Find out what you already know and what you need to learn. For your study plan to be useful, you Set a time frame. Now that you know where to focus
16 TOEFL EXAM ESSENTIALS
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words or grammar rules you want to remember
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new ideas
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vocabulary words or expressions you need to look up
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Make connections. If you can make connections between ideas, you will better remember the material.
For example, if Spanish is your native language, you might connect the word dormir “to sleep” in Spanish
with dormitory the English word for a room or building where students sleep.
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Make notes. Note taking can help you remember material, even if you never read your notes again. That’s
because it’s a muscle activity, and using your muscles helps you remember. While reading or listening, make
note of main ideas, supporting details, authorities, opinions and facts, and key terms.
BEAT TEST STRESS
Your palms sweat, your breathing quickens, and your heart races. Most test takers recognize these common symptoms—the signs
of stress. However, by following a study plan and taking concrete actions to reduce the stress in your life, you can boost your con-
fidence on exam day and lower your test stress.
Keep your general stress levels low. Take note of the factors in your life that cause you stress, such as family, work, or school
problems. Try to deal with those stresses that interfere with studying and preparing for the exam. For example, if you can’t
study at home because it is loud or chaotic, make plans to find a quieter, calmer location like a friend’s house or the library. Taking
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK TO GET A TOP SCORE 17
specific actions can help you limit stress. The result will be that you will feel more relaxed when you sit down to take the exam.
Here are seven ways to better handle stress.