Preparing for a language test ✍️️ Types of exams

Obtaining a student visa to study abroad usually requires documentary proof of your level of knowledge of the language in which studies are conducted at the chosen university. This especially applies to foreign students who plan to study in countries with a foreign language education system. And the main tool for testing language knowledge is language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English and many others. So, in our article, we will tell how students can prepare for such tests and how to pass them successfully.

How to prepare for a language test: practical tips and working life hacks

Language requirements for student visas are an extremely important step on the way to studying abroad. But with proper preparation, and later taking language tests, you will be able to overcome this path without obstacles and realize all your educational and professional dreams.

Selecting a language test
The first step to taking a language test is choosing it, which is required for admission to a university or obtaining a student visa. Each such test has its own characteristics, formats and levels of difficulty. For example, IELTS is often required for admission to British universities, while TOEFL is popular in the US and many other countries. Some universities may accept several different tests, so it is important to check the specific requirements of your institution.

Registration for the test
After choosing the test you need, you will need to register for it. The registration process may differ depending on the chosen test, but quite often each of them involves filling out an online form, choosing the date and place of the test and paying the appropriate fee.

Preparation for the test
It is very important to prepare for the language test in advance, especially if you are not a native speaker of the language. Popular tests such as IELTS and TOEFL have textbooks, study guides, and online resources to help you familiarize yourself with the format and tasks of the test. There are also preparation courses and practice tests that can increase your chances of success. Therefore, use all the resources and test tasks to familiarize yourself with the language test format and improve your skills accordingly.

Taking the test
On the big day, arrive early with all the identification documents you will need to take the test. During this procedure, you should follow all instructions and stick to the time limit for each part of the test. Remember that each such test has different sections, such as reading, listening, writing and speaking, and you will need to do well in each of them.

Test results
The results of the test usually become available a few weeks after taking it, usually they are presented in the form of points. At this stage, it is important for you to check and understand whether your results meet the requirements of the educational institution or student visa. If not, or the results do not satisfy you, you can try again after more thorough preparation.

Life hacks for preparing for a language test:

✔️ Create a test preparation schedule, taking into account the number of days or weeks before the test date. Allocate time for reading, writing, listening and speaking, this will make your preparation for the exam much easier;
✔️ Nowadays, the Internet has many free resources for preparing for language tests, so you can easily find relevant video lessons, practice tests and forums for discussion and support.
✔️ Regularly read English texts and listen to audio recordings such as audiobooks, podcasts or news to improve your listening skills;
✔️ Try to do practice tests to check your progress and identify weak points;
✔️ Tutors are able to provide you with a valuable knowledge base, so if you feel that you cannot cope, turn to them;
✔️ Try to do practice tests in conditions that are as close as possible to real testing conditions, including a time limit, this will give you an opportunity to understand whether you are ready for the test or not;
✔️ Do not forget about regular rest. Stress during preparation can negatively affect your test results;
✔️ On the day of the test, try to leave stress outside the door and keep only positive thoughts in your head. Try to relax and concentrate on tasks.

So IELTS or TOEFL? Which language test to choose for studying abroad?

More about IELTS:
✅ As we have already written before, the IELTS test is often required for studying at British universities and it has two options – academic and general. The academic module is usually required for entry to university or college, while the general module is used for immigration and work.

✅ IELTS assesses four modules – reading, listening, writing and speaking. This enables you to demonstrate your skills in all aspects of the English language.

✅ IELTS focuses more on real communication skills and requires the ability to talk to other people about more practical topics.

More details about TOEFL:
✅ TOEFL is more often required for admission to American universities and has a larger academic oriented module.

✅ The TOEFL test also assesses four skills: reading, listening, writing and speaking, but it uses a different format and tasks compared to IELTS. Each section of the assignment is worth 30 points, and the total score is made up of these four sections.

✅ Most TOEFL tests are conducted online, which means you can take them on a computer. And this is very convenient for many students.

When choosing between IELTS and TOEFL, consider your personal needs, goals and the requirements of the educational institution. Both tests will of course allow you to demonstrate your language skills, but may have different focuses and requirements.