10-hours-success-toefl

In September of 2008 I was working as a new Director of Studies at a private language school in Naples, Italy. One day my boss called me into his office to tell me that he wanted me to gather all the information possible about becoming a TOEFL test center. Naturally, one step ahead as always, I showed him all the information I had already gathered. To make a long story short in a very short time we became an ETS certified TOEFL ibt Test Center and I was not only a new DOS but a new TOEFL Test Center Administrator as well.

Shortly thereafter students began to arrive looking for TOEFL preparation and it was my job to design a didactic program and train our other teachers both from our school and partner schools in our area. I'd had experience with Cambridge ESOL Examinations and other exams where the preparation can be a long and difficult process. Anyone already familiar with TOEFL knows that it is quite different both in form and content from Cambridge and other ESOL exams in circulation. The main problem was that students came to us perhaps two months before having to sit the exam. Not having the time available to follow a long language based preparation; it became quickly apparent that the only feasible option was to teach the test itself. In this article, windy preamble concluded, I will outline the steps to take in order to prepare your students to receive the best marks possible on TOEFL quickly with their current linguistic preparation

First, for general reference the scoring guide in relation to the Common European Framework (CEFR):

CEFR Level

TOEFL ibt Score ranges

A-1 (Elementary)

No Predictable Score

A-2 (Pre-intermediate)

No Predicable Score

B-1 (Intermediate)

45-60 pts

B-2 (Upper-Intermediate)

60-75 pts

C-1 (Advanced)

75- 100 pts

C-2 (Proficiency)

100-120 pts

After 10 hours of guided preparation and a great deal of self study my students, with very few exceptions, routinely exceeded these suggested scores by 5-15 points.

If you're reading this article you probably already know that TOEFL consists of four parts, Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing, in that order. Given that both the reading and the listening sections consist largely of multiple guess answers the best thing to do is to leave these 'simpler' sections until last.

The ten hour program I designed breaks down roughly to this: The first 3 one hour lessons are dedicated to writing practices. The next three hours are devoted to preparing for the speaking section and subsequently 2 hours each for Reading and Listening. Every student is unique with their own strengths and weaknesses-so remember that this is really a rough outline. Many times, working predominantly with Italians unaccustomed to American writing styles I had to dedicate considerably more time to Writing-time which had to be borrowed against the hours originally designated to Reading and Listening practice. As always one's best judgment should be used to meet the particular needs of the student in question.

Writing: The absolute most important aspect to consider for the writing section is the student's knowledge of 5 paragraph form. As an American I've had this form drilled into my very being from the 5th grade all the way through the end of my sophomore year of college-and it ended there only because I was an English major. Italians on the other hand learn something similar at school called 'the scalletta' but then never use it. I saw no small share of essays that more closely resembled so-called 'stream of consciousness' writing (with every idea connected by 'in fact') than an organized piece of academic writing. While the graders for TOEFL do not specifically say 'Use 5 paragraph form' they do say 'organization counts'. In other words make students use 5 paragraph form.

As I mentioned about my Italian students, many do not have the proper experience with this concept of writing, so get as in depth as possible-even breaking it down one sentence at a time. The important thing is to make them integrate the organizational process as much as possible so they do it automatically without wasting too much time. My general practice was to do a general outline of 5 paragraph form then give them a specific question and 5 minutes to make a suitable outline then correct it as needed and repeat as necessary. Then give them 5-6 minutes to make an outline and write the introduction for another question. In general, I didn't waste valuable class time making students write entire essays, that is what homework is for.

Other things to consider for the writing section are: Idioms- their correct use in connection to the question. Connecting ideas counts too, clause to clause, sentence to sentence and paragraph to paragraph. Correct usage of linking devices beyond 'but, or, and and'-therefore, whereas, however, similarly, etc. - can really make a good impression on the TOEFL essay graders. Grammar, while perfect grammar is not necessary to score well in the writing section, if it is incorrect to the point of giving unclear or even wrong information points will be lost. TOEFL wants to measure a student's ability to communicate effectively not how well he/she knows where to put a comma.

Speaking: As in the writing section of the test, organization counts. There is nothing worse a student can do than run out of time before getting to the point and answering the question whether it be for rambling or for not knowing what to say. I consider this really an extension of the work that was done for the writing section, the main difference being the limited amount of time the students have to prepare and deliver their responses. Here, I tell them 'give a response that is almost identical to the introductory paragraph of a five paragraph essay. It is: General statement (if applicable), Answer, Reason 1, Example 1 and time permitting Reason 2 and Example 2. This should be drilled just as the outlines in the writing section were.

In addition to forming an adequate response with little time students must also face the reality of having to speak into a microphone with no one listening/ responding on the other end. This can be awkward and embarrassing in a crowded room of test-takers. To avoid problems I drill my students by having them talk to the wall and then critiquing their answers. This is also a good time to put them on a stopwatch and time their answers. Responses should be completed within the time given (45-60 seconds depending on the question) without being too short. If the student finishes with 10 or more seconds remaining he should find something else to say.

One last important consideration is response delivery. It should be neither too fast nor too slow; avoiding long pauses and use of 'ummmmmmmm' In general the rules of public speaking apply. Pronunciation and intonation are important insofar as not making the grader scratch his/her head. Whenever that happens, points are sure to be lost.

Listening and Speaking: There are no particular secrets to doing well on these sections of the exam so I will dedicate this space to giving information that holds true throughout the exam. In general, there are two important things a student should do:

1. Understand what the question is asking. TOEFL has a lot of specific question types all of which ask the students to demonstrate a different ability. Any good guide to the exam will have clear explanations of these questions including how to recognize them and what is expected of the test taker when they encounter them. The hours dedicated to the reading section I generally focus on this.

2. With the exception of the reading section where students can have the text in front of them at all times, effective note taking will be important throughout the test, but particularly so in the listening section. Since there is no one correct way to do this, I generally encourage students to experiment and find the method that works best for each of them, whether it be in English or their native language. The only issue here is that students often try to write absolutely everything that is said. There is simply no time for this and as a result they often get lost, misunderstand or miss information altogether. Make them boil it down to the fewest words possible that will help them remember the details of what was said. A Navy SEAL unit, dubbed SEAL team 6 in a raid on a compound in North Eastern Pakistan found and killed Osama bin Laden can be reduced to 'Seals kill Osama, Pakistan,' for example.

I truly hope that this information can be helpful to teachers that read it and their students. To be honest, we've only just scratched the surface of TOEFL. But I remember having to develop an approach to the exam without help and without prior experience back in 2008 and am happy to share my experience with others. Please feel free to use and/or re-publish this material, but please give credit where credit is due by linking back to Cambridge School of English or leaving your comments on our blog. Below are some other links that may prove useful to both teachers and students having to face Toefl.

ETS.ORG The originators of the Toefl Exam and by far the best place to get authentic materials including The Official Guide to Toefl and online practice tests. The guide is handy because it uses real questions/audio from prior TOEFL Exams. The only downside, there is very little listening material.

Heinle Cengage Learning The makers of the Complete Guide to Toefl. Essentially, it is an imitation of the Official Guide but with many additional exercises to help students practice specific things. Drawback, the audio CDs are dreadfully expensive, useful for anyone who does a lot of TOEFL prep, otherwise an avoidable expense.

Cambridge School TOEFL Page. Lots of more specific advice about other aspects of the exam.

Cambridge Blog-Toefl Page FAQ about Toefl with answers, in both English and Italian. Have a specific question? Ask it.

10-back-school-health-tips-teachers

Heading back to school is just as treacherous for a teacher's health as it is for your students. You're used to being active and outside, eating a regular diet of fresh fruits and vegetables. Now you will be bound to your classroom with all those sniffling little angels. Keeping up your energy and maintaining your health is important. If you would like to stay healthy during the coming school year, use these simple tips:
1. Walk further. Park your car all the way at the back of the parking lot. Walking the extra distance will help keep you fit and trim and will give you at least a little more exercise. If you're a high school teach and your students like you, I would even suggest parking in the student parking lot. That has to be at least a mile from the front door!

2. Make like kindergarten. Have a snack time. Pack some organic baby carrots or grapes in a snack bag to keep in your desk drawer. You can either grab a quick snack between classes or have a designated fresh fruit or veggie snack time with your students. Doctors recommend several smaller meals rather than three large meals. By requiring the snack consist of fresh fruits and veggies, not only will you help your students stave off hunger, but you will encourage healthier eating habits.

3. Race to knowledge. Book the gym when no one is in it and get your students up and moving while learning. Separate your students into two teams. Have them select one person from each team to ask the questions. Put the questioner of each team at separate ends of the basket ball court in a corner. The team lines up in front of the questioner and must answer a question correctly. If they do, they get to race to the other end of the court and shoot a basketball. The first teams to go through all the questions, with correct answers, shoot their ball and make it back to their team base wins. Let the winning team choose between skipping homework for the night or get extra credit. Get some exercise yourself by running back and forth between the two teams to keep them honest.

4. Nutrition still counts. Packing your lunch every day makes it hard to maintain proper nutrition. Make sure you are taking a multivitamin, calcium, and magnesium. Be sure to include fresh fruits and veggies in your lunch. If you would like to cut down on fat and sodium in your sandwiches, skip the mayo and use leftover ham, roast beef or chicken for sandwiches rather than prepackaged lunch meat.

5. Handwashing. Wash your hands throughout the day. Split your students into several groups or pairs and send them to wash their hands twice a day. Remember regular hand washing helps prevent the spread of germs.

6. Sanitize yourself. Carry a bottle of hand sanitizer for when you have to pick up nasty things students left on the floor or when you sneeze. While hand sanitizer can't replace regular hand washing, it can help kill germs.

7. Lysol is your best friend. When the day is done and all your little angels have gone home, spray some Lysol in high use areas, like desks and toys.

8. Tissue Station. Set a trashcan in an out of the way place with hand sanitizer and tissues next to it. Once your students use a tissue to blow their nose, they can drop it right in the tissue can and sanitize.

9. Sleep on it. It's just as important for teachers to get enough sleep as it is for students. Make sure you are well rested too. This will help you combat illness and stress.

10. Stretch it out. Every morning before you begin class, lead your students in some quick stretching exercises. This will help you and your students get ready for the day and will improve flexibility and help ward off stress.

7-tips-getting-interview-

With the economy down and the high job seeker to job ratio, it is easy to become discouraged. Landing an interview isn't impossible, but it does require hard work and a lot of patience. The high level of competition out there only means that job seekers have to be more creative in their job search and show prospective employers why they are different from the rest of the pack. Job seekers have to impress prospective employers with their skills and abilities. Below are seven tips on how to land that interview.
1. Network, Network, Network...

With about 90% of jobs never being advertised, it seems the best way to learn about evolving job leads is through word or mouth. Only about 10% of job openings are ever advertised. The best way to get a job is through your contacts. A personal referral is the best way to ensure that your resume reaches the top of the pile.

2. Make Contact before Sending Out Your Resume...

Making contact with the hiring manager asking questions a job advertisement show enthusiasm and interest in the job. The hiring manager is less likely to discard your resumé if you connect before you send it out. If the job advertisement clearly states "No call" skip this step.

3. Create a Targeted Cover Letter for Each Job...

Hiring managers read 100's of resumes a week. The last thing they want is to read a generic, one size fits all cover letter and resumé. Write a targeted cover letter for each position you are applying for and end it with a promise of action. Wrap up your cover letter with something like "Thank you for your consideration, I will be following up in a few days to discuss the possibility of an interview."

4. Follow Up...

If you say that you are going to follow up than follow up. Not only will not doing so be seen as unprofessional, it can ruin your chances of establishing a solid lead on jobs. With that said, always follow up on cover letters and resumes. This will remind the hiring manager and/or recruiter that you are interested in the job. This doesn't mean that this is an open invitation to stalk the hiring manager. Keeping in mind that nothing will guarantee you an interview, following up is one way of networking with a potential employer and contact.

5. Utilize Social Media...

The rise of social media has resulted in many companies recruiting job candidates via social media sites including LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Establishing an online presence is essential to online networking. Social Media sites offer job seekers with a great way to advertise their skills and the ability to network with recruiters and target companies.

6. Know your Strengths...

Knowing your strengths will help you identify what you have to offer a potential employer. This is also one of the questions that is always asked during an interview. I will also assist you in targeting companies that hire people with the same strengths.

7. Apply for Jobs you are Qualified for...

With all the 100's of resumes that hiring managers review every week, the last thing they want to see is a resumé from a candidate who isn't remotely qualified for the position. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't apply for jobs in which you aren't completely qualified. By applying to jobs in which you are between 85-95% qualified will ensure that you are adequately qualified for the position complete with a little growing room.

5-useful-tips-teachers

Summer's close is upon us and fall is just around the corner. As a teacher my mind is already a whir with thoughts of the upcoming school year. New students, familiar co-workers, and that old filing cabinet filled to the breaking point await me. As I head into the new school year, I reflect and remind myself of these five important pieces of advice accrued through my 7 years of teaching.

1. You are never too old or too smart to learn something new. When your principal comes to you with new curriculum or legislation that must be followed or a new building plan (you know he's coming!) meet the new plan with a prepared mind. Rather than groan and moan, dig in, attempt to understand the ins and outs so you can do your best. Chances are that it will be around for at least a few years, better to get on board than be left behind.

2. Read, Read, READ! Read books featuring main characters the same age as your students. As a reading teacher I frequently do this and it is amazing the insight I have into my students lives' through the thoughts, confessions and melodramas of the characters' lives. My favorite titles for my middle school students: Eight Keys by Suzzane LaFleur and Wonder by R.J. Palacio.

3. Don't be afraid to repeat and recycle. We all have those all-star lessons that we repeat and refine each year. We love them, our students love them and we love showcasing their amazing results at parent teacher conferences. Do not be afraid to keep these lessons in your yearly repertoire. They work well for a reason! But, by all means, we also have those lessons that completely flopped. Even though we were really excited about it. Even though we incorporated technology into it. Even though we spent our own money on the project. It was still just plain bad. Don't be afraid to cut your losses and move on.

4. A Parent's Perspective. Before I was a mom, I resented that parents and other professionals doubted my teaching abilities, because I "just didn't understand". Now, as a mom… I do, understand. When dealing with a difficult student and tricky situation, I think, what would I do if he were mine? How would I hope my son's teacher would handle this or talk to him? These simple questions almost always lead me down a more compassionate path. Tell me what kid couldn't use a little more of that?

5. Vacation is vacation. Do not take those holiday breaks and long weekends for granted. Take some space from school and then come back refreshed. I feel that I can be a good teacher because I have those breaks, starting each school year and each semester with a new sense of purpose and ambition.

So enjoy these last few days of summer. Put away the classroom catalogs. Leave school email until Monday. Read one more beach novel. Take your kids to the zoo. Play a last round or two of golf. And then, when the calendar turns to September, get your cup of caffeine and get yourself to school, refreshed and ready for another year!

5-reasons-of-greatest

COMMENTARY | As the Atlanta Braves square off in a four game series with the New York Mets, there's more at stake than just a matchup against a division rival. That's because the Mets may be the biggest threat to the Atlanta Braves. Here are five reasons why.

5) The New York Mets Are The Healthiest Team in the National League East

The Atlanta Braves have been badly hurting in the outfield, at one point losing all three spots and a backup to injuries in the Cincinnati Reds series. Freddie Freeman is battling aches and pains, as has Gerald Laird. Now Paul Maholm may join them. Only the set-up position in pitching has had it rougher. The Washington Nationals have had their health issues in pitching, while the Philadelphia Phillies lost Roy Halliday, Ryan Howard, and now Ben Revere, as well as Michael Adams. Even with their own injuries (Lucas Duda, Johan Santana and Jonathon Niese), the Mets are still probably the healthiest team in the division, by default.

4) The Mets Are The Closest To The Braves In Run Differential.

Braves fans may not believe it, but the team has scored 74 more runs than they've given up. The Phillies have given up nearly 50 more runs than they've scored. The Washington Nationals are second in run differential, but the Mets are right behind them. And, as you'll see in the next paragraph, they're surging.

3) The Mets Have The Hottest Recent Record In the National League East

Over the last ten games in the disruptive All-Star Break before Monday's game, the Mets are 7-3. The Braves have limped along at 5-5, while the Phillies are 6-4. The Nationals are 2-8 in the last 10, even behind the hapless Miami Marlins (3-7, despite their scoring woes).

2) The Mets Have A Better Road Record Than The Braves.

While four of the five National League East teams have losing records on the road, the Mets are the only ones with a winning mark, at 24-23. Only the Red Sox, A's, Rangers, Carlinals and Pirates can make the same claim.

1) The New York Mets Can Match The Atlanta Braves In Pitching.

With young arms like Matt Harvey, Zack Wheeler, Carlos Torres, and Jeremy Hefner, to go along with veterans like Dillon Gee, the team may be a tough matchup for the Braves' own relatively young bunch Mike Minor, Kris Medlin, and Julio Teheran, as well as veterans like Tim Hudson, and whoever replaces Paul Maholm, like Alex Wood.

That's why the upcoming series in Citi Field is so important for Atlanta. If they can't even manage a split, the Mets will grow in wins and confidence to make a second-half season run not unlike the Braves did 22 years ago.

John A. Tures is a professor of political science at LaGrange College in LaGrange, GA, who has published a chapter in the book The Politics of Baseball. The photo is from a 2013 Atlanta Braves game at Turner Field, taken by the author.

5-health-conditions-associated

The medical world is incredibly fascinating, with new discoveries being made about popular diseases everyday. While disease in general is universal, there are some health conditions that have been associated with the African American community. Genetics often dictate the way the body will function. As such, many people of color seem to be automatically predisposed to certain conditions. Here are five of the most prevalent health ailments in the black community, and what can be done to treat them.

Sickle Cell Anemia

This blood disorder occurs when the red blood cells in the body take on a "sickle" shape, which prevent them from doing their job normally. These cells typically assume the abnormal shapes in people whose roots trace back to tropical regions. Thus, approximately 1 out of 5000 African Americans is affected.

Because the sickle-shaped cells cannot travel well through the body, they often clump in various areas, causing what is known as an extremely painful sickle-cell "crisis"-which tend to create other hazardous conditions in the body. Traditional treatments often include strong dietary supplements, medications, and pain management.

Fibroid Tumors

Fibroid tumors which are found in the uterus, are typically benign. They often cause painful menstruation, bloating, and even urinary problems. However, there are occasions when they become so troublesome that a hysterectomy is required. Though fibroid tumors appear to affect female members of the population from all walks of life, these tumors are typically identified in black women about three times more than women in other ethnic groups.

Though the cause of fibroid tumors is still a bit fuzzy, the approach to treating them has changed drastically over the years. No longer is a complete hysterectomy the first line of defense. Depending upon the size, the tumors can be completely removed with surgery, while leaving other internal organs intact. Radiology is also another treatment option. And in some cases (especially when the tumors are smaller) hormone therapy is prescribed.

Keloids

While African Americans are not plagued with skin cancer the way other ethnic groups are, their delicate skin make-up dictates that other conditions are prevalent. Keloids are hyperactive scarring reactions to either a cut or scratch. They will typically appear as raised bumps over the incident of injury, and are not painful-but often unsightly. They can also grow in size to become very large. As with other common illnesses, the exact cause is not known. But according to medical research this condition is most widespread in the black community, and tends to run in families. Doctors claim that the best way to prevent keloids from developing is to attend to small injuries right away, especially if stitches are required. Other forms of treatment include surgery, radiation, and even a new therapy which involves pressing the keloid until it thins.

Hypertension

For years, medical professionals have associated hypertension (high blood pressure) with people of color. This is perhaps because the culture is known for its rich soul food (which is frequently highly salted.) In any case, this health condition has become rampant in the African American community. The condition is a big concern as it contributes to the onset of many other chronic illnesses.

As recently as July 2009, research has revealed a few genetic characteristics specific to people of color that makes them more predisposed to "salt sensitivity." Thus, the first line of defense in battling hypertension is an altered diet that has been sodium-reduced. Medication is usually the next option, but one not readily sought out by many African Americans.

Strokes

Isaac Hayes' death from a stroke in August 2008 came as a shock to the world-especially since he died while doing something that most doctors prescribe for their patients: exercise. In any event, diabetes, hypertension, and strokes are all very closely related ailments that seem to hit the black community much harder than other communities. Ironically, there are studies which prove that while black people are more widely affected by strokes, they are also less likely to die from them than other ethnic groups (Hayes had been a stroke victim prior to his death.)

Strokes are caused when there is a drastic drop in the blood supply to the brain. As a result, the victim often loses control over certain bodily functions typically on one side of the body. Though death is not always the result of a stroke, they can leave permanent damage. They are treated with medications to thin clotting blood, and therapy to help patients with damaged motor skills. While some diseases affecting the black community appear to come from long lines of genetics, diet is typically heavily stressed as a preventative measure.

5-essentials: To become a Writer

Whether you are writing simply for pleasure or writing an article for a popular magazine, there are five essential skills that every writer must have. These skills will allow writers to be able to write both creatively and effectively.

1. Be Concise
Do away with flowery introductions and get to the point. Writers who master this skill will be able to hold the attention of their audience and keep their readers interested. Outlining the points you want to make in your writing beforehand will definitely reduce excessive "rambling."

2. Write a draft, then step aside
Writing a first draft allows the writer to put their ideas down on paper while brainstorm new ones. The first draft can be seen as more of a building block than something set in stone. After writing the first draft, set your writing aside and allow your mind to wander. After you have let your draft sit for a while, you are able to look at the draft with a fresh eye. The "fresh eye" can lead to even more creativity than you started with.

3. Be Relatable
This skill is especially important for fiction writers. Readers have the tendency to read stories that they can relate to. Writers should not only create characters that their readers can identify with, but also create a relatable atmosphere. For example, if a story takes place in Austin, researching the area can help make the story seem more authentic.

4. Get Feedback
This skill is essential for both amateur and professional writers. Getting feedback lets the writer "see" their writing from another point of view. Even with a rough draft and reading aloud to check for clarity, writers still may be a bit biased when it comes to critiquing their own work. Instead of trying to correct yourself, it is best for writers to let others do it. Pass off your manuscript to a friend, editor or proofreader who will not hesitate to tear your piece to shreds and be honest about your mistakes. Honesty is always the best policy when it comes to writing.

5. Write Everyday
Thirty minutes of writing per day can lead to positive results. Writing every day allows the writer to improve their writing skills and become more creative. Writing is a skill within itself that requires practice. Writing daily can lead to creative ideas which in return lead to a passionate writer's success.