Time Management in SAT

The SAT test requires test-takers to read passages on diverse, sometimes very challenging topics and answer questions based on the content. These passages are excerpted from the English classics, general interest magazines and scientific journals.

 Comprehending the material in these passages requires students to read carefully and also to read between the lines to understand the nuances of meaning. Usually, Indian students find the reading and answering process a major challenge as they are not really used to, or required to, deal with this kind of material in their academic studies. They find Reading Comprehension difficult not only because of the alien subject matter but also because of their incomprehension of hard words (vocabulary) frequently used in the passages.  In other words, because of their limited vocabulary, their understanding of the text read is hampered. Both these related factors contribute to their inability to finish doing the Reading and Writing sections on time, which is severely limited.

To address these issues, and manage their time effectively, we suggest some pro-active measures for SAT students. First, cultivate the profoundly good habit of reading eclectically (look up the word in a good dictionary! - we recommend the excellent resource for SAT Prep – the Merriam-Webster, which is easily downloadable).  Read what you find interesting at first, then graduate to magazines such as National Geographic or Forbes.  When reading, make a journal in which you write down those words you find tough to understand and look them up. Second, pace yourself. Give yourself a target. Plan to finish a 1000-word article in about 10-15 minutes. Read daily till it becomes second nature. Be passionate about acquiring knowledge and know that knowledge is power. Read stuff that can make a massive and positive impact on your career and life. Third, because grammar is the underlying framework on which language is based, take time out to familiarize yourself with the rules of English language and usage. Harness the power of the Internet to make yourself an expert (as far as possible) in the language that can contribute significantly to your growth – career-wise and in life. Good Luck!

Know More : http://useducentre.com/sat.html

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IELTS v/s TOEFL - An Age Long Debate!

Following the discussion over IELTS and TOEFL, we now understand their history and development into the present globally accepted form of language skills assessment test. We reckon some of you must’ve made up your mind by now on which test you’re most likely to take. There must also be few of you who are still divided between the two.

So, how about, we settle this age long debate for once and for all: Which one out of the two is better? Shall you prefer IELTS or TOEFL?

WHAT IS THIS DEBATE ABOUT?

Let us begin by quickly letting you summarize your learning about these tests so far. If you are   aspiring for higher education overseas or looking for a job (or both) in an English speaking country then you are required to prove your English language proficiency for the same.
Although both IELTS and TOEFL have been designed to evaluate your various language communication skills, there lies a significantly subtle difference in their testing methodology and structure thus making them unique from each other.
This uniqueness forms the basis of a seemingly never ending debate between the two that we are going to give a closer look at.

DIFFERENCES IN TEST STRUCTURE:

Here comes the most important aspect of the tests that becomes the food for the thought for critics.

IELTS	TOEFL
Assessment for academic English Assessment for General listening and speaking as well.	Only academic English is considered for assessments.

Thus, IELTS is a more realistic assessment examination compared to TOEFL making it more useful for immigration and visa purposes.

SPEAKING SECTION

One of the major four skills that are tested for your language proficiency; ability to speak fluently in the native language of the country you are going to study abroad is quite imperative.

IELTS	TOEFL
Face to face assessment. A short speech to deliver in the speaking section.	The testing process involves a microphone speaker. No real person present in the test.

It’s safe to say that, being presented with a real time scenario in IELTS, the students can reflect their confidence more in IELTS than in TOEFL.

LISTENING SECTION

Time again plays its part here.

IELTS	TOEFL
It is part academic and part social, taking only 30 minutes to test.	60 minutes long test with strict academic approach.

You really need to work on your concentration and focus while appearing for TOEFL listening section.

READING SECTION

It is essential to understand the basic difference between two tests that lie in this section in terms of format and context.

IELTS	TOEFL
Variety of questions from academic to general or social approach.	More of a multiple choice questions(MCQs) based format

Owing to the longer duration of TOEFL test and the MCQs, it does require a lot of mental acuity and focus.

WRITING SECTION

We do get a lot of mixed reactions for this one because some of you might have got beautiful handwriting while others struggle to make it more readable..

IELTS	TOEFL
A hand written examination in this section.	Mainly computer based requiring a fairly good typing speed.

Depending on which test you decide to take, you might want to practice your skill accordingly i.e., your handwriting or the typing speed.

USAGE OF ACCENTS

This is a particularly looked-at factor while debating on the preference between the two tests. IELTS offers a variety of English accents ranging from British, Australian, New Zealander and American while TOEFL is limited to just North American accentuation. We prefer to settle the score here by saying that IELTS eliminates the linguistic biasing more than TOEFL.

TEST DURATION

You are required to sit for about 4 hours while appearing for TOEFL iBT examination while it just takes 2 hours and 45 minutes for IELTS. Time speaks for itself. Doesn’t it?

SCORING SYSTEM

Considerable difference is seen in how each of these tests evaluates you in their report cards. IELTS is based on a system of 0-9 bands defining the level of proficiency; for example a band score of 9 in IELTS denotes ‘an expert user’, band score of 7 means ‘a good user’ and so on. While the TOEFL gives you a score in the range of 0-120 points; for example if you score between 101- 109 then you are ‘a good user’, a score in the range of 117-120 denotes ‘an expert user’ and so on.

Of course we can map both band points and scoring scale of IELTS and TOEFL respectively for a better comparison. For instance,

IELTS BAND	TOEFL SCORE	SCORE DESCRIPTION
9	118-120	EXPERT USER
7.5	102-109	GOOD USER
8	110-114	VERY GOOD USER

ACCEPTABILITY OF TESTS

Now this is what you must be digging for so long, to know which countries of the world accept TOEFL and IELTS readily for various purposes like immigration, higher education etc.
IELTS is accepted in USA, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and European countries while, TOEFL is a preference mostly by the universities of the USA.

THE JURY SPEAKS…

From the comprehensive analysis we just went through, on the subtle differences between these two tests, it is evident that the question is no more about which one out of the two tests is better. We understand that no matter there are very crucial arguments that sometimes stand in the favor of IELTS and some time for TOEFL.

The nail on the coffin remains the acceptability of the tests in the university and the corresponding country you wish to pursue your higher studies in.

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Level up Your IELTS Band Scores with These 5 Simple Tips

In our journey so far, we have walked you through the historical development of the standardized test of IELTS to its testing methodology and structure. It is thus safe to assume that we now understand why the English language testing tools such as the IELTS is of absolute necessity for study abroad aspirant.

Therefore, it is only obvious for our next stoppage to consider proper guidance and know-how to get 8 bands in IELTS with assurance for guaranteed success.

Below you will find a comprehensive analysis on proper techniques and tips for cracking IELTS with flying colors and get admission in your dream university to pursue higher education abroad.

Before You Begin

Now that you have a fair share of what's coming in line, let us formulate our first steps to carve out a perfect strategy and planning for cracking the IELTS examination. It is of paramount importance that as you read these lines, you begin to speculate the depth of your sincerity for appearing for this test.
As a wise man once said, “A strong determination builds your roots stronger and deeper helping you to stick to your goals in the long run”.

If you are sure about your dreams to study abroad then be it known, friends, that a serious preparation for cracking IELTS is akin to sowing seeds for a good harvest!

You must be wondering now- Alright! I am pretty sure that I want to pursue my higher studies abroad and I am going to prepare for it wholeheartedly. What's next?

Well! Your next step is obviously to understand what IELTS is ?

Now, a Quick Glance at the Test

International English Language Testing Services or IELTS is a global level language skills assessment examination intended at testing your four basic skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking in the English language.

The test is divided into two major parts of – Academic and General. The Academics section is focused solely on assessing your capability on the professional front; the General section is based more out of social and mainstream aspects. It gives IELTS a more realistic touch and an opportunity to the students to bring the best out of them.

We urge the students to get hands-on information over IELTS test structure and examination pattern as well.

You have 2 hours and 45 minutes to prove your mettle in the IELTS and show the world that you are indeed the black sheep in the herd!

From 6 to 8: 5 SIMPLE TIPS TO Increase Your IELTS BAND SCORE

ENGLISH:

1. Read, read and read as much as you can.

2. Build confidence. It's just a language, not a war!

3. Befriend a dictionary, learn new words every day and make sure to use them as well.

ACCENTS:

1. Get global by catching various accents like American, British, New Zealander etc.

2. Subscribe to podcasts, listen to radio, read journals and get the hang of each of those styles of English.

3. Don't stress much; instead, make it a fun activity and condition the rusted linguistic parts of your brain!

GRAMMAR:

1. Not the ‘Grammar Nazi’ but be a smart linguist.

2. List out the usual grammatical errors and improvise.

3. Learn to grasp the different connotations and contexts, tenses, idioms and the phrases.

SPEAKING:

Inculcate this cliché: “Walk in English, talk in English and sleep in English.”
No one is asking you to become English but just to get a thorough command over it since you are going to spend the next good part of your life in an English speaking environment.

PRACTICE TESTS:

1. Last but not the least; Enroll yourself in a IELTS coaching center in your city and solve as many practice papers as you can within the duration of the examination.

2. Speed, accuracy and focus: Do not lack on any of them!

What about Registrations?

Now that we have outlined all the major points and tips for your IELTS preparation, we are sure you are left with no trace of doubt that the road to cracking this test is actually simple and smooth.

The only thing that's left unsaid so far is about the registrations. Yes! The day when students like yourself feel confident with their preparations, that is the day you shall not forget the first thing in the morning- Register for the IELTS exam!
You can choose your IELTS test center out of more than 1100 locations spread across 140 countries globally.

ENDING NOTES

The platter of information served to you above was filled with the essence of everything you can get to read elsewhere. Since the examination strategies and planning are always a matter of personal discretion, we advise students to carve out a proper schedule before starting with your preparations for IELTS.

What is better to conclude as Alexander Graham Bell puts it: “Before anything else, preparation is the key to success”

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GRE vs GMAT : Final Considerations

For the GMAT, the Quantitative and Verbal scores are section scores, and these two section scores are combined to create the Total Score. The Total Score is the one most familiar to GMAT test takers, and it is given on the well-known 200 to 800 scale, with 200 being the lowest score and 800 the highest score. 

Final Considerations:

Now that you understand the most important differences between the GMAT and the GRE, do also consider the following before making a decision:

If at least one program that you MUST apply to do not accept the GRE, you do not really have a choice.

If you have very strong quant skills, but feel that your verbal skills (particularly vocabulary) are weaker, consider taking the GMAT. GMAT Verbal is heavily weighted towards reasoning and grammar whereas GRE Verbal ha an accent on vocabulary-in-context.

Both the Verbal and Quantitative sections are more reasoning based on the GMAT; the Data Sufficiency questions on GMAT Quant involve higher-order quantitative reasoning skills.

If you have very strong English skills (and if your vocabulary is stronger than your grammar knowledge), but feel less confident in math, consider taking the GRE.

If you are applying to a program focusing specifically on your Quantitative or Verbal scores (such as Engineering or English), consider taking the GRE.

The AWA section is more demanding on the GRE. However, B-schools do not consider this data point as important as other numbers in your application mosaic.

Finally, there is no IR section on the GRE though there is a DI set on GRE Math that has about 4 questions based on a DI set).

GOOD LUCK!

And whichever exam you decide to take, USERC has a tailor-made program for you. Get in touch with us today!

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How is GMAT Integrated Reasoning Scored?

Integrated Reasoning

The GMAT has a unique section called Integrated Reasoning which has four question types (total 12 questions).

 They measure how well you integrate data to solve complex problems and test the following skills:

• Synthesizing information presented in graphics, text, and numbers
• Evaluating relevant information from different sources
• Organizing information to see relationships and to solve multiple, interrelated problems
• Combining and manipulating information from multiple sources to solve complex problems

Basically, you are given charts, graphs, tables, or other sets of data and asked to interpret them to provide meaningful answers to the questions asked.

Scoring

Both the GRE and the GMAT use an adaptive exam format, but in different ways. The computer adaptive format on the GMAT chooses each question based on your performance on the previous question(s) - you must answer each question in order, and you cannot skip questions or go back to prior questions. That is why the GMAT is called a CAT – a Computer Adaptive Test.

The GRE, on the other hand, is section-adaptive: your second sections of Verbal and Math adapt (become harder or easier) depending on your overall performance in your first section of Verbal and Math, respectively. You can skip questions and move around within a section, much as you can on more traditional, paper-based exams. Mercifully!

The GRE gives three different scaled scores:

• A Quantitative score reported on a 130-170 score scale, in 1-point increments
• A Verbal score reported on a 130-170 score scale, in 1-point increments
• An Analytical Writing score reported on a 0-6 score scale, in half-point increments

The GMAT provides five separate scores:

• A Quantitative Score on a scale of 0 to 60, in 1-point increment
• A Verbal Score on a scale of 0 to 60, in 1-point increment
• A Total Score on a scale of 200 to 800, in 10-point increments; only the scores on Verbal and Quantitative Ability sections count towards your TOTAL score. We are not privy to how a Quant/Verbal combo is converted to a TOTAL score.
• An Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) score reported on a 0-6 score scale, in half-point increments
• An Integrated Reasoning (IR) score reported on a 1-8 score scale, in 1-point increment

Know More: http://www.useducentre.com/test_prep.html

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GRE vs. GMAT: Verbal and Writing Section

Verbal Section

Reading Comprehension passages are common to Verbal sections in both exams.

You can expect Reading Comprehension passages typically consisting of 200-600 words per passage with 3-4 questions for each passage.

The GMAT has two other Verbal question types: Critical Reasoning and Sentence Correction.

Critical Reasoning questions present a short statement or argument and then test your ability to use logical analysis to evaluate the statement. These questions have multiple choice answers.

Sentence Correction questions contain a sentence in which a part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined, and you will be asked to identify and correct errors in grammar and usage in the underlined portion.

Expect to see 1-4 GMAT-style Critical Reasoning questions in the Verbal sections of the revised GRE.

While there are no Sentence Correction questions on the GRE, it contains two additional Verbal question types: Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence.

Text Completion questions will have a sentence or short passage with one, two, or three words or phrases missing. From the answer choices, you must pick the missing word(s) that best fit(s) the overall meaning and context of the sentence.

Sentence Equivalence question present a single sentence with one word missing. From among six answer choices, you must select the TWO answer choices that both logically complete the sentence AND produce sentences with equivalent meanings. These question types are a test of your ability to understand a) the logic and structure of English sentence formation; and b) vocabulary-in-context.

Expect to see hard (not-so-commonly-used) English words in Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions.

Writing

The GRE and GMAT both have a 30-minute essay on the analysis of an argument, where you are asked to analyze an argument for its questionable assumptions and overall validity. The GRE, additionally, has a second 30-minute essay where you are prompted to take a position on an issue and present an argument for your position using specific and relevant examples. The specific tasks on the GRE (and the expected quality) of your draft are far more exacting than those on the GMAT.

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GRE vs. GMAT: format and structure of both the GMAT and the GRE

Can you tell me about the format and structure of both the GMAT and the GRE so that I can take an informed decision?

Since the two tests are both taken on a computer, you must examine the specific contents of each test in order to make the proper decision.To begin with, compare the sections on each test:

GMAT
GMAT Test Section	# of Questions	Question Types	Timing
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)	1 topic	1. Analysis of Argument	30 Minutes
Integrated Reasoning	12 questions	1. Multi-Source Reasoning 2.Graphics Interpretation 3.Two-Part Analysis 4.Table Analysis	30 Minutes
Quantitative	31 Questions	1.Problem Solving 2.Data Sufficiency	62 Minutes
Verbal	36 Questions	1.Reading Comprehension 2.Critical Reasoning 3.Sentence Correction	65 Minutes
Total Exam Time (not incl. breaks)			3 hours 07 minutes

GRE
GRE Test Section	# of Questions	Question Types	Timing
Analytical Writing Measure	2 Topics	1.Analyze an Issue 2.Analyze an Argument	30 Minutes 30 Minutes
Quantitative (x2)	20 Questions in each of the two sections (40 total)	1.Multiple-Choice: Select One 2.Multiple-Choice: Select One or More 3.Numeric Entry 4.Quantitative Comparison	35 Minutes per section (70 min. total)
Verbal (x2)	20 Questions in each of the two sections (40 total)	1.Text Completion 2.Sentence Equivalence 3.Reading Comprehension	30 Minutes per section (60 min. total)
Total Exam Time			3 hours 45 min.

Each test has Quantitative, Verbal and Writing sections, the types of questions within either Verbal or Quant section between the two tests are not similar.

Quantitative Section

One important difference between the GMAT and the GRE, especially helpful for those who hate doing (complex) math mentally is that the GRE provides an on-screen calculator for use during the Quantitative sections, while the GMAT does not.

The body of knowledge tested in the Quantitative sections of each exam is quite similar: questions in both tests are based on high school level arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. The most common question type on each test is multiple-choice, which are problems in which you are presented with a question and several answer choice options. Note that the math in the GMAT is considered more challenging than that of the GRE by a fair margin.

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