Saturday, July 10, 2004
Good Suggestions on The TOEFL From Japan
How To Improve TOEFL Listening Comprehension
丗丗 丗 [99/08/07]
At about this time each year, many Japanese become frustrated with their lack of progress on Section 1 of the TOEFL. Their highest section score is typically Section 2, Structure and Written Expression, which tests basic English grammar and lends itself to easily memorized rules. They may notice gradual progress in achieving a good score Section 3, Reading Comprehension. Yet their score on Listening Comprehension remains below 60(Paper-based test).
Admissions officers look closely at the Section 1 score on TOEFL because it is the best indicator of ability to comprehend fast-paced idiomatic English in the classroom. Unless you can understand the English spoken in class,you can't contribute to the discussion, and if you can't contribute to the discussion, your value as a student representative of Japan is questionable.
Here are several practical tips to boost your listening comprehension score on TOEFL and your general English language listening ability.
A. General Advice for Both the Paper-based Test (PBT) and Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Take TOEFL Tests Often
Take the actual TOEFL test monthly until you achieve your score targets,and take the ETS-licensed simulated TOEFL test monthly as an actual test'warm-up'. This simulated test is known as the Institutional Testing Program (ITP). Interface administers the test at the end of every month.Our course consists of an actual TOEFL test given and review of critical listening techniques.
Practice Dictation Exercises
To train your listening skills, listen to a listening test, and practice dictation based on a professionally prepared transcript of the practice test. The transcript will omit the key words that are important for you to find the correct answer, based on listening patterns that you must master.By filling in the missing words, you will improve your listening sensitivity. Because the transcript is professionally prepared, there are no mistakes in it.
Improve Your Concentration
The ability to concentrate is crucial on Section 1. Daily exercise to improve your concentration is thus important. Learn to block out any distracting thoughts during the TOEFL. Do not think about anything except the English that you hear on the tape.
Answer the Question, And Move On
Once you answer a question, do not change your answer, or worry about whether an answer choice that you have made is correct. Our statistics demonstrate that test-takers do not generally improve their score by changing answers. In fact, often they just change an answer that was right to one that was wrong. Memory retention is limited. Worrying about an answer already made distracts from the need to concentrate. If you lose your concentration, you may miss several questions in a row.
Take Every Occasion To Practice English
If you have native English speakers working in your organization, invite them to lunch. They will be most willing to accept your invitation.
If you can, join extracurricular activities that involve the participation of native English speakers. Your Interface person-to-person counselor will provide advice about which organizations are highly worthwhile.
Read English Newspapers, Books and Magazines
When you read, you are 'listening' to what you read mentally. You 'hear'English words. You remember vocabulary. The richer your vocabulary, the greater your reading ability and your listening ability.
Listen to News and Entertainment Programs on the Radio and on TV
The Far East Network (FEN) radio broadcasts news programs every hour on the hour. Try to listen to such news once or twice a day. If you have cable TV,listen to your favorite programs on CNN, including business news, Asian news, sports news, and news about science and technology.
Rent English language videos, and gradually improve your knowledge of idiomatic English. Not only will your TOEFL score improve, but your 'real world' English ability will improve, vital for your success in school.
Practice English on the Telephone
Understanding English on the telephone is harder than understanding English face-to-face, because you do not have visual clues to help you comprehend.Call your English-speaking friends on the telephone to improve your listening understanding of idiomatic English.
Become Familiar with the U.S. Academic Environment
On both the paper-based test (PBT) and Part A of the computer-based test(CBT), many of the short conversations or dialogues are between students in an academic setting. In fact, the conversation on Part A of the CBT is always conversation involving university life. Be generally familiar with the academic environment in the U.S. and the vocabulary that relates to a university. One way to meet this goal is to read the university bulletins that are sent to you.
Become Familiar with General Academic Subjects
By reading English magazines and watching CNN special programs on TV, you can acquire a general knowledge of academic subjects discussed on TOEFL lectures. These subjects include Art, Science, History and other fields studied at the undergraduate level in a university
CNN features special programs about art, music, and technology. Watch them when you can. Read about American history whenever you see articles in magazines or books about this subject.
Master TOEFL Listening Patterns.
Enroll in a TOEFL preparation course to learn complex listening patterns and techniques that are not easily mastered through textbooks. Make sure that your instructor has lengthy experience teaching TOEFL, and is a native English speaker. Trying to learn sophisticated English listening patterns from a non-native English speaker will not maximize your progress, just as trying to master Japanese language listening and pronunciation from a non-Japanese teacher is not the best way to become fluent in Japanese.
Strengthen Your Ability in the Most Challenging Areas
The most difficult test areas in Section 1 are questions that test:
丗Tone (Voice Emphasis on Certain Words and Phrases)
丗Phrasal Verbs
丗Other Idioms
The tone of the speaker's voice can signal a variety of feelings including surprise, agreement, disagreement, dismay, and sarcasm.
Your instructor will teach you to recognize these critical listening patterns that appear frequently on TOEFL tests.
Phrasal verbs and other idioms are challenging because they are not commonly studied in Japanese high school and university English courses.
Study Phrasal Verbs in 'Families'.
For example, one basic 'family' of phrasal verbs often heard on the TOEFL consists of the verb 'turn' followed by a variety of prepositional choices.
Turn in
Turn out
Turn up
Turn off
Turn around
Turn back
Turn aside
Turn inside out
Turn upside down
Turn to
These phrasal verbs form the basis of numerous idiomatic expressions, such as:
"Turn thumbs down," meaning to reject someone or something
"I was shocked that the steering committee turned thumbs down on my proposal."
Write Down New Vocabulary in a Notebook, or Make Vocabulary Cards
Vocabulary is the basic building block of all English. Unless you build English vocabulary, your listening comprehension will be limited. Make the study of vocabulary a regular (daily) part of your study plan.
Arrive at the Test Center Early
When you are late, you are nervous, and when you are nervous, you can't concentrate. Arrive at the test center early, take your seat early, and use the remaining time before the test begins to work on your concentration.
Do not stay up studying all night before the test. Get a good night's sleep. Relax. If you are tired on the day of the test, you will not maximize your score potential. Make sure you have a nice breakfast or lunch before taking the test. The test is long and you can't eat anything in the test center.
B. Other Advice About the Paper-based Test (PBT)
Choose TOEFL Listening Facilities Carefully
Some test centers have better listening facilities than others. In general,large test centers, especially universities, are not a good as smaller centers. We have heard that sometimes a university administrator blasts a message on a loud speaker system, drowning out the ETS speaker. The quality of the sound equipment can make a big difference.
Complain If Necessary
If the quality of the tape is bad, complain immediately. Do not wait until the actual test begins. Once the actual test begins, it is too late. ETS will not respond to your complaint later. Be assertive. Go up to the test administrator during the pre-test sound testing phase, and demand that the listening tape be adjusted for volume. If someone next to you is making noise, or coughing, go up to the test administrator before the text begins,and ask to change your seat.
Train Yourself to Answer Questions Early
Manage your time. On the paper-based test, develop a pace so that you finish answering a question (marking your answer sheet) a few seconds before the next question begins. Then use that time to look ahead at the answer choices for the next question, anticipating the possible pattern.When the next question begins, concentrate on listening.
In lectures, the first sentence or sentences provide the topic of the lecture. Listen carefully to this introduction, which is often the source of a question.
C. Other Advice about the Computer-based Test (CBT)
Don't waste time reading the directions.
If you are taking the computer-based test (CBT), there is no 12 second interval between questions. You can take the time you wish to answer a question, but your total time on the listening section is limited. Don't waste time reading directions that consume precious time. Know the directions before you take the test. To eliminate the need to read directions, immediately press the "Dismiss Directions" at the top right of your computer screen.
Adjust the Volume on The CBT Immediately
Don't wait until the test begins to adjust the volume on the Computer-based Test. Adjust it during the tutorial phase. The clock is not running then.The volume icon is located at the bottom of your computer screen.
Develop Computer Mechanical Skills
The three-step mechanical technique for taking the Computer-based test are
Select your answer by clicking on one of the four ovals next to the answer choices.
Click on the "Next Question" Icon
Click on the "Answer Confirm" Icon
Practice this mechanical procedure so that you can follow it effortlessly and save precious time.
Do Not Look at the Picture on Part A
The picture shown on the computer-based test will not provide clues about the answer. In fact, the picture will distract you. You will begin to concentrate on how the students are dressed or other details that are useless.
Do Not Look at the Professor or Students on Part B
Part B consists of Long Conversations and Lectures. Do not pay attention to the appearance of the professor and students shown in this part of the Listening Section. Concentrate on listening to the lectures or long conversations. The way the professor looks, whether the students or male or female, black or white, fat or thin, is irrelevant to finding the right answer.
Pay Attention to Graphs, Diagrams, or Charts Shown
Do pay attention to any graphs, diagrams or charts that are shown during the lectures. The English spoken to describe or explain them is very important as sources for questions.
Good luck. And let us know of your progress. To assist your studies, we will soon be introducing a phrasal verb or idiom on our Home Page frequently. So check it out regularly.
丗丗 丗 [99/08/07]
At about this time each year, many Japanese become frustrated with their lack of progress on Section 1 of the TOEFL. Their highest section score is typically Section 2, Structure and Written Expression, which tests basic English grammar and lends itself to easily memorized rules. They may notice gradual progress in achieving a good score Section 3, Reading Comprehension. Yet their score on Listening Comprehension remains below 60(Paper-based test).
Admissions officers look closely at the Section 1 score on TOEFL because it is the best indicator of ability to comprehend fast-paced idiomatic English in the classroom. Unless you can understand the English spoken in class,you can't contribute to the discussion, and if you can't contribute to the discussion, your value as a student representative of Japan is questionable.
Here are several practical tips to boost your listening comprehension score on TOEFL and your general English language listening ability.
A. General Advice for Both the Paper-based Test (PBT) and Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Take TOEFL Tests Often
Take the actual TOEFL test monthly until you achieve your score targets,and take the ETS-licensed simulated TOEFL test monthly as an actual test'warm-up'. This simulated test is known as the Institutional Testing Program (ITP). Interface administers the test at the end of every month.Our course consists of an actual TOEFL test given and review of critical listening techniques.
Practice Dictation Exercises
To train your listening skills, listen to a listening test, and practice dictation based on a professionally prepared transcript of the practice test. The transcript will omit the key words that are important for you to find the correct answer, based on listening patterns that you must master.By filling in the missing words, you will improve your listening sensitivity. Because the transcript is professionally prepared, there are no mistakes in it.
Improve Your Concentration
The ability to concentrate is crucial on Section 1. Daily exercise to improve your concentration is thus important. Learn to block out any distracting thoughts during the TOEFL. Do not think about anything except the English that you hear on the tape.
Answer the Question, And Move On
Once you answer a question, do not change your answer, or worry about whether an answer choice that you have made is correct. Our statistics demonstrate that test-takers do not generally improve their score by changing answers. In fact, often they just change an answer that was right to one that was wrong. Memory retention is limited. Worrying about an answer already made distracts from the need to concentrate. If you lose your concentration, you may miss several questions in a row.
Take Every Occasion To Practice English
If you have native English speakers working in your organization, invite them to lunch. They will be most willing to accept your invitation.
If you can, join extracurricular activities that involve the participation of native English speakers. Your Interface person-to-person counselor will provide advice about which organizations are highly worthwhile.
Read English Newspapers, Books and Magazines
When you read, you are 'listening' to what you read mentally. You 'hear'English words. You remember vocabulary. The richer your vocabulary, the greater your reading ability and your listening ability.
Listen to News and Entertainment Programs on the Radio and on TV
The Far East Network (FEN) radio broadcasts news programs every hour on the hour. Try to listen to such news once or twice a day. If you have cable TV,listen to your favorite programs on CNN, including business news, Asian news, sports news, and news about science and technology.
Rent English language videos, and gradually improve your knowledge of idiomatic English. Not only will your TOEFL score improve, but your 'real world' English ability will improve, vital for your success in school.
Practice English on the Telephone
Understanding English on the telephone is harder than understanding English face-to-face, because you do not have visual clues to help you comprehend.Call your English-speaking friends on the telephone to improve your listening understanding of idiomatic English.
Become Familiar with the U.S. Academic Environment
On both the paper-based test (PBT) and Part A of the computer-based test(CBT), many of the short conversations or dialogues are between students in an academic setting. In fact, the conversation on Part A of the CBT is always conversation involving university life. Be generally familiar with the academic environment in the U.S. and the vocabulary that relates to a university. One way to meet this goal is to read the university bulletins that are sent to you.
Become Familiar with General Academic Subjects
By reading English magazines and watching CNN special programs on TV, you can acquire a general knowledge of academic subjects discussed on TOEFL lectures. These subjects include Art, Science, History and other fields studied at the undergraduate level in a university
CNN features special programs about art, music, and technology. Watch them when you can. Read about American history whenever you see articles in magazines or books about this subject.
Master TOEFL Listening Patterns.
Enroll in a TOEFL preparation course to learn complex listening patterns and techniques that are not easily mastered through textbooks. Make sure that your instructor has lengthy experience teaching TOEFL, and is a native English speaker. Trying to learn sophisticated English listening patterns from a non-native English speaker will not maximize your progress, just as trying to master Japanese language listening and pronunciation from a non-Japanese teacher is not the best way to become fluent in Japanese.
Strengthen Your Ability in the Most Challenging Areas
The most difficult test areas in Section 1 are questions that test:
丗Tone (Voice Emphasis on Certain Words and Phrases)
丗Phrasal Verbs
丗Other Idioms
The tone of the speaker's voice can signal a variety of feelings including surprise, agreement, disagreement, dismay, and sarcasm.
Your instructor will teach you to recognize these critical listening patterns that appear frequently on TOEFL tests.
Phrasal verbs and other idioms are challenging because they are not commonly studied in Japanese high school and university English courses.
Study Phrasal Verbs in 'Families'.
For example, one basic 'family' of phrasal verbs often heard on the TOEFL consists of the verb 'turn' followed by a variety of prepositional choices.
Turn in
Turn out
Turn up
Turn off
Turn around
Turn back
Turn aside
Turn inside out
Turn upside down
Turn to
These phrasal verbs form the basis of numerous idiomatic expressions, such as:
"Turn thumbs down," meaning to reject someone or something
"I was shocked that the steering committee turned thumbs down on my proposal."
Write Down New Vocabulary in a Notebook, or Make Vocabulary Cards
Vocabulary is the basic building block of all English. Unless you build English vocabulary, your listening comprehension will be limited. Make the study of vocabulary a regular (daily) part of your study plan.
Arrive at the Test Center Early
When you are late, you are nervous, and when you are nervous, you can't concentrate. Arrive at the test center early, take your seat early, and use the remaining time before the test begins to work on your concentration.
Do not stay up studying all night before the test. Get a good night's sleep. Relax. If you are tired on the day of the test, you will not maximize your score potential. Make sure you have a nice breakfast or lunch before taking the test. The test is long and you can't eat anything in the test center.
B. Other Advice About the Paper-based Test (PBT)
Choose TOEFL Listening Facilities Carefully
Some test centers have better listening facilities than others. In general,large test centers, especially universities, are not a good as smaller centers. We have heard that sometimes a university administrator blasts a message on a loud speaker system, drowning out the ETS speaker. The quality of the sound equipment can make a big difference.
Complain If Necessary
If the quality of the tape is bad, complain immediately. Do not wait until the actual test begins. Once the actual test begins, it is too late. ETS will not respond to your complaint later. Be assertive. Go up to the test administrator during the pre-test sound testing phase, and demand that the listening tape be adjusted for volume. If someone next to you is making noise, or coughing, go up to the test administrator before the text begins,and ask to change your seat.
Train Yourself to Answer Questions Early
Manage your time. On the paper-based test, develop a pace so that you finish answering a question (marking your answer sheet) a few seconds before the next question begins. Then use that time to look ahead at the answer choices for the next question, anticipating the possible pattern.When the next question begins, concentrate on listening.
In lectures, the first sentence or sentences provide the topic of the lecture. Listen carefully to this introduction, which is often the source of a question.
C. Other Advice about the Computer-based Test (CBT)
Don't waste time reading the directions.
If you are taking the computer-based test (CBT), there is no 12 second interval between questions. You can take the time you wish to answer a question, but your total time on the listening section is limited. Don't waste time reading directions that consume precious time. Know the directions before you take the test. To eliminate the need to read directions, immediately press the "Dismiss Directions" at the top right of your computer screen.
Adjust the Volume on The CBT Immediately
Don't wait until the test begins to adjust the volume on the Computer-based Test. Adjust it during the tutorial phase. The clock is not running then.The volume icon is located at the bottom of your computer screen.
Develop Computer Mechanical Skills
The three-step mechanical technique for taking the Computer-based test are
Select your answer by clicking on one of the four ovals next to the answer choices.
Click on the "Next Question" Icon
Click on the "Answer Confirm" Icon
Practice this mechanical procedure so that you can follow it effortlessly and save precious time.
Do Not Look at the Picture on Part A
The picture shown on the computer-based test will not provide clues about the answer. In fact, the picture will distract you. You will begin to concentrate on how the students are dressed or other details that are useless.
Do Not Look at the Professor or Students on Part B
Part B consists of Long Conversations and Lectures. Do not pay attention to the appearance of the professor and students shown in this part of the Listening Section. Concentrate on listening to the lectures or long conversations. The way the professor looks, whether the students or male or female, black or white, fat or thin, is irrelevant to finding the right answer.
Pay Attention to Graphs, Diagrams, or Charts Shown
Do pay attention to any graphs, diagrams or charts that are shown during the lectures. The English spoken to describe or explain them is very important as sources for questions.
Good luck. And let us know of your progress. To assist your studies, we will soon be introducing a phrasal verb or idiom on our Home Page frequently. So check it out regularly.
