Job Discussion Forums

ESLgeek · Joined: 16 May 2008 Posts: 29 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Hi everyone,
I have an adult student who really wants to build his vocabulary. He's planning to do the TOEFL test in the next few months because he wants to do his PhD in Canada/US/Europe. What kind of vocabulary will he need to have for the test? What do you think is the best way to teach it? Any insights are appreciated. He's somewhat advanced and very motivated. I'd really like to prepare him well for the test.

Cheers,
Miriam.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Does he want to get a good score or actually increase his vocabulary long-term? Smile

People learn vocabulary in different ways. Be sure he gets a lot of input and studies religiously every day. A few months is a terribly short time to cram for such a test.

Test him frequently.

ESLgeek · Joined: 16 May 2008 Posts: 29 Location: Tokyo, Japan

I think he wants to do both because he'll be living in Canada/US/Europe for at least 4 years and perhaps longer.

Shimmeringstar · Joined: 18 Mar 2007 Posts: 34 Location: Kagoshima, Japan

Go to a bookstore. There are zillions of study books, especially for the TOEIC test. If he doesn't have a decent grasp of vocab for the TOEIC, he won't do so well on the TOEFL either.

One of the books my students use (I teach at a junior college) is DUO. They hate the book at first (hate studying in general), but it has a good variety of vocabulary words, and all the words are geared towards the TOEIC.

He should pick up reading. It's a great way to expose himself to new vocabulary. Improving vocab can be tough, time consuming, and definitely not always fun. He's just gotta stick with it, and keep his eyes on his goal.

Before he blows money on the real test, he should try some practice tests... then he can have a better understanding of what he's in for.

Also, check out these sites:
http://www.stuff.co.uk/toefl.htm
http://www.testprepreview.com/toefl_practice.htm