If you are preparing for the TOEFL, IELTS, or SAT exams, or are helping a future test-taker prepare, here are some hints:

1. Perhaps most important, study the official exam information and practice with their sample test questions. You don’t want to waste precious time during the test figuring out the test format! See the official TOEFL site, the official IELTS site, the official IELTS sample questions to practice, and the official SAT site.

If you’re thinking of the TOEFL, I highly recommend a free course on the exam starting Jan. 25. (You can also pay to get a certificate if you complete the course, and they will include a very useful test guide— or buy it separately.) I took the course the last time it was offered, and think it is well worth the time (2-4 hours per week.) Sign up for the TOEFL prep course here.

2. Once you have registered for the one of the tests, plan a study schedule. You should practice all the skills that will be on the test, but put most of your time into your weak areas. (Taking a practice test will let you know what you need to work on.) Use test-practice materials, but don’t forget to keep up your general English skills: read as much as possible in English on any subjects that interest you, and talk and write about them in English.

There’s a new page on EnglishHints that can help you find lots of pages to practice the academic vocabulary you need for the tests. Check out TOEFL and IELTS Vocabulary. It links to the best EnglishHints practice pages for each test.

Since there are so many links and test practice ideas in this newsletter, I’m only giving one practice exercise direct link. It includes vocabulary explanations and practice for some of the most useful words to understand related to scientific reading and for tests. Click here for Scientific Method Vocabulary.

A note if you get gmail: Have you missed any issues of English Detective? if you find English Detective in your Promotions box, you can move it to your Primary box (if you want) by clicking on it and dragging it there, then clicking Yes when asked if you want to always get it in the Primary box.

If you are not already getting English Detective, you can subscribe by completing the form here. (It's free!) Also, you can reach me by mail at 1752 Driftwood Drive, El Centro, CA 92243, USA.