The Educational Testing Service provides both Internet-based and paper-based test preparation tools. Taking practice tests will help you become familiar with the testing format, which will be beneficial on test day. Taking practice tests should be the cornerstone of your study methods and should take place weekly and under timed conditions. Practice tests will help you memorize testing directions so that you do not have to spend as much time understanding instructions and can begin answering questions right away. Always correct your answers using the answer sheet provided to identify your strengths and weakness as well.
You can also simulate actual testing conditions by taking practice tests at the location where you will take actual tests. For the internet-based test, in particular, you should take practice tests at a desktop computer for the entire four hours to simulate your work station and testing conditions.
Even if you cannot hire a professional tutor, finding someone with whom you can speak conversational English with will help you to practice your speech. Placing an ad on Craigslist or a local college campus for a language exchange may help you find someone who will speak English with you in exchange for foreign language lessons. If you do find someone to speak English with, incorporate academic activities, such as reading, into your practice.
Do not take the test until you are strong in reading, speaking, comprehending and writing in English. If you do very poorly on one section, you will need to take the entire test over. Continue practicing your weaker areas until you are confident you can achieve an acceptable score. Intermediate scores for the Internet-based reading and listening sections, for example, are between 15 and 21. A speaking score between 18 and 25 is fair, while a score a of 17 to 23 is fair on the writing section. Doing well on all four sections will not only demonstrate your grasp of the language but will make you a more competitive applicant.