TOEFL and IELTS Note-Taking Skills

Introduction

• Instructor: Adam from engvid.com
• Focus on TOEFL and IELTS test preparation.
• Lecture delivered at natural speed for listening practice.
• Emphasis on note-taking skills crucial for success on these exams.

Importance of Note-Taking

• TOEFL Exam:

  • Integrated test with listening components in listening, speaking, and writing sections.
  • Necessary to take notes during listening as questions are not visible during lectures.
  • In speaking, notes help in formulating responses to short conversations.
  • In writing, notes from listening sections assist in comparing with reading passages.

• IELTS Exam:

  • Time management and note-taking are essential.
  • Notes facilitate transferring correct answers during the test.

What to Focus on While Listening

• General Ideas:

  • Understand the main topic or subject (e.g., science, history, arts).

• Details to Ignore:

  • Avoid writing every word.
  • Don’t focus on spelling or technical words (these will appear in questions).

• Key Elements to Note:

  • Big ideas and headings.
  • Lists and divisions in lectures (e.g., reasons or points).

Tips for Note-Taking in Listening and Speaking Sections

• Listening Section:

  • Write down key information (headings, lists).
  • Use the paper and pencil provided at the test center.

• Speaking Section:

  • Focus on dates, times, and plans.
  • Note agreements, disagreements, invitations, and excuses.

Writing Section Note-Taking

• Reading Passage:

  • Understand arguments and examples.

• Listening Component:

  • Determine whether it supports or attacks the reading.
  • Record names and examples used.

Note-Taking Techniques

• Codes:

  • Create personal codes for quick notes (e.g., "w/" for "with").

• Abbreviations:

  • Use shortened forms of words (e.g., "abbr." for "abbreviation").
  • Be consistent in usage.

• Acronyms:

  • Initials representing terms or titles (e.g., "IBM" for "International Business Machines").

Practical Application

• Practice with sample sentences reducing them to notes.

Practice Resources

• Websites for Practice:

  • ted.com and CNN for listening and transcripts.
  • Compare notes with transcripts to improve.

• Additional Practice:

  • Visit engvid.com and writetotop.com for exercises.
  • Subscribe to Adam's YouTube channel for more content.

Conclusion

• Master note-taking to ease TOEFL exam sections.
• Practice consistently to improve skill and efficacy in exams.