Hi TSE test takers,
(IT IS A LONG MAIL, PLS SPARE TIME)
I am one person among you, who took TSE. I didn't make it in my 1st attempt. But I made it in second attempt. Only difference in my preparation was my attitude, while preparing for 2 attempt.
Please understand TSE is not ultimate test for your english language skills. Think of this test as an opportunity to make yourself ready to counter day to day conversation situation. Remember, if you don't make in TSE you lose some money(I know it is more money) and time. If you are let to practice without TSE (whatever your profession may be), think how will you manage your clients or patients? Do you want to me humiliated by your colleagues? SO PLS UTILIZE THE PREPARATION TIME AS MUCH AS YOU CAN TO GET ACCUSTOMED TO THE SPOKEN ENGLISH SKILLS.
Commom mistakes we as test takers do are,
1. We think that we know how to speak English (especially Indian test takers). I don't deny it, but we know Indian English not American English. But we are going to work in America. What is the point you speaking Indian english in America. Will you or any Indian, can understand American english, if they come to India & work. Don't they need to practice Indian english or Hindi to communicate in India?
So please practice English in American way, unfortunately it is their language.
2. Accept you need to improve speaking english skills........ When I took the test 1st, I was so confident that I will make it because I was trained in English from my KG years. It was a shock for me when I saw my 1st score. Then decided to learn American english by putting my Indian english aside. Got 50 in my 2ed attempt.
So unlearn your Indian english & learn American english properly.
3.Pronunciation.......I think everyone by now would agree that we Indians have pronunciation difference(not problem) from Americans. Interesting example, the way we pronounce "A" is like "Ah" in Hindi or any Indian language. But in English (American) "A" is "A". So please pay attention to these simple tricks.
Keep this views in mind and practice with hope. You can make it for sure.
One important thing about this forum is I had good & bad influence from this forum. When I took my 1st test & got 45, I saw people's post here. Then I convinced myself that this exam is biased. Then I got my enlightment to check, how many posts were from people who passed this test. The ratio is very less compared to people who don't make it. So please this forum is good information ground, but don't get discouraged by the posts saying this exam is not worth. I decided to write this mail to give little bit motivation (if possible) and some facts about the test( I feel so). It is the human tendency to form a group when we are in despair, but turn it into motivation & work together to reach your goal.
My favorite saying " YOU JUDGE YOURSELF BY YOUR CAPACITY, WORLD EVALUATES YOU BY THE RESULTS YOU DELIVER".
NOW SOME TIPS FOR TAKING THE TEST:
Form an outline for each Q, so that you can put any information into this outline & make answer, even when you don't see the Q before test.
1. Picture Q.
a. Start with positive note of the story. Like it was a beautiful, warm Sunday morning or People were shopping with enthusiam.
b. Give names to the characters in the story for your convinence.
c. Explain like you are narrating a story to a little child. (No baby talks).
d.Conclude with expression in the story, like Linda was disappointed or Mike paniced because he didn't expect this.
I WILL GIVE TIPS ABOUT NEXT Qs IN MY NEXT POST BECAUSE THIS IS TOO LONG.
Thanks for reading it patiently,
Upperna.
Hi TSE Takers,
As I said in my previous mail, pls form an outline to all Q and practice it with all kind of information you have regarding the Q. It is not neccesary to follow my outlines, you can create your own and practice it. TIPS.....PRACTICE COnTINUOUSLY BEFORE 2 DAYS OF THE EXAM.
2.Now opinion Q: (If you are following Dean Papajones)
a. Pick one method of answering this Q. Ex, there is one method where you state you side of opinion and giving two points to support it. This method worked for me.
b. Be sure to restate your point at the end.
c. Try to pick 2 or 3 points to support, not more that that.
If you are worried that your mind does not race fast to find points to support your opinion, check with PapaJones, where they give 5 different ways to support your opinion like social, economical, convience etc.
3. Advantages & Disadvantages Q:
a. Be clear to give atleast 2 adv & disadv.
b. State which one is adv over other.
c. Pick the one which you think is more adv and explain first and then state disavg next.
d. end by summerising.
4.Hypothecial Q:
a. First explain in short what will you do in such suituation.
b. Give 2 reasons for it.....one from your personal experience or what you think & next from social point of view. (ex: if you have one million $, what will you do.....you can answer that I will use 3/4 for my dream house buying {give reason} second I will donate 1/4 to cancer research {give reason}) TIPS: BE PRACTICAL ABOUT YOUR REASONS. DON'T SAY I WILL DONATE 1 MILLION TO CHARITY BECOZ IT DOESN'T SOUND TRUE.
5. Graph Q:
a. Interprete the Graph.....this is important. Ex. If the graph illustrates that there is a difference between 2 points...say like use of internet in higher in 2005 that 1995...mention that clearly.
b. find out for what reason the graph is drawn.... & give title to it. Pls don't say the x axis & y axis represent so & so. Speak why the graph is presented and what to infer from it.
c. restate the inference from the graph finally.
6.Reason for difference in graph Q.
a.give two reason.
b. Mention how this reasons contribute to the changes .
good luck,
Upperna.
