Simple English for IELTS, TOEFL, NPTE, PT

How can we make a sentence? Basically, a simple sentence is composed of different words that work together to bring out one single thought. This means that every single word in the sentence play a vital role in providing meaning to the sentence. Hence, we call these elements in the sentence the parts of speech.

The parts of speech are words that have specific functions in a sentence. In the English language, we have eight different parts of speech. Let us discuss each part and provide examples for better learning.

1. NOUNS

Nouns are name of people, things, animals, phenomena, and events. It can function differently in the sentence like subject and object. Nouns can be word, phrases or clauses.

Examples:

• Mary is known to be the prettiest girl in the class.
• I have to go to the hospital and visit my sick aunt.
• What I don’t understand is his insensitivity.

2. PRONOUNS

These are used to substitute names of nouns in a sentence. We use pronouns to avoid redundancy in the sentence.

Examples:

• Raymond is such a hardworking gentleman. He always does his best in everything.
• The dog is waggling its tail. It is a happy dog.
• Everyone in the class has agreed to participate.

3. VERBS

Verbs are words that express a movement, occurrence of an event or just a condition. There are action verbs that show an action and state verbs that show a state of a noun.

Examples:

• She is my friend.
• My aunt eats breakfast every morning.
• I like him so much.

4. ADJECTIVES

Adjectives are words that are used to describe nouns.

Examples:

• I bought a red car for my old friend.
• The flowers are very pretty.
• This dress will look elegant on me.

5. ADVERBS

Adverbs are used to modify verbs, adjectives, adverbs and even the meaning of the whole sentence.

Examples:

• I run fast.
• She is much prettier than her older sister.
• The thief slowly opened the bag. 

 

6. CONJUNCTIONS

These are words that connect grammatically alike words, phrases and clauses. Conjunctions can be coordinating, correlative and subordinating.

Examples:

• My sister and I enjoy going to the mountains in spring.
• Both Raymond and Jing are working as managers in the hotel.
• Joel was playing the piano while Denver was singing on stage.

7. PREPOSITIONS

Prepositions are used to link words in any part of the sentence. Prepositions can be time, place, movement or direction.

Examples:

• My youngest brother was born on October 20th.
• Their family moved to a new apartment building. They are currently living on the 16th floor.
• We went around town and found a nice cafe down this street.

8. INTERJECTIONS

These are words that are used express an emotion or sentiment.

Examples:

• Wow! I found my lost wallet in my closet.
• Hi! What’s up mother?
• Ouch! You are stepping on my foot!

These parts of speech are the secret in making effective and strong sentences. They have different uses and one must be very good at it.

Have you ever heard of the word “filipinism”?

 

English proficiency has become an essential requirement in both work and education nowadays. The use of the English language has spread all over the globe as more and more nationalities study English for their careers and studies. In the Philippine setting, English is used almost every day in formal and even informal situations. Thus, it is easy to say that Filipinos are quite accustomed to using the language. However, though Filipinos sound professional once they converse in English, there are some minor problems with their construction and even in some phrases that they use.

Filipinism – these are words or phrases that seem to be correct in usage but they are actually grammatically incorrect and are a result of transliteration. These filipinisms are commonly heard in conversations and even some in writing. This is alarming since they contain grammar errors and should be corrected. Here are some filipinisms and their correct usage:

1. Come again?

This is a common expression Filipinos use to say “could you repeat that?” Instead of saying “come again”, it is better to say “I am sorry I didn’t get that”, “Excuse me?”, “I am sorry, would you please say that again?”



2. It’s for free!

It should be “It’s free!” or “It’s free of charge!”



3. Open the light/computer/TV

Might as well get a screw driver and start “opening” that thing. Instead of the verb “turn on”, use the verb “switch on/ff.”


4. He/She was salvaged.

The word “salvage” means “to save somebody or something.” Filipinos have another meaning of it which means “to kill”. To make this correct, it should be said as, “He/She was assassinated.”


5. Where are you studying?

This question can be answered by simply telling a place where you study – library, bed room, or even coffee shops. But some use this expression to ask about “the school” where one is enrolled. Hence, it should be corrected by saying, “Where do you go to school? or Which school do you go to?”


6. Aircon – air conditioner

7. Fall in line – stand in line

8. For a while – please hold; hold on

9. Ref – refrigerator; fridge

10. Rubber shoes – sneakers; trainers, running shoes

Because of its constant usage within conversations, these filipinisms have started to be acceptable; however, in English proficiency training, this should be greatly avoided. These expressions have to be used in their correct usage to avoid confusion and errors in both speaking and writing English.

Source: http://www.englishforums.com/English/FilipinismPhrase/wkxcw/post.htm

Are you planning to teach a friend who needs help building their skills for the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination?

Teaching IELTS can be pretty difficult if you do not have the right materials to use for the class. IELTS mentors have undergone training and classes to hone their English skills and their knowledge for the examination format itself. Additionally, most of them have already taken the test making them authorities in teaching the IELTS. Though they are already professionals in the IELTS, these mentors are also guided by books, manuals, and even apps for the IELTS. Here are some apps these coaches use in their training for the IELTS.

1. IELTS Word Power

http://www.britishcouncil.org/spain/en/ielts-word-power

 

Aren’t you surprised why these mentors have the best and the widest vocabulary while teaching? This app helps mentors in knowing and understanding words that are best to be used in the IELTS. Having wide vocabulary is a great advantage for the IELTS examination.


2. IELTS Skills

http://www.appannie.com/apps/ios/app/ielts-skills-free/

With all four sections of the IELTS in a single app, no one can go wrong downloading this app. Practice tests and interactive tasks are conveniently added in this feature. Each skill has explanations that mentors can practice and exercises that comprehensively test their skills for the IELTS.



3. IELTS Speaking Practice

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dmc.iespeaking2&hl=en

 

With over 300 questions, coaches are always prepared to conduct speaking tests with their enrolees. The variety of topics makes this app perfect for honing skills and developing better answers for the IELTS speaking examination.



4. Practice English Grammar 2

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/practice-english-grammar-2/id490759167

 

Problems with grammar? This app will sort things out with queries on grammar. It has practically discussions and exercises on verb tenses which are a problem to most candidates. Provided with examples and sample tests, this app is one you should have on your smart phones and tablets.



5. Merriam-Webster Dictionary

https://itunes.apple.com/ph/app/id399452287?mt=8

Be more familiar with words and jargons in the reading texts with this handy dictionary. It provides easy to understand definition of words and sample sentences. Moreover, if connected to the internet, one checks the pronunciation of a certain vocabulary word.

These apps are very helpful to teachers teaching the IELTS. However, not only teachers can use this but also the students reviewing for the IELTS. Having them on your smart phones is the best way to review for the IELTS examination especially when you are always on the go.

Several questions have been circling around Filipino physical therapists about applying for work overseas. The opportunities offered to these professionals have been increasing over the years. To meet these demands, Filipino physical therapists comply with the different requirements these agencies need. For starters, Filipino physical therapists prepare by taking the NPTE or the National Physical Therapy Examination.

One step of the process is credentialing. The FCCPT or the Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy offers Educational Credentials Review Service. This service is used for licensure to practice physical therapy in the United States of America. People who are seeking to be awarded with a license to work as a physical therapist should apply for this. What this service does is to compare the educational records provided by the applicant to the current requirements for the first professional degree in the US. It will determine whether the education attained is equivalent to that of a graduate of an accredited physical therapy degree program in the Unites States.

Once credentialing has been completed, Filipino physical therapists prepare taking an English competency examination, specifically the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). This English proficiency examination is conducted by ETS that aims to provide a certificate of one’s competency in the English language represented by scores. The test is composed of four different sections – the reading, listening, speaking and the writing. The need for the TOEFL score is important as it has been a requirement prior to taking the NPTE.

However, not all states require a TOEFL score before taking the NPTE. What candidates for the NPTE need to do is to verify on the state they are applying whether the TOEFL is needed or not. There could be individuals questioning the important of the TOEFL. Why do they need to take this test?

The TOEFL test is an English proficiency examination that evaluates how well a candidate can use the English language. Through the TOEFL, companies and health care institutions are guaranteed that they have people working for them who can understand the English language. Furthermore, people who would be working overseas, especially in an English-speaking country, need to communicate in English not only at work but also in the environment outside work.

Therefore, the TOEFL examination is important for any individual who is planning to work overseas. For Filipino physical therapists, the need for the TOEFL score depends on the state where they are applying for. All they have to do is to inquire whether they need the TOEFL before taking the NPTE.

Is it really tough to speak English?

Many Filipinos are good at speaking in the English language. This is due to the reason that English has been incorporated in the medium of instruction in schools in the Philippines. Hence, it is not surprising why Filipinos can communicate in the English language. Though accustomed to using the language, Filipinos still need to take an English competency examination when they need to work or study abroad. This exam will provide evidence that they are proficient in English. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is one English proficiency examination that is widely taken by Filipinos today. 

 

The TOEFL has four language skills – reading, listening, writing and speaking. The speaking part of the test is where the candidate’s skills in creating responses to questions and situations. Most of the time, Filipinos enrol in TOEFL review centers as they provide training on how to answer TOEFL speaking exam questions effectively. Additionally, as a candidate for the said examination, you can also try doing practice tests online all by yourself. Here are some online resources you can do for free in preparing for the TOEFL speaking examination.

· English Club http://www.englishclub.com/esl-exams/ets-toefl-practice-speaking.htm

This is a good start for candidates to practice for their speaking. The exercises offered in this site will help the candidate know better the tasks as the transcript and the sample responses are provided. Candidates will get the chance to check their responses if it is right.

· Practice Speaking English Online for the TOEFL Test  http://englishteststore.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11397&Itemid=170

The exercises found in this site are really helpful. Candidates have the chance to record their responses and save it. You would also hear responses from other people who have answered the same question and leave comments. This is a good way of learning how to effectively answer on some tasks for the TOEFL Speaking exam.

· TOEFL Speaking Network  http://www.toeflspeakingnetwork.com/

There is a payment when you want to join this group; however, there are exercises that are available for free where you can practice on. In addition, there are sample responses available to make candidates compare their own responses and check the similarity.

·URCH  http://www.urch.com/forums/toefl/146216-toefl-ibt-speaking-rescore-24-26-a.html

If you want to share some questions or information regarding the TOEFL test, this site is where candidates in the TOEFL post comments and recommendations on useful materials for practice in the TOEFL. It is always helpful to find people who share the same feelings with you in the TOEFL.

Gear up as you develop your speaking skills with the best coaches in town. Practice on these sites all by yourself and get more training on the speaking test in TOEFL review centers. You can also refer to this post to avoid common mistakes in the TOEFL speaking exam - common topics are here.