The Basics on ESL Courses and Vocabulary Building
Although people argue nowadays that the term "English as a Second Language"(ESL) is politically incorrect, it is arguably the most commonly known term to refer to the acquisition of English by a non-native speaker, compared to its recent alternatives like ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and EAL (English as an Additional Language).
Why Do You Need to Take a Test for ESL?
If you are emigrating to an English-speaking country like Canada, the US, or the UK, having ESL certification will help you adjust and settle into your new life more easily. Your children will have an easier time gaining admission to school with ESL certification while you yourself will enjoy better and more career opportunities with the same certification.
If, on the other hand, you are a native English speaker who is planning to teach foreigners how to speak English, you will need to combine your ESL certification with that of TOEFL (Teaching of English as a Foreign Language). In some cases, TOEFL is also referred to as TESOL and TESL.
ESL and Vocabulary Building
Certainly, building your vocabulary is one of the best ways to prepare for ESL certification. A good vocabulary will ensure that you understand all instructions for different parts of the test, answer as many possible questions correctly, and last but not the least, express yourself articulately – if not eloquently – in the test's essay section.
When building your vocabulary in preparation for an ESL test, it is important that you not only consider the mere definition and spelling of the words but also how to use the words in a grammatically correct way in sentences.
How to Prepare for Taking the ESL Test
You have various options for preparing for your upcoming ESL exam.
ESL Courses
These are commonly offered by universities and colleges as well as review and language centers. Make sure that you choose a course that comes well recommended by either government or professional agencies. Consider the location as well – is it near enough and suitable as a learning environment?
Consider the content or curriculum for the course. Does it cover all the basics? What kind of methods will it employ for testing your proficiency and vocabulary? Does it include an offer for free refresher courses? What about the teacher-student ratio? Lastly, consider the price and schedule. Is the price affordable or, at the very least, reasonable? Does your free time coincide with their available class schedules?
Online ESL Courses
ESL courses offered online basically have the same lesson plans used in real-world ESL courses. Online programs are, however, more convenient since they are typically available 24/7. They're also more affordable, allowing you to work one-on-one with a professor if necessary. If you are choosing this option, just make sure that you are enrolling in a legitimate and recommended school.
DIY Review
You have, of course, the option to review on your own. Do this only if you are confident you have the self-discipline to keep to a strict review schedule. Take advantage as well of all available resources, which include free vocabulary quizzes online, ESL study books you can borrow from the library or purchase, and last but not the least, vocabulary building software programs specifically designed for ESL exam takers.