to the library, set reading time together and make them understand that books give them access to a whole new universe of infinite stories. When you encourage them to read with you, you are showing them that books aren’t boring or only for school. By providing them with books that interest them you are setting in a life-long habit will benefit them.

(source: 3.bp.blogspot.com)

If you are reading this and are about to sit for an English test in the near future, don’t despair. It is never too late. All kinds of books, even the educational books you can use to practice for class will help develop your language skills. Remember, practice makes perfect and reading is a great habit to have no matter when you start. Reading has many benefits beyond just improving your language skills. With reading you gain perspective, and the more perspective you have, the more you are able to think critically with an open mind.