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Essential Note-Taking Skills for TOEFL/IELTS

Mar 1, 2025

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.
    • Donโ€™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:

Conclusion

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