Korean Job Discussion Forums

[JennyJJ]

Seeking advice from experienced TOEFL tutors as I am working with a bright young lady who desires placement in an elite secondary program in about 18 months from now. The TOEFL test is required and we have a year to get ready for the exam - but will average only 2-3 hours a week from now until then. I have used Barron's before and was quite happy with it. But! I want to do the absolute very best for this young lady.

The issue:

I've read in a variety of places (including Amazon reader reviews) comments that certain prep texts excel in certain areas, but not in all.

For example, I've read that the Barron's gives the best explanation of grammar issues, has the best essay section, but that it's practice exams are too easy (compared to the real test).

Conversely, I've read/heard that the Cambridge has the best reading section, best essay section (too!), but that its practice exams are more difficult than the actual exam.

I've read/heard that Kaplan has the best listening section, but everything else is of poor quality.

Question:

If I could cherry pick the best components from a variety of sources what would you suggest? Also, what one or two prep texts would you consider to be the very best?

Something that will be of great help to this young lady would be detailed explanations of everything and lots of practice exercises - with explanations of correct AND incorrect responses. This is something Barron's does well in its grammar section.

Particularly interested in using materials I can find here in Korea.

Thanks in advance!

[peppermint]

I used to teach the a TOEFL writing class, and I used the Barrons text, heavily supplemented by stuff from Purdue's OWL ( online writing lab.

It has tons of topics, though they may be too easy in relation to the actual exam. Start easy and work up, because according to my students, they are never taught how to write an essay in English or Korean in school!

[kangnamdragon]

[JennyJJ]

Nope, test is about a year from now for the semester starting Sept. 05.

Now, back to specifics! Any other input or first-hand experience with the different programs? Would appreciate hearing from teachers/tutors with significant experience.

Thanks!

[Mankind]

[JennyJJ]

Mankind,

Do the math. "About a year from now" means May of 2005. She has to take the test prior to admission for the Sept. '05 academic year.

Anyone ELSE out there with TOEFL experience?

[kangnamdragon]

There are programs to help students study. check out www.toefl.org

[Ryst Helmut]