By: Victor Arreola
What exam to take?
Preparing for certificate exams like IELTS, TOEFL or PTE can be a requirement for people who want to study or work abroad. These tests are designed to measure your English skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking, & that is why students must get ready for them in advance. The key is to prepare everything early and make a good plan to get the best score on them. This will help ensure a favorable outcome.
First and foremost, we have to understand the purpose of each exam, for example: IELTS has two types: Academic and General Training and is the world’s most popular English language test. The IELTS score is the standardized proof that non-native speakers are capable of functioning successfully in an English-speaking environment—whether that is a lecture hall, a workplace, or a new country. TOEFL is mostly used for American universities, while PTE is mostly used for university applications, visa applications, and immigration, especially in countries like Australia, the UK, New Zealand, and Canada.
A good way to start is to understand the exam that best fits you and then develop a study plan for it, including daily activities or exercises with review from some professionals once in a while at least. Set a schedule for each section of the test, for example:
To prepare effectively, focus your reading on common test topics like environment, education, health, laws, and social studies. While this deepens your content knowledge, improving your core language skills—especially grammar rules—is vital for better writing and speaking. EnglishSmart offers specialized courses to teach these skills step-by-step. To stay motivated, balance your focused study with fun activities like watching English movies or learning song lyrics.
Months before the test
Manage Anxiety Through Practice: Feeling stressed or questioning your readiness is common. The best strategy to build confidence is to regularly take mock tests to benchmark your expected score. Your final score is influenced not only by your English ability but also by your familiarity with the exam format. If your test is computer-based, practice on a PC to reduce fear of technical glitches; if it is paper-based, learn the answer sheet format in advance.
Being proactive about these logistical details ensures that unexpected scenarios won’t negatively impact your results.
We understand that two major concerns are cost and scheduling. Test fees are a substantial investment, often ranging from $4000.00 to $10, 000.00 pesos, so it’s vital to plan and save carefully. More importantly, available test dates can be scarce. By creating a rigid, well-timed study plan, you can secure the best date for you, ensuring you meet your goals without wasting time or unnecessarily draining your pocket.
Today is my test, what now?
Before the Test (Preparation & Logistics): Feeling anxious is normal. Combat it by prioritizing rest, hydration, and mindful breathing. The day before, organize all required documents (like your ID) in a briefcase. Arrive early to the test location to handle logistics like parking or navigation smoothly. At EnglishSmart, we encourage sharing these anxieties in study groups, as hearing from peers can be reassuring.
During the Test (Strategy & Management): Time management is critical for reducing stress. For the Reading sections, practice with a timer beforehand to ensure you finish. In the Speaking section, focus on clarity and speed, but don’t panic over small errors—keep moving. For the Writing section, always spend time outlining and organizing your ideas to avoid confusion.
After the Test (Outcome & Next Steps): Remember that thorough preparation is the best way to reduce all concerns. The IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE are fair tests for those who prepare diligently. Wait patiently for your results. If you don’t achieve your goal, review your performance with a language professor and retake the exam if necessary—many successful students do this to reach a required or desired minimum score.
At EnglishSmart, we are here to support you all the way. Sign up for our prep classes today and turn your worries into success!