Your English test date is getting closer and closer but until now, you don't even know where to start. In most cases, you'll be tested on four different skills, not to mention grammar and vocabulary knowledge. So how to prepare for the exam?

If self-study is not the best solution for you, go to an English tutor in Vietnam to study with a native teacher. They will help you make a study plan to achieve the expected exam results, and at the same time, they will be the supervisor and encourage you to study hard for the exam.

How to prepare for the English test to be successful?

Understand the content and format of the exam

The main English tests are divided into different English skills: Speaking - Listening - Reading - Writing. Before planning your English test, you need to find out in advance the typical test questions for each skill and the time you will have to complete each question.

You should also make specific calculations before the test date, including:

+ Smaller details about the exam, such as how many times you will listen to the test recordings or the type of topic you will write about.

+ Where is the test centre located or if you can take the test online?

+ What can you bring to the test centre during the day?

If you want to learn about all the topics covered in the IELTS and TOEFL exams, check out Eclass's complete guide to IELTS vs TOEFL. Knowing all about the exam will make it easier for you to take the next steps: establish focus and make a solid plan.

Focus on improving your weakness

Before studying for an English test, ask yourself: what skill am I weakest in?

Most of the time, all four language skills are weighted equally in the English exam, so you shouldn't spend a lot of time working on the skills in which you are already strong. You should spend more time working on your weaknesses.

If you've taken a similar test before, look it over carefully and make a note of where you went wrong. Or, you can check your current skill level by taking an instant practice test. Either way, you'll notice which skill you're the worst at.

Many students consider the listening section to be the hardest part of the TOEFL exam, mainly because you have to answer information that you only heard once in English. If you need to practice listening skills quickly then listening exercises will help you prepare well.

Wherever you need to improve, focus more on your study schedule to improve your skills and you will get a better score overall for your exam.

Schedule actual classes

There's nothing worse than cramming in at the last minute before the test and feeling, "I should have prepared better!" If you don't already have a class schedule, start building one now.

Keep a journal, make an excel spreadsheet, or even just write on a large piece of paper that you can stick on the wall. Allocate your time wisely, focus on the skills you are weakest in, and try to practice two or three times a day. The ideal work schedule is to work for 52 minutes and rest for 17 minutes. Here is an example:

11h00-11h30: Vocabulary - Use memory card application.

12:30 - 1:30: Writing - Write a 3-page article in English.

14.00-15:00: Listen - Listen to English podcasts and take note of new vocabulary words.

15:30 - 16:30: Speak - Chat with an English-speaking friend or learn English with native speakers.

Your study plan should break down large amounts of material into smaller, more manageable chunks, and you won't be afraid that you've missed something important. Besides, there's nothing more satisfying than ticking "done" in your schedule. When it's all done, you'll be confident knowing you've worked hard and smart for this exam.

Come to Eclass to speak English fluently and build an effective English exam preparation schedule.