|
Post by Meriadoc on Oct 26, 2003 8:25:52 GMT 7
good day! for anybody who is scheduled to take or plan to take the proficiency exams soon, your questions and worries are welcomed here! feel free to ask and I'll try my best to answer 'em all...
|
|
|
Post by von on Oct 28, 2003 15:15:49 GMT 7
hello! i'm planning to take tse by early next year, tanong ko lang kung ano yung ginawa mo to prepare for it, naabutan mo pa ba yung revised version? thanks.
|
|
|
Post by Meriadoc on Oct 28, 2003 16:26:31 GMT 7
I took the TSE last year... before the advent of the new format... I think they instituted it last Feb or March.
It used to be a 12-question format... now it is just down to 9. They removed the map section of the exam, the very tricky part as far as I know... I think most examinees flunk the exam bec of this portion along with the graph and billboard/announcement sections; personally, I think the map section is the portion where Filipino attempts to "slang-erize" their answers and confusion on geography spell the fate of passing or failing the TSE.
Now I think there was a new section introduced wherein you get to be a third person speaker in a conversation... I will try to source from new examinees/passers on how they managed to go through about it and will post it later here.
The common mistake I have come to observed among Pinoys (nurses, PTs, etc.) taking the TSE is that they think by speaking in an American accent, they would get the job done... I have seen this behavior among TSE reviewees especially during speaking sessions... one tends to make a mistake in this manner bec your brain tends to focus more on how you say one thing in an American way, not on what is appropriate to say... MISDIRECTION kumbaga. The TSE raters know that you're an ESL speaker (english as secondary language)... if they rate you for how you speak english american-wise it shoulda been called Test for Speaking like an American (hmm.. call center agents would do well here).
Over the past few months, Indians that have emailed me also about to take/took the exam managed to pass it the first time... to think, they have more "punto" to overcome (I know this firsthand from my experience as a medical transcriptionist, handling Indian/Pakistani docs)... how come they pass it the first time around??
|
|
|
Post by Meriadoc on Oct 28, 2003 16:36:30 GMT 7
You're working in KSA right? you have a slight edge already as most of the time you guys/gals out there are only allowed to speak English and not Tagalog.
Reading helps... the same way it can help you during TOEFL/TWE... watching movies and memorizing lines can also contribute to intonation... but again remember, one need not sound american... pronounciation of a word clearly even if with a "punto" can get the job done...
those are the keys... appropriateness/directness of answer, clear pronounciation, politeness when speaking (however, this can be disregarded as raters also know that you have time to think about also when taking the exam, hence you can speak hurriedly but clearly if you think time is running out for you to answer the question). but even if you disregard politeness, HUWAG KA NA NAMANG SISIGAW.
I envy test takers nowadays because last year there weren't much TSE CDrom reviewers around, only books (which are too perfectionists by the way)... now I think they have test simulators also. Test takers should take advantage of these tools as they can help but must not totally rely on them... iba pa rin pag conventional (on your own). Also, some review centers can help out bec they present what I would like to call "quick kicks" or tricks when it comes to facing a certain question.
|
|
ulikba
New Member
Way to Go!
Posts: 9
|
Post by ulikba on Oct 31, 2003 20:11:25 GMT 7
You mentioned about test takers being so lucky nowadays because they have (all, may not be all but some) sources, which would practically help us to pass the English exam, aside from CD roms and tests guides, which are very accessible, i agree with that, but do you think test takers should enroll in a review center (which i think is of great help also) or a self-study would do?
|
|
|
Post by Meriadoc on Nov 1, 2003 6:58:21 GMT 7
hello there ulikbaPT! weird name, where ya from and what school/batch?? anyway, in reply to your question, if one is really determined in passing the TSE the first time around, doing his/her best resourcing study material and practicing for the exam then I don't see why a person MUST enroll in a review center. However, review centers make it a notch higher for a testtaker to pass on a probable scale on the first attempt because they give a "feel" of the exam... also, local testtakers are unbelievably resourceful in looking out and observing test sets that sometimes do repeat in circulation! Once you get to see what kind of questions they are, one can now know how to approach and reply to each question. Testtakers nowadays are sooo lucky to have a lot of study review material to choose from now... last year only a couple of books are available among the subculture of nurses/PTs taking the TSE. Like what I earlier insisted, many Filipino testtakers nowadays have an absurd understanding of the TSE... they think that by sounding like an American they would get the job done... if that's the case then it shoulda been called the Test for Sounding like an American (TSA) important grips to hang on to: appropriateness of answer, clear pronounciation (even if "may punto ka" as long as the word can be clearly discerned by the rater) and time awareness... you have an email addie? maybe I can send you a collection of old tips.
|
|
ulikba
New Member
Way to Go!
Posts: 9
|
Post by ulikba on Nov 1, 2003 16:31:18 GMT 7
thanks meriadoc, im from Fatima batch '99 . that keeps some of my inquiries clear now. your words are of great help, but if you still have some help to offer about the English exam that would be much appreciated. u can e-mail the details and tips to me about the English exam at ulikba00@yahoo.com. another one please, do you think being a former medical transcriptionist would have a "better edge" in passing the exam? (just a thought )
|
|
|
Post by mlmdelgwapo on Nov 2, 2003 18:27:05 GMT 7
Hello I'm just curious as to where am I going to apply for this exams? I have read in the internet that certifying organizations won't be accepting results coming from the TOEIC/IELTS, which I believe is the new policy currently given to all PT/OT's in obtaining a health care certification (pls see "http://www.pinoytherapist.homestead.com" concerning this"). Any information as to this concerns would be greatly appreciated! I'm already about to submit my documents to FCCPT for credentialing but I just want to make sure that I'm on the right track before I forward my credentials and taking the exams (TOEFL, TSE, & TWE). God speed PTRP's!!! My email address is mlmdelgwapo@yahoo.com
|
|
|
Post by Meriadoc on Nov 3, 2003 6:59:38 GMT 7
my two cents about this issue is that primarily IELTS program is recognized in "outside-USA" english speaking countries like UK, Canada, Aus/NZ... and from what I have heard madali pa rin yata toefl/tse... though in the future, ETS is instituting a program that would incorporate both toefl/twe/tse in one sitting similar to IELTS (nowadays they're conducting TSE via phone, whooaaa a speedy jump to technology!)
to be safe, ETS exams (toefl/twe, tse) are safer to take in the sense that most if not all US credentialing agencies, state board departments, gov.'t/immigration offices recognized these exams as a gauge to measure an individual's capability/grasp of english language/conversation which would prove a key in working someday in the US.
|
|
|
Post by Meriadoc on Nov 3, 2003 7:03:43 GMT 7
to further add, according to state board directories online (list of requirements, see www.ilw.com. on the search function type FSBPT), there was no mention of IELTS/TOEIC requirements as proof of english proficiency... TOEFL/TWE and TSE are still the ones required and I think they won't change their stand on that... I think the news came from nurses who got it from confused or just plain dumb recruitment agencies
|
|
|
Post by kinesiology on Nov 4, 2003 12:11:20 GMT 7
;D i salute you meriadoc! for helping us, Pinoy PT's to hurdle our exam. yan ba tinuro sa EAC? he he he joke. im one of the persons who recieve ur toefl and tse tips! SALAMAT! ;D.
|
|
|
Post by Meriadoc on Nov 7, 2003 17:50:57 GMT 7
bry: saka na bayad mo ;D
ulikba: what tips do you need for what exam? toefl or tse?
I will be adding some guides on how to answer the new TSE questions soon... just got hold of some sample questions. also, I am trying to cull tips from others who passed the revised TSE.
all the best...
|
|
alas
New Member
Posts: 4
|
Post by alas on Nov 12, 2003 18:04:36 GMT 7
;)Thank God ther's someone like you who's willing to help others you don't know. I'll be taking my TSE this nov. 15. Please give me some advise. you can e-mail me at isyolk@yahoo.com Thank you & God Bless!
|
|
ulikba
New Member
Way to Go!
Posts: 9
|
Post by ulikba on Nov 14, 2003 6:00:08 GMT 7
Thanks Meriadoc for your e-mail about the TSE tips. Well, now i have been back from a long-week hiatus. Anyway, I think that would help much. I am starting to keep your tips by heart. I am a starter also so if you don't mind, I am asking for the tips again, but this time about TOEFL naman. Your effort is much appreciated. Always keep your helping hands open..Thanks a lot
|
|
|
Post by MeLiaN_pt on Nov 15, 2003 16:13:42 GMT 7
hi ulikba...an itsy-bitsy TOEFL/TWE tip na isisingit ko lang: allot a time for ETS to mail a free copy of the TOEFL POWERPREP to you and for you to check it out at the comforts of your home from the date of your TOEFL/TWE application to the date of your TOEFL/TWE exams. expect to receive it 2-3 weeks after the date of your application. it is a useful tool that simulates the real test. good luck.
|
|
|
Post by Meriadoc on Nov 18, 2003 6:54:28 GMT 7
TOEIC/IELTS issue... TOEIC is also a test being administered by ETS which gives the 3 english proficiency exams (toefl, tse, twe respectively). I guess its different from the 3 based on its purpose or depth. the IELTS is being administered by Cambridge exams. These 2 exams are now recognized by ICHP VisaScreen to evaluate english proficiency as ICHP stopped conducting its own english proficiency evaluation. However, at this point I think these 2 aren't or is still being considered by FCCPT to gauge english proficiency. As some may know FCCPT is also under the umbrella of the FSBPT (or vice versa? am not sure but I know they are very much related) and FSBPT member states mainly recognized toefl, twe and tse programs as english proficiency measuring tools (and in some states, minimally TOEIC too). So from this premise we can say it is still questionable to take the TOEIC/IELTS programs as not all individual state boards recognize these two programs and that the big 3 T's are still the hallmark for looking into an applicant's grasp of the english language. Hope this puts to rest the confusion on this particular issue.
|
|
ulikba
New Member
Way to Go!
Posts: 9
|
Post by ulikba on Nov 20, 2003 17:39:16 GMT 7
Yes thanks, I already had the pamphlet mailed to me by the ETS. hi ulikba...an itsy-bitsy TOEFL/TWE tip na isisingit ko lang: allot a time for ETS to mail a free copy of the TOEFL POWERPREP to you and for you to check it out at the comforts of your home from the date of your TOEFL/TWE application to the date of your TOEFL/TWE exams. expect to receive it 2-3 weeks after the date of your application. it is a useful tool that simulates the real test. good luck.
|
|
choco
New Member
Posts: 8
|
Post by choco on Nov 21, 2003 7:01:42 GMT 7
::)hello,any recommendation for review materials for TSE and Toefl.book title?. thanks and Godbless po: ;)chocol_03@yahoo.com
|
|
|
Post by charlene on Mar 3, 2004 17:26:46 GMT 7
hello, i'm planning to take the proficiency exams, please give me some tips especially with the TSE. What is it all about? How am i going to answer the questions...your suggestions will be very much appreciated...thanks...here's my email...charlenemanalo@yahoo.com...
|
|
|
Post by pepito on Mar 27, 2004 8:25:02 GMT 7
Hello! I took the TOEFL & TSE a months back and thankfully I passed both. I just practiced well because I never attended any review class because of my schedule and financial difficulties. Sabi nga nila, if you're a first timer, the chances of failing will be high. I never kept that in mind. That I cannot permit. It may be true to some but not to everyone. I can't afford to waste US$255. How did I do it? I prayed a lot. That helped boost my confidence and morale. Another, I remained optomistic in spite of what I've been hearing about the test. There will be those telling you that the exams (especially the TSE) are difficult. Well, they're correct. But I think that it's more complicated than difficult. Do not give yourself a chance to get laidback just because you believe you're good in English. Instead of allowing this fact to bother you, use it as a challenge to do better and give your best. Believe that you'll make it. Always talk to yourself that you'll make it. And talk to yourself in English. I enjoy that. Next, if you still have those English books you used back in high school, you'll need them. If you don't have them, visit your nearest bookstore for those old stocks on sale. I think that what you should be conscious about are stuffs like the subject-verb agreements, use of nouns and pronouns, etc. Example, many of us are fond of using "to came, to welcomed, to bought, to arrived" instead of the more proper "to TEXT, to TEXT, to TEXT, to TEXT". Pagkatapos ng "to" dapat present tense ang verb di ba?. Also, there are old practice drills you can buy along the streets of Manila but you have to know the changes made especially to TSE. I borrowed a recorder and had my girlfriend record the questions just like what will happen in the actual exam. Note the time, the beeps, and everything. Nakakatawa pero kailangan. I used up around 5 blank tapes for this. Another, do not be ashamed to practice even in public. I would bring along the review materials I borrowed and bought in Recto and would answer the questions/drills in the bus without minding the puzzled look of the other passengers. (The heck with them! They don't know me!). I also went to a park one weekend, a public library basta makapagpractice lang. Read lots of stuff in English like newspapers and watch and listen to English broadcasts like CNN because according to an acquaintance, she was asked about a current event that she was able to see in CNN. If you don't have cable TV, meron naman sa Pinas na mga English progrmas di ba? To practice my tongue, I would read the English texts aloud and had my girlfriend or anybody I was comfortable with to note the improper pronunciations, yung mga words na di ko masabi ng maayos kasi "nakakain" ko, etc. Accept corrections positively pero have someone reliable to correct you or else, you'll end up with that Jimmy Santos or Erap English. You have to talk clearly and confidently. Di nila expected na ang salita mo ay native American English because you're not born in the US. Dapat makapal na ang apog mo or yung $255 na pambili na ng cellphone ay mawawala lang na parang bula. Talk in English kahit saan. If you order food in McDo or anywhere, converse in English. When I went out with my friends, I talked to them in English to a point na nabubwisit na sila. Ilang buwan lang naman yun. If you have Fil-Am pals, hang around with them muna. Basta grab any opportunity to talk in English. This is just a primer. When I come back, I'll go directly to the exams. I cannot give you everything but I'll give you all that helped me pass the exam. It's practice that helps. Ika nga, "perfect practice makes perfect"! Ulitin ko lang: 1. magpraktis magsalita ng Ingles kahit saan, kahit anong oras, kahit sa isipan man lang 2. kapalan ang apog, sayang ang perang inutang na pambayad 3. maghanap ng mga babasahing Ingles at tama na muna ang FHM (Ingles din pala yun! Sige pwede na rin yun!) 4. maging tulad ni Ping Lacson: Buo ang loob. Walang takot. pero hangang doon lang ang gayahin sa kanya 5. always pray Tenk U!
|
|
|
Post by baby_iya on Jun 15, 2004 16:09:58 GMT 7
to pepito: bravo!galeng galeng mo naman! thanks for the tips... to meriadoc: mam, can u send me the TSE tips? btw, im a medical transcriptionist too, homebased. jebjen1210@yahoo.com thanks in advance
|
|
|
Post by Meriadoc on Jun 21, 2004 17:35:07 GMT 7
baby_iya: I already emailed you the tips, I am that guy.. btw, I am a man, not a mam good luck on your exam! do post your success story and experience here when the time comes! God bless...
|
|
|
Post by pepito on Jun 24, 2004 21:09:18 GMT 7
hi! sandali lang ito. never ever be affected by what you think an "improper or poorly organized" previous answer. if you indulge on it, you're performance will indeed be affected. i'll be back. but, i have to swallow back what i said about ping. recently, he showed one gesture not everybody has the guts to do. sige na, pag magtake kayo ng exam, maging buo ang loob at wag matakot. gayahin na ke pareng ping yun.
|
|
|
Post by maverick on Jul 9, 2004 19:48:14 GMT 7
good day! for anybody who is scheduled to take or plan to take the proficiency exams soon, your questions and worries are welcomed here! feel free to ask and I'll try my best to answer 'em all... Hi Meriadoc, Im taking the TOEFL exams this last week of july and TSE on the 3rd week of august. Can you give me some tips on preparing for the exam? you can email me at xtra_storage2003@yahoo.com.hope you can help me..thanksin advance. maverick
|
|
|
Post by annaid4444 on Jul 12, 2004 19:59:23 GMT 7
anyone please give me some tips on how to pass TSE and some sample answer especially on the questions 789 and graph. please send the details to my email lian4_94@yahoo.com. thank you in advance
|
|
|
Post by annaid4444 on Jul 12, 2004 20:08:07 GMT 7
meriadoc: please send me some tips and if possible sample answers pleassssseeeeeeeee. my exam will be on aug21. need it badly.. my email lian4_94@yahoo.com
|
|
nigel
New Member
Posts: 2
|
Post by nigel on Jul 16, 2004 19:29:19 GMT 7
hi there guys! just got my toefl/twe exams last july 14, '04. this is about my twe test. is it OK if I didn't press on the NEXT/CONFIRM icons of my essay test because I ran out of time? but i already edited my essay...will my essay appear before the ETS raters as it is even if I didn't confirm it? i beg your words here..thanks!!
|
|
|
Post by lenchy on Jul 17, 2004 13:12:26 GMT 7
hi nigel.it doesn't matter if you were not able to press the next/cofirm coz i know that it will automatically stop and what you have written will be automatically be saved.don't worry.
|
|
nigel
New Member
Posts: 2
|
Post by nigel on Jul 17, 2004 16:42:08 GMT 7
thanks very much lenchy.. my fingers are still crossed for my toefl/tse results.. hi nigel.it doesn't matter if you were not able to press the next/cofirm coz i know that it will automatically stop and what you have written will be automatically be saved.don't worry.
|
|
|
Post by fishbwidu on Oct 14, 2004 22:20:09 GMT 7
to meriadoc: hello sir. i'm glad you're around to help us here. i took the TSE back in '99 and passed, took it this year, but unfortunately didn't make the cut. i hope you could email your tips at my address babyisha04@yahoo.com. thank you for your help.
|
|