What to teach for the TOEIC exam?

the_p0et · Post by **the_p0et** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 4:28 pm

I'm starting language exchange on Monday with a couple girls from the local University. One of them wants to learn enough English to write the TOEIC exam or equivilent (TOEFL). I'm not too sure on how to teach them in this regard. I've only been teaching English to children in the local Kindergarten and Elementary School here. Any suggestions or sites to check out?

What areas should I try to cover with them?

Thanks!
Dan

joshua2004 · Post by **joshua2004** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 2:32 am

I have an unpopular suggestion however, it is highly supported by research. Research shows that to learn grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, you don´t study these things directly. All of these will be important for a TOEFL. Even for just a writing test, you want to practice for writing by writing, practice for reading by reading, etc. The important thing a teacher does is find a way to practice these in an efficient and fun way. So in a nutshell, I am not telling you how to help these girls, but what not to do. Don´t just give them grammar exersizes and have them memorizing iregular verbs. Check out the work of Stephen Krashen.

Sorry if I wasn´t too helpful,

Josh

woodcutter · Post by **woodcutter** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 7:15 am

Dear Poet,
TOEFL and TOEIC have their own websites, and you can download some free stuff from there and see how the test is organized and presented. It will obviously be an immense advantage if the girls are thoroughly familiar with the testing style they are likely to encounter.
Having said that, it is an English test, and English taught in the way you feel is most effective generally will work in this test just as in any other!