The basics of IELTS, TOEFL & PTE

 

The IELTS, TOEFL & PTE are all in essence the same exam – an English Language test. While it may seem cumbersome to many to take up one of these exams, it is necessary to take them when moving to an English speaking country for either studying abroad or if you are trying to apply for PR (Permanent Residency).

These tests are conducted in order to test the English language proficiency of the candidates so that when they move to the country in question (mostly Canada, UK or Australia), they will not find it hard to interact with the local population and at the same time can integrate easily into the community.

So, what then is needed to do well on these tests?

It is a simple enough answer. Can you communicate well in English to a reasonable extent where you do not hinder the productivity of either your classmates or your colleagues depending on your purpose of immigration?

Listed below are a few of the main topics that need to be covered in order to perform well on these tests:

Basic Grammar –

can you form a cohesive and meaningful sentence with all the right syntax? Because if you cannot, then you clearly need help with learning the language. This means that before you begin preparing for your IELTS or TOEFL or PTE tests, you must first take up English language classes.

Subject – Verb Agreement –

this is a key concept in the formation of sentences and the proficiency of communication. An improper Subject – Verb combination can easily highlight your lack of knowledge of the English language and will result in you losing points unnecessarily.

Tenses –

Past, present, or future? That is a big question for a lot of non-native English language speakers. Candidates from countries where English is the official language of communication can often find themselves in a position where they believe that they know how to communicate effectively but when compared to the standards that the Western world expects, they can fall woefully short.

Voice –

Active and passive voice are amongst the most confusing concepts for those who do not think in English. It is hard enough to explain as a concept if you have not already clearly understood it when you were being taught in school. However, if you can keep your sentences short and succinct then it becomes relatively easy to differentiate between when to use which voice.

Mood and Tone –

The mood and tone of a sentence are the indicators of what the intent behind the sentence is. Often times we speak a sentence but we in fact mean it is a question or sometimes vice versa – that is when we have a rhetorical question.

These are the most important areas that need to be concentrated upon in order to perform well on any of these English language proficiency tests. So keep in mind that even if you feel that you know English well enough, be humble and open to learning the language the way it is meant to be learned and used.