Study Abroad: Tips to prepare for TOEFL, IELTS by Ritu Rahul Rathod

 IELTS and TOEFL are English proficiency tests that applicants must pass to be eligible for the plethora of study abroad opportunities available. These tests are widely accepted and are usually mandatory for one to be accepted into a foreign university. In fact, even employers in English speaking countries will ask for a score from one of these tests to consider you for employment. Hence, if you are someone who plans to work or study abroad, you must prove your English proficiency by passing one of these tests. To help you navigate the journey of giving the TOEFL or IELTS exams, The Telegraph Online Edugraph brings you expert tips from Mrs Ritu Rahul Rathod.

Mrs Rathod has been mentoring students in the English language for the past 35 years in Mumbai, New York and across the world and has earned herself all-round respect and credit. Till date, she has coached nearly 10,000 students who are now proud and successful citizens of the world. She encourages independent inquiry and nurtures an open mind to help children develop a lifelong interest in language and literature to appreciate formal stylistic and aesthetic qualities of text. Read below to know her tips and strategies for cracking through the exam.

1) From your 35+ years of experience, please give our readers a guide to cracking the TOEFL exams.

Taking the TOEFL can be a very stressful experience because of many reasons. You have to get a specific score to get into your dream college. A lot of money is involved as well, to sit for the test. Besides, you have to dedicate a lot of time to prepare for the test. The test center may be located in a crowded place with a lot of noise. You may not have slept too well the previous night. Unfortunately, you cannot change any of that! But preparing for TOEFL with enough time on hand is the best you can do to lower your stress levels on the day of the test. Here are 5 TOEFL preparation strategies I can suggest:

1. Practice Taking Notes: During TOEFL, you will be allowed to listen to the audio clips just once. Based on what you hear, you have to answer questions, speak, or write. Since you cannot replay the audio, you should take down notes and do it well.

• Try to take down notes either in your native language or in English as much as possible. You should practice both.
• You should try to listen carefully and learn to take down notes in real time, without missing any of the points. Try to listen to diverse audio clips of various lengths and complexity levels.
• To check how well you have taken down the notes, you should listen to the same clip again.
• Do not miss out on elementary things like the pattern of your notes and make sure you are able to read what you write.
• It will help you immensely if you are able to take down notes with all the important information in real time and with confidence. This will not only help you clear your TOEFL, but also in your future studies.
  
  2. Take Mock Tests: When you start preparing for TOEFL, you are surely aiming for a certain score. To understand whether you are getting closer to that, you must take as many mock tests as you can. These will help you get an actual feel of the test environment, question types, and challenges that you may face on the big day. There are many ways to take mock TOEFL tests, such as using past test papers to track how you are progressing.
  
  3. Practice Reading Every Day: You must practice reading every day. Native English speakers, too, build their vocabularies through reading. The more you read, the more exposure you get to new concepts and words. And the more carefully you read, the more you make your reading comprehension skills stronger. Read widely and carefully to expand your range of subjects. You never know what subjects you will have to deal with in your TOEFL, so it is best to make your comfort zone wider.
  
  4. Listen to Podcasts: Today, there are many options available online. You get lots of English language talks, such as radio and podcasts by the BBC and NPR, besides comedy and news programs. Listening to native English speakers at their natural speed will improve your listening comprehension skill. Besides, you can improve your speaking skills by trying to repeat the words the speaker says. Understanding an audio clip is harder than understanding a video because you do not get any context clues. That is why podcasts are better for Listening Comprehension practice.
  
  5. Learn Typing: In the writing section, you have to type your answers on an unfamiliar computer with a QWERTY keyboard. If you take time on typing out your answers, you will not get much time to write an essay of high quality. It may be a simple skill, but many people do not spend time on it. So, even before you start preparing for TOEFL, make sure you learn to type in English quickly on a QWERTY keyboard. There are plenty of free tools available online to help you learn to type quickly.

2) Thank you for your insights on the TOEFL exam. Please elaborate on the IELTS exam as well.

Try to devote time to improve your computer skills. Now, Internet-based Test (iBT) is the most common format for IELTS. If you are not adept with the computer, it can make you nervous, and will also slow you down. Try to spend time to understand the pattern of the questions. It will help you in many ways if you can boost your memory. Try to develop your essay writing skills and, finally, learn to manage time really well.

3) What is the best way for students to prepare for IELTS after your secondary exams?

There is no ‘best way’ to prepare for IELTS after the secondary exams because it depends on individual candidates. Some may take just a few days, while others will need months. But, basically, you should take as many mock tests as possible to make sure you understand the test format perfectly. Try to be aware of the exam’s time constraints and take mock tests in real-time. Try to improve your English speaking abilities and follow a strategy to prepare for the test. Multitask when listening to audio clips in English. Try to read up as much as you can on a wide range of subjects.

4) Which are some of the best courses to study in Western countries?

There are endless study opportunities in countries like the US, UK, Canada and Australia. You can study courses such as Bachelor of Business and Management; Bachelor of Computer Science and IT; Bachelor of Electrical Engineering; Bachelor of Civil Engineering and Construction; Bachelor of Medicine; Bachelor of Architecture; Bachelor of Design; Bachelor of International Relations; Bachelor of Business Administration; Diploma in Business Administration; BS in Management Science; BA in Management Science; BA in Finance Management; BA in Accounting Management; B.Com (Finance and Accounting); Teachers’ Training Courses; Bachelor of Library and Information Science and Bachelor of Library Science and many others.

When it comes down to these two entrances for studying abroad, nothing beats the advantage of proper planning. Hence, it is advisable that instead of blindly reading all the material, plan every step for your preparation to smartly approach the entrance exam. Edugraph wishes you all the best for your career abroad.

Nancy Jaiswal

Source: The Telegraph India, 13/03/23

Quote of the Day March 9, 2023

 

“The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas.”
Linus Pauling, chemist, (1901-1994)

“कई सारी कल्पनाएं करना ही एक अच्छी कल्पना कर पाने का सर्वोत्तम तरीका है।”
लिनस पौलिंग, रसायनशास्त्री (1901-1994)

Current Affairs-March 7-8, 2023

 

INDIA

• India to send 20,000 MT of wheat to Afghanistan via Chabahar: Ministry of External Affairs
• Dr Manik Saha to be sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Tripura.
• Second Meeting of Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion concludes in Hyderabad.
• Final day of Jan Aushadhi Diwas celebrated as Aao Jan Aushadhi Mitra Banein.
• Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri launches Swachhotsav under Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0’.
• Nagaland’s first woman Minister Salhoutuonuo Kruse assumes office on Women’s Day eve.

ECONOMY & CORPORATE

• BSE & UN Women India launches a new programme ‘FinEMPOWER’, at Bombay Stock Exchange
• Adani Power has amalgamated its six subsidiaries with itself after receiving NCLT nod.
• Power Grid Corporation of India has approved two transmission projects worth ₹4,070.98 crore.

WORLD

• UN: Damage from catastrophic earthquake that struck Türkiye and Syria has been estimated at over 100 billion dollars for Türkiye.
• International Women’s Day is being celebrated on the theme of “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”.
• India and Ethiopia are set to finalize stalled agreements on visa waiver and sister-city projects.

SPORTS

• Hockey India (HI) announced a new programme to unearth talent and improve the bench strength.
• India’s Ankita Raina-Prarthana Thombare enter doubles quarter-finals in ITF Women’s Open.
• Novak Djokovic withdraws from Indian Wells amid US visa row.

Current Affairs- March 9, 2023

 

INDIA

• Election Commission will host the 3rd International Conference on the theme ‘Inclusive Elections and Elections Integrity’.
• India pavilion at ‘Middle east energy 2023’ showcases electrical equipment and other power devices.
• Ministry of Information and Broadcasting inaugurated a multimedia exhibition on the theme of ‘Women Empowerment’ on the occasion of Women’s Day.
• Governor R.N. Ravi returns Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Bill, that bans online gambling.
• Indian Navy’s major Operational level exercise TROPEX 2023, conducted across the expanse of IOR culminated in the Arabian Sea.

ECONOMY & CORPORATE

• Government says that Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 will apply to trade in cryptocurrencies or virtual assets.
• Centre directs NAFED, NCCF for immediate intervention in market for purchase of red onion.
• Maharashtra economic survey reveals 6.8% growth in State; highest growth of 10.2 percent was projected in agricultural and allied sector.
• SEBI: Investors must link PAN to Aadhaar by March 31

WORLD

• Colombia has opened military service to women for the first time in 25 years.
• Arun Subramanian becomes first Indian-American to be Judge of Manhattan Federal District Court in New York
• At least 18 people killed and over 100 people were injured in an explosion in Bangladesh capital Dhaka
• Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived on a two-day visit to Gujarat.
• UN: Afghanistan is world’s most repressive country for women.

SPORTS

• BWF German Open: India’s Lakshya Sen, Tasnim Mir lose in first round

‘Dhara: An Ode to Indian Knowledge Systems’ Initiative

 The Ministry of Culture’s flagship initiative, “Dhara: An Ode to Indian Knowledge Systems,” has completed its first year. During this year, 10 successful conferences were organized on various themes highlighting India’s civilizational achievements. The program aims to promote and revive multiple domains of Indian knowledge systems by creating public awareness, stakeholder participation, and a framework for their promotion. A key execution partner for this series is the Indian Knowledge Systems Division of the Ministry of Education. It is a part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

First series of DHARA

The first series of the initiative is to be dedicated to the contributions made by our ancestors in the field of mathematics. According to the Culture Ministry, the mathematics field in the country has a long history starting from the invention of Zero. Some of the texts to be highlighted in the series are SULBA SUTRAS and CHANDA SASTRA.

Bringing back lost glory

The Suba Sutra is one of the oldest texts and dates back to 800 BCE. The Pythagoras theorem was actually invented by India as per Sulba Sutra. Pythagoras invented it very late and took the credit. Through these events, India is trying to spread the message that our history is deep-rooted. And we have been the best in every field since ancient times.

Chanda Sastra

It is one of the six major parts of the Vedas. This was the centre of the composition of Vedas. Sanskrit pronunciations have mathematical calculations involved. Every syllable in the Sanskrit hymns has a fixed rhythm.  How long should the word be pronounced? And every verse has a fixed number of syllables. Basically, the Chanda Dastra was full of maths that dealt with the calculations in Vedic hymns. Scholars learnt Chanda Sastra first before learning the Vedic hymns!

Way Forward

The next phase of Dhara will focus on the metallurgical, agricultural, and ancient economic traditions of India. Each conference focuses on historicity, diversity, and innovative methodologies to bring them to national consciousness, promoting academic research, and empowering the youth.

What is Structural Transformation?

 Structural transformation in economics is the shift in labour force from agriculture to high-productivity sectors like manufacturing and modern services. It is a compositional shift caused by the transfer of surplus labour from the farms to better-paying sectors. It is expected to result in increased productivity and higher incomes.

Why is Structural Transformation in News?

The recently released annual Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) report for 2021-22 shows that the farm sector still employs a significant proportion of the labour force in India, at 45.5%. Although this figure has decreased slightly from 46.5% in 2020-21, it is still higher than the 2018-19 low of 42.5%. This indicates that the economic disruptions caused by the pandemic, which led to a migration back to the farms, have not yet been fully resolved. Notably, the structural transformation has been slowing down since 2011-12.

What is the Structural Transformation that occurred in India in 1991?

Liberalization, Privatization, and Globalization. This structural transformation was brought in under the New Economic Policy that was launched in 1991. Mr PV Narasimha Rao was the then PM and Dr Manmohan Singh was the then Finance Minister. The main aim of this structural transformation was to make India more market-oriented, reduce the inflation rate, increase the growth rate of the economy, increase the flow of economic goods in the country, etc.

What was the Structural Transformation that occurred in India during the Colonial period?

Industrialization and Urbanization. There was a movement of people. For instance, people in present-day Jharkhand moved to work in tea plantations in Assam. During the colonial period, industrialization in some parts of the country led to deindustrialization in other parts. Cities like Surat and Masulipatnam declined. And cities like Bombay and Madras grew. The Structural transformation during the colonial period brought in huge changes. These changes were predominantly witnessed in production systems, the density of settlements, and technology. And a major change was seen in the way of life of the people.

Cheating eye: Editorial on challenges involving online education

 The ethical crisis — parents are complicit in helping their wards to cheat — is, of course, a manifestation of the spirit of unhealthy competition that is the bane of modernity

There seems to be an element of permanence about online education. In higher education, the enrolment for online education grew by 170% between 2021 and 2022 and by 41.7% for open and distance learning. But this medium comes with attendant — emerging — challenges. For instance, the mental and physical health of teachers has deteriorated with the rise of the digital classroom. Initially, teachers ill-equipped to handle technology found it difficult to use online platforms like Zoom and Google Meet to impart knowledge while keeping their students engaged. More recently, a study published in the peer-reviewed journal, PLOS One, has revealed that a staggering 55% of teachers who were forced to work online for more than six hours a day suffered physical discomforts such as headaches, eye strain, back pain and neck pain. A majority of the respondents also admitted that they experienced a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, mood swings, along with feelings of restlessness, hopelessness, and loneliness. These, however, are not the only problems associated with online education. Almost two-thirds of the teachers administering tests are reported to be sceptical about the quality of the answer scripts owing to the adoption of dishonest means by examinees. The culture of cheating in academia is, admittedly, not new. What is worrying though is that traditional deterrents — invigilation, for instance — are proving to be ineffective in the online mode. In fact, students have come up with ingenious means to escape scrutiny, taking refuge in the excuse of poor connectivity during online tests to dodge measures taken by invigilators like asking examinees to install a mirror behind them while the test is on. 

This only goes to show that the erosion of ethics remains persistent even as education evolves. The ethical crisis — parents are complicit in helping their wards to cheat — is, of course, a manifestation of the spirit of unhealthy competition that is the bane of modernity. If traditional deterrents are not working in the online system, pedagogical and evaluation techniques need to change. Instead of being asked to memorise facts and spill them onto the answer sheet, students should be taught to think critically and apply that subjective knowledge in their examination. This would not only discourage learners from adopting unfair means — the latter would become redundant — but also sharpen their analytical skills, which are mandatory for education and future employment.

Source: The Telegraph, 8/03/23