APPLY ME
  • Home
  • SAT Tutoring
  • GMAT/EA Tutoring
  • Consulting
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Whatsapp 050-272-3756

How to Get a TOEFL or IELTS Waiver in Dubai

3/18/2015

0 Comments

 
How to Get a TOEFL or IELTS Waiver in Dubai
Don't take the TOEFL or IELTS unless you have to!
If you're planning to apply to university later this year, either for Fall 2015 or for next year, we recommend getting your English language requirement (IELTS or TOEFL) out of the way. It will be one less thing to think about as you prepare for the SAT, study for final exams, or begin the application process.
Do I Really Have to Prove I Speak English?
You might be thinking "I don't have to take an exam to prove I speak English because I went to an English speaking school." Unfortunately, almost all universities in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia will still require you to prove you speak English. Here are the requirements from the University of Chicago that show typical requirements to NOT have to take the TOEFL or IELTS:
The English language requirement may be waived if the applicant is a native of or studied in full-time status for at least one academic year within the last five years in the U.S., the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or English medium universities in Canada or South Africa. Students who studied in English in other countries, for example, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore, etc., are not exempt from the English language requirement.
From the last sentence, we can see that the United Arab Emirates will fall into the same category as Hong Kong, Singapore, etc. If you went to school in Dubai and don't have a passport from the US, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or South Africa, you'll have to take the TOEFL or IELTS. 
I Went to School in the UAE and I Don't Have a "Western" Passport
So what score do you need? Well, that varies by university and by program. Some require only a 70 or above. However, the following requirements from the University of Chicago are pretty typical:
Applicants whose total score on the four-part TOEFL falls below 90 (or IELTS falls below 7) will not normally be admitted unless other demonstrable evidence of proficiency in English is available. Individual departments may set higher standards for these scores, and applicants should consult the specific program web sites for details.
Some universities like Georgia Tech now even require online interviews for non-native English speakers!
I Went to School in the UAE and I Don't Have a "Western" Passport: The Exception
There is one exception to the requirement we just mentioned: a high score on the SAT Reading section. Many universities will not require you to take the TOEFL or IELTS even if you went to school in the UAE and don't have a "Western" passport IF you earned a high score on the SAT Reading section. Here are the example requirements from Cornell University:
The TOEFL and/or IELTS requirement for international applicants is waived for students achieving a score of at least 670 on the Critical Reading section of the SAT exam.
The score you need varies based on university (usually 620 and above) so be sure to read EVERYTHING on the International Applicants section of the website of EACH university to which you are applying. If you meet the university's requirements, they will automatically waive the requirement for you so you don't need to email them.
I Went to School in the UAE and I Don't Have a "Western" Passport: Applying to the UK
If you went to school in the UAE and don't have a "Western" passport but you are applying to the UK, you must take the IELTS. You have to meet the requirements of the university and course you are applying to AND the UK Government to qualify for a Tier 4 (General) student visa. If you're applying to both UK and US universities, make the process easier for yourself and take the IELTS Academic module because it will meet everyone's requirements.
I Went to School in the UAE and I Do Have a "Western" Passport
If you went to high school in Dubai and have a passport from the US, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or South Africa (even if you never lived there), you can qualify for a "TOEFL Waiver." It is also some times called an English language requirement waiver or a TOEFL/IELTS waiver but TOEFL waiver is the most common term. Here's how to get one from your universities.
How to Apply for a TOEFL or IELTS Waiver
1. Apply to the university via its website or through the Common Application. The university will not be apply to access your file to provide the credit until they have actually received the application. You can only apply for a TOEFL Waiver to universities in the US (and international universities in Dubai).
2. Wait for a confirmation email from the university. It may take 2-3 days after the deadline has passed for you to receive this email. It will include information for sending other parts of your application and provide an email address to apply for a TOEFL waiver (if this info is not included on the university website). If you don't get an email from the Admissions Department within a week of submitting your application, go to the next step.
3. Send an email to the Admissions Department requesting a TOEFL waiver.Here's a sample that you can cut, paste, and change:
Subject: TOEFL Waiver

Good morning,

I recently submitted my application to (university name) for Fall 2015. Here is my information to help you find my application:

- First and last names as they appear on the application
- Email address used on your application
- Date of birth
- Application number (if received in confirmation email)

I would like to request a TOEFL waiver because I am a native English speaker and hold a passport from (country), which meets the requirements shown on the university website. I have attached my passport copy as proof.


Please email me once my TOEFL waiver has been granted.

Thank you,

Your name
4. Wait for about 2 weeks for a response from the university. If no one replies, check the online application system for the university, call the admissions office, or email the admissions office again. 
Congratulations...now you can start preparing for the SAT!
Questions? Comments? Concerns? 
Leave it in the comments!
0 Comments

185 Official TOEFL IBT Writing Topics

2/2/2015

0 Comments

 
TOEFL topics
Ace the Writing Section with these TOEFL topics!
We were going through some of the materials in our archives, stumbled on this gem, and thought we would share it with you. Here are 185 Official TOEFL iBT Writing Topics for the Independent Writing Task. Yup, this is all of them. Almost most all of our students have had a TOEFL writing topic that came from this list.
How to Use This List
The last thing you want to do with this list is start writing essays for 185 topics. Here's our recommendation for how to boost your score with these official TOEFL topics:
  • Choose 20 hard ones to outline. Outlining (jotting down your opinion and 2 supporting reasons or examples) takes about 3 minutes and if you outline about 5 or 6 every time you start studying for the writing section, you'll finish 20 in no time. The point of this exercise is to get you thinking about what you would write about on test day. A bit of brainstorming never hurt anyone.
  • Read through the whole list. Yes, all 185. Reading the entire list will give you an idea of the flavor of topics you can expect on the real TOEFL.
  • Choose 5 different ones to write. Of the 20 hard ones you outlined, choose 5 to write sample essays for. Ideally, you should start to develop a pattern for how you write each essay. In general, each essay should have an introduction, 2 body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
               Speaking Task 1: # 6, 18, 42, 52, 62
               Speaking Task 2: # 10, 14, 18, 30, 32, 45
  • Choose 10 different topics to use for the speaking section. Many of these questions also have the exact same format as the first 2 independent speaking tasks. Choose some to practice your speaking with (15 seconds to prepare, 45 seconds to speak.) Here are our recommendations: 
Now that you know what to do, here's the list! Scroll to the bottom to download or print the list in PDF form.

Directions: Topics in the following list may appear in your actual test. You should become familiar with this list before you take the computer-based TOEFL test. Remember that when you take the test you will not have a choice of topics. You must write only on the topic that is assigned to you.
185 Official TOEFL iBT Writing Topics
  1. People attend college or university for many different reasons (for example, new experiences, career preparation, increased knowledge). Why do you think people attend college or university? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  2. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents are the best teachers. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  3. Nowadays, food has become easier to prepare. Has this change improved the way people live? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. 
  4. It has been said, “Not everything that is learned is contained in books.” Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience with knowledge gained from books. In your opinion, which source is more important? Why?
  5. A company has announced that it wishes to build a large factory near your community. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this new influence on your community. Do you support or oppose the factory? Explain your position.
  6. If you could change one important thing about your hometown, what would you change? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.
  7. How do movies or television influence people’s behavior? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.
  8. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Television has destroyed communication among friends and family. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
  9. Some people prefer to live in a small town. Others prefer to live in a big city. Which place would you prefer to live in? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
  10. “When people succeed, it is because of hard work. Luck has nothing to do with success.” Do you agree or disagree with the quotation above? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your position.
  11. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Universities should give the same amount of money to their students’ sports activities as they give to their university libraries. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
  12. Many people visit museums when they travel to new places. Why do you think people visit museums? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  13. Some people prefer to eat at food stands or restaurants. Other people prefer to prepare and eat food at home. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  14. Some people believe that university students should be required to attend classes. Others believe that going to classes should be optional for students. Which point of view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer.
  15. Neighbors are the people who live near us. In your opinion, what are the qualities of a good neighbor? Use specific details and examples in your answer.
  16. It has recently been announced that a new restaurant may be built in your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
  17. Some people think that they can learn better by themselves than with a teacher. Others think that it is always better to have a teacher. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons to develop your essay.
  18. What are some important qualities of a good supervisor (boss)? Use specific details and examples to explain why these qualities are important.
  19. Should governments spend more money on improving roads and highways, or should governments spend more money on improving public transportation (buses, trains, subways)? Why? Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.
  20. It is better for children to grow up in the countryside than in a big city. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to develop your essay.
  21. In general, people are living longer now. Discuss the causes of this phenomenon. Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.
  22. We all work or will work in our jobs with many different kinds of people. In your opinion, what are some important characteristics of a co-worker (someone you work closely with)? Use reasons and specific examples to explain why these characteristics are important.
  23. In some countries, teenagers have jobs while they are still students. Do you think this is a good idea? Support your opinion by using specific reasons and details.
  24. A person you know is planning to move to your town or city. What do you think this person would like and dislike about living in your town or city? Why? Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.
  25. It has recently been announced that a large shopping center may be built in your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
  26. It has recently been announced that a new movie theater may be built in your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
  27. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People should sometimes do things that they do not enjoy doing. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  28. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Television, newspapers, magazines, and other media pay too much attention to the personal lives of famous people such as public figures and celebrities. Use specific reasons and details to explain your opinion.
  29. Some people believe that the Earth is being harmed (damaged) by human activity. Others feel that human activity makes the Earth a better place to live. What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  30. It has recently been announced that a new high school may be built in your community. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details in your answer.
  31. Some people spend their entire lives in one place. Others move a number of times throughout their lives, looking for a better job, house, community, or even climate. Which do you prefer: staying in one place or moving in search of another place? Use reasons and specific examples to support your opinion.
  32. Is it better to enjoy your money when you earn it or is it better to save your money for some time in the future? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
  33. You have received a gift of money. The money is enough to buy either a piece of jewelry you like or tickets to a concert you want to attend. Which would you buy? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
  34. Businesses should hire employees for their entire lives. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  35. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Attending a live performance (for example, a play, concert, or sporting event) is more enjoyable than watching the same event on television. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
  36. Choose one of the following transportation vehicles and explain why you think it has changed people’s lives: automobiles, bicycles, airplanes. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  37. Do you agree or disagree that progress is always good? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  38. Learning about the past has no value for those of us living in the present. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  39. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? With the help of technology, students nowadays can learn more information and learn it more quickly. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  40. The expression “Never, never give up” means to keep trying and never stop working for your goals. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  41. Some people think that human needs for farmland, housing, and industry are more important than saving land for endangered animals. Do you agree or disagree with this point of view? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  42. What is a very important skill a person should learn in order to be successful in the world today? Choose one skill and use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
  43. Why do you think some people are attracted to dangerous sports or other dangerous activities? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  44. Some people like to travel with a companion. Other people prefer to travel alone. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
  45. Some people prefer to get up early in the morning and start the day’s work. Others prefer to get up later in the day and work until late at night. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
  46. What are the important qualities of a good son or daughter? Have these qualities changed or remained the same over time in your culture? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  47. Some people prefer to work for a large company. Others prefer to work for a small company. Which would you prefer? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.
  48. People work because they need money to live. What are some other reasons that people work? Discuss one or more of these reasons. Use specific examples and details to support your answer.
  49. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Face-to-face communication is better than other types of communication, such as letters, email, or telephone calls. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
  50. Some people like to do only what they already do well. Other people prefer to try new things and take risks. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
  51. Some people believe that success in life comes from taking risks or chances. Others believe that success results from careful planning. In your opinion, what does success come from? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  52. What change would make your hometown more appealing to people your age? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
  53. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The most important aspect of a job is the money a person earns. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  54. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? One should never judge a person by external appearances. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
  55. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? A person should never make an important decision alone. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  56. A company is going to give some money either to support the arts or to protect the environment. Which do you think the company should choose? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  57. Some movies are serious, designed to make the audience think. Other movies are designed primarily to amuse and entertain. Which type of movie do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  58. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Businesses should do anything they can to make a profit. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
  59. Some people are always in a hurry to go places and get things done. Other people prefer to take their time and live life at a slower pace. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  60. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Games are as important for adults as they are for children. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  61. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents or other adult relatives should make important decisions for their older (15 to 18 year-old) teenage children. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
  62. What do you want most in a friend — someone who is intelligent, or someone who has a sense of humor, or someone who is reliable? Which one of these characteristics is most important to you? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your choice.
  63. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Most experiences in our lives that seemed difficult at the time become valuable lessons for the future. Use reasons and specific examples to support our answer.
  64. Some people prefer to work for themselves or own a business. Others prefer to work for an employer. Would you rather be self-employed, work for someone else, or own a business? Use specific reasons to explain your choice.
  65. Should a city try to preserve its old, historic buildings or destroy them and replace them with modern buildings? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
  66. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Classmates are a more important influence than parents on a child’s success in school. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  67. If you were an employer, which kind of worker would you prefer to hire: an inexperienced worker at a lower salary or an experienced worker at a higher salary? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
  68. Many teachers assign homework to students every day. Do you think that daily homework is necessary for students? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
  69. If you could study a subject that you have never had the opportunity to study, what would you choose? Explain your choice, using specific reasons and details.
  70. Some people think that the automobile has improved modern life. Others think that the automobile has caused serious problems. What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  71. Which would you choose: a high-paying job with long hours that would give you little time with family and friends or a lower-paying job with shorter hours that would give you more time with family and friends? Explain your choice, using specific reasons and details.
  72. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Grades (marks) encourage students to learn. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
  73. Some people say that computers have made life easier and more convenient. Other people say that computers have made life more complex and stressful. What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  74. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The best way to travel is in a group led by a tour guide. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  75. Some universities require students to take classes in many subjects. Other universities require students to specialize in one subject. Which is better? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  76. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Children should begin learning a foreign language as soon as they start school. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
  77. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Boys and girls should attend separate schools. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  78. Is it more important to be able to work with a group of people on a team or to work independently? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.
  79. Your city has decided to build a statue or monument to honor a famous person in your country. Who would you choose? Use reasons and specific examples to support your choice.
  80. Describe a custom from your country that you would like people from other countries to adopt. Explain your choice, using specific reasons and examples.
  81. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Technology has made the world a better place to live. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
  82. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Advertising can tell you a lot about a country. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  83. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Modern technology is creating a single world culture. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
  84. Some people say that the Internet provides people with a lot of valuable information. Others think access to so much information creates problems. Which view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
  85. A foreign visitor has only one day to spend in your country. Where should this visitor go on that day? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.
  86. If you could go back to some time and place in the past, when and where would you go? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.
  87. What discovery in the last 100 years has been most beneficial for people in your country? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
  88. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Telephones and email have made communication between people less personal. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
  89. If you could travel back in time to meet a famous person from history, what person would you like to meet? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
  90. If you could meet a famous entertainer or athlete, who would that be, and why? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
  91. If you could ask a famous person one question, what would you ask? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
  92. Some people prefer to live in places that have the same weather or climate all year long. Others like to live in areas where the weather changes several times a year. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
  93. Many students have to live with roommates while going to school or university. What are some of the important qualities of a good roommate? Use specific reasons and examples to explain why these qualities are important.
  94. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Dancing plays an important role in a culture. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  95. Some people think governments should spend as much money as possible exploring outer space (for example, traveling to the Moon and to other planets). Other people disagree and think governments should spend this money for our basic needs on Earth. Which of these two opinions do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
  96. People have different ways of escaping the stress and difficulties of modern life. Some read; some exercise; others work in their gardens. What do you think are the best ways of reducing stress? Use specific details and examples in your answer.
  97. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Teachers should be paid according to how much their students learn. Give specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
  98. If you were asked to send one thing representing your country to an international exhibition, what would you choose? Why? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.
  99. You have been told that dormitory rooms at your university must be shared by two students. Would you rather have the university assign a student to share a room with you, or would you rather choose your own roommate? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer.
  100. Some people think that governments should spend as much money as possible on developing or buying computer technology. Other people disagree and think that this money should be spent on more basic needs. Which one of these opinions do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
  101. Some people like doing work by hand. Others prefer using machines. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  102. Schools should ask students to evaluate their teachers. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  103. In your opinion, what is the most important characteristic (for example, honesty, intelligence, a sense of humor) that a person can have to be successful in life? Use specific reasons and examples from your experience to explain your answer. When you write your answer, you are not limited to the examples listed in the question.
  104. It is generally agreed that society benefits from the work of its members. Compare the contributions of artists to society with the contributions of scientists to society. Which type of contribution do you think is valued more by your society? Give specific reasons to support your answer.
  105. Students at universities often have a choice of places to live. They may choose to live in university dormitories, or they may choose to live in apartments in the community. Compare the advantages of living in university housing with the advantages of living in an apartment in the community. Where would you prefer to live? Give reasons for your preference.
  106. You need to travel from your home to a place 40 miles (64 kilometers) away. Compare the different kinds of transportation you could use. Tell which method of travel you would choose. Give specific reasons for your choice.
  107. Some people believe that a college or university education should be available to all students. Others believe that higher education should be available only to good students. Discuss these views. Which view do you agree with? Explain why.
  108. Some people believe that the best way of learning about life is by listening to the advice of family and friends. Other people believe that the best way of learning about life is through personal experience. Compare the advantages of these two different ways of learning about life. Which do you think is preferable? Use specific examples to support your preference.
  109. When people move to another country, some of them decide to follow the customs of the new country. Others prefer to keep their own customs. Compare these two choices. Which one do you prefer? Support your answer with specific details.
  110. Some people prefer to spend most of their time alone. Others like to be with friends most of the time. Do you prefer to spend your time alone or with friends? Use specific reasons to support your answer.
  111. Some people prefer to spend time with one or two close friends. Others choose to spend time with a large number of friends. Compare the advantages of each choice. Which of these two ways of spending time do you prefer? Use specific reasons to support your answer.
  112. Some people think that children should begin their formal education at a very early age and should spend most of their time on school studies. Others believe that young children should spend most of their time playing. Compare these two views. Which view do you agree with? Why?
  113. The government has announced that it plans to build a new university. Some people think that your community would be a good place to locate the university. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of establishing a new university in your community. Use specific details in your discussion.
  114. Some people think that the family is the most important influence on young adults. Other people think that friends are the most important influence on young adults. Which view do you agree with? Use examples to support your position.
  115. Some people prefer to plan activities for their free time very carefully. Others choose not to make any plans at all for their free time. Compare the benefits of planning free-time activities with the benefits of not making plans. Which do you prefer — planning or not planning for your leisure time? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your choice.
  116. People learn in different ways. Some people learn by doing things; other people learn by reading about things; others learn by listening to people talk about things. Which of these methods of learning is best for you? Use specific examples to support your choice.
  117. Some people choose friends who are different from themselves. Others choose friends who are similar to themselves. Compare the advantages of having friends who are different from you with the advantages of having friends who are similar to you. Which kind of friend do you prefer for yourself? Why?
  118. Some people enjoy change, and they look forward to new experiences. Others like their lives to stay the same, and they do not change their usual habits. Compare these two approaches to life. Which approach do you prefer? Explain why.
  119. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People behave differently when they wear different clothes. Do you agree that different clothes influence the way people behave? Use specific examples to support your answer.
  120. Decisions can be made quickly, or they can be made after careful thought. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The decisions that people make quickly are always wrong. Use reasons and specific examples to support your opinion.
  121. Some people trust their first impressions about a person’s character because they believe these judgments are generally correct. Other people do not judge a person’s character quickly because they believe first impressions are often wrong. Compare these two attitudes. Which attitude do you agree with? Support your choice with specific examples.
  122. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People are never satisfied with what they have; they always want something more or something different. Use specific reasons to support your answer.
  123. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People should read only those books that are about real events, real people, and established facts. Use specific reasons and details to support your opinion. 
  124. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is more important for students to study history and literature than it is for them to study science and mathematics. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
  125. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? All students should be required to study art and music in secondary school. Use specific reasons to support your answer.
  126. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? There is nothing that young people can teach older people. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
  127. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Reading fiction (such as novels and short stories) is more enjoyable than watching movies. Use specific reasons and examples to explain your position.
  128. Some people say that physical exercise should be a required part of every school day. Other people believe that students should spend the whole school day on academic studies. Which opinion do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
  129. A university plans to develop a new research center in your country. Some people want a center for business research. Other people want a center for research in agriculture (farming). Which of these two kinds of research centers do you recommend for your country? Use specific reasons in your recommendation.
  130. Some young children spend a great amount of their time practicing sports. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  131. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Only people who earn a lot of money are successful. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  132. If you could invent something new, what product would you develop? Use specific details to explain why this invention is needed. 
  133. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? A person’s childhood years (the time from birth to twelve years of age) are the most important years of a person’s life. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  134. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Children should be required to help with household tasks as soon as they are able to do so. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  135. Some high schools require all students to wear school uniforms. Other high schools permit students to decide what to wear to school. Which of these two school policies do you think is better? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
  136. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Playing a game is fun only when you win. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  137. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? High schools should allow students to study the courses that students want to study. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
  138. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is better to be a member of a group than to be the leader of a group. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  139. What do you consider to be the most important room in a house? Why is this room more important to you than any other room? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
  140. Some items (such as clothes or furniture) can be made by hand or by machine. Which do you prefer — items made by hand or items made by machine? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your choice.
  141. If you could make one important change in a school that you attended, what change would you make? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.
  142. A gift (such as a camera, a soccer ball, or an animal) can contribute to a child’s development. What gift would you give to help a child develop? Why? Use reasons and specific examples to support your choice.
  143. Some people believe that students should be given one long vacation each year. Others believe that students should have several short vacations throughout the year. Which viewpoint do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
  144. Would you prefer to live in a traditional house or in a modern apartment building? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.
  145. Some people say that advertising encourages us to buy things we really do not need. Others say that advertisements tell us about new products that may improve our lives. Which viewpoint do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  146. Some people prefer to spend their free time outdoors. Other people prefer to spend their leisure time indoors. Would you prefer to be outside or would you prefer to be inside for your leisure activities? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your choice.
  147. Your school has received a gift of money. What do you think is the best way for your school to spend this money? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.
  148. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Playing games teaches us about life. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  149. Imagine that you have received some land to use as you wish. How would you use this land? Use specific details to explain your answer.
  150. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Watching television is bad for children. Use specific details and examples to support your answer.
  151. What is the most important animal in your country? Why is the animal important? Use reasons and specific details to explain your answer.
  152. Many parts of the world are losing important natural resources, such as forests, animals, or clean water. Choose one resource that is disappearing and explain why it needs to be saved. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
  153. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? A zoo has no useful purpose. Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.
  154. In some countries, people are no longer allowed to smoke in many public places and office buildings. Do you think this is a good rule or a bad rule? Use specific reasons and details to support your position.
  155. Plants can provide food, shelter, clothing, or medicine. What is one kind of plant that is important to you or the people in your country? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.
  156. You have the opportunity to visit a foreign country for two weeks. Which country would you like to visit? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.
  157. In the future, students may have the choice of studying at home by using technology such as computers or television or of studying at traditional schools. Which would you prefer? Use reasons and specific details to explain your choice.
  158. When famous people such as actors, athletes and rock stars give their opinions, many people listen. Do you think we should pay attention to these opinions? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  159. The twentieth century saw great change. In your opinion, what is one change that should be remembered about the twentieth century? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.
  160. When people need to complain about a product or poor service, some prefer to complain in writing and others prefer to complain in person. Which way do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  161. People remember special gifts or presents that they have received. Why? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  162. Some famous athletes and entertainers earn millions of dollars every year. Do you think these people deserve such high salaries? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
  163. Is the ability to read and write more important today than in the past? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  164. People do many different things to stay healthy. What do you do for good health? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  165. You have decided to give several hours of your time each month to improve the community where you live. What is one thing you will do to improve your community? Why? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.
  166. People recognize a difference between children and adults. What events (experiences or ceremonies) make a person an adult? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.
  167. Your school has enough money to purchase either computers for students or books for the library. Which should your school choose to buy --computers or books? Use specific reasons and examples to support your recommendation.
  168. Many students choose to attend schools or universities outside their home countries. Why do some students study abroad? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer.
  169. People listen to music for different reasons and at different times. Why is music important to many people? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
  170. Groups or organizations are an important part of some people’s lives. Why are groups or organizations important to people? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.
  171. Imagine that you are preparing for a trip. You plan to be away from your home for a year. In addition to clothing and personal care items, you can take one additional thing. What would you take and why? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.
  172. When students move to a new school, they sometimes face problems. How can schools help these students with their problems? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.
  173. It is sometimes said that borrowing money from a friend can harm or damage the friendship. Do you agree? Why or why not? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your answer.
  174. Every generation of people is different in important ways. How is your generation different from your parents’ generation? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.
  175. Some students like classes where teachers lecture (do all of the talking) in class. Other students prefer classes where the students do some of the talking. Which type of class do you prefer? Give specific reasons and details to support your choice.
  176. Holidays honor people or events. If you could create a new holiday, what person or event would it honor and how would you want people to celebrate it? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
  177. A friend of yours has received some money and plans to use all of it either to go on vacation or to buy a car. Your friend has asked you for advice. Compare your friend’s two choices and explain which one you think your friend should choose. Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.
  178. The 21st century has begun. What changes do you think this new century will bring? Use examples and details in your answer.
  179. What are some of the qualities of a good parent? Use specific details and examples to explain your answer.
  180. Movies are popular all over the world. Explain why movies are so popular. Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.
  181. In your country, is there more need for land to be left in its natural condition or is there more need for land to be developed for housing and industry? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  182. Many people have a close relationship with their pets. These people treat their birds, cats, or other animals as members of their family. In your opinion, are such relationships good? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  183. Films can tell us a lot about the country where they were made. What have you learned about a country from watching its movies? Use specific examples and details to support your response.
  184. Some students prefer to study alone. Others prefer to study with a group of students. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  185. You have enough money to purchase either a house or a business. Which would you choose to buy? Give specific reasons to explain your choice.
Want to download or print this? Save the PDF.
APPLY ME Official TOEFL Topics
File Size: 47 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Questions? Comments? Concerns? 
Leave it in the comments!
0 Comments

6 Free TOEFL Practice Resources

12/25/2014

0 Comments

 
If you've already taken the SAT this year, it's time to start preparing for the TOEFL! Unless you scored a 600 or higher on the reading section of the SAT, you'll be required to take an exam to prove you speak English (either the TOEFL or the IELTS). Be sure to check the TOEFL waiver requirements of the universities you're applying to...requirements vary!
If you've decided to take the TOEFL, even though the IELTS is easier and it's easier to get a test date in Dubai, you need to do a little bit of preparation so you can get the best score possible (and don't freak out on test day). 
How to Prepare for the TOEFL
Here are our recommendations for how SAT test takers should prepare for the TOEFL:
  • Take a practice test. You have two goals for taking the practice test: 1) Get familiar with the format of the exam and 2) Pinpoint your weaknesses. If you scored higher than 90 on the practice test, you're done! Register for the TOEFL and take the test as soon as possible. If you scored between an 80 and 89 on the practice test, note the sections you scored less than 20 on and do at least 3 more practice tests focused on these sections. Be sure to track your score for each test to be sure that your score is increasing each time. If you score less than an 80 on the practice test, see below...
  • Study for a couple of weekends if necessary. If you scored less than an 80 on the TOEFL practice test but more than a 450 on the reading section of the SAT, you probably just need a bit more familiarity with the exam (but still not a full prep course!). We recommend you call us so we can focus your efforts and make sure your preparation is done quickly and efficiently. We offer 8 hours of TOEFL prep for only AED 1,600 that you can complete in only 2 weekends. We'll assess your strengths, weaknesses, and determine how to you're current test taking strategies are working against you. You'll have extensive practice with an American tutor so that you're prepared for the accent on test day. Email us at eden@apply-me.com for more info.
  • Don't take a complete prep course. Yes, we're test prep experts but we advise you to prepare smart instead of hard. Sitting through another 40 hour prep course AFTER you've done one for SAT is completely unnecessary. If you've been able to get above a 450 on the reading section of the SAT, your English is more than good enough to score above an 80 on the TOEFL. You've got school work, university applications, and SAT Subject Tests to worry about. Extensive TOEFL prep shouldn't be on you're list of priorities.
Tests to Start Prepping with Now
Here are a few resources available on the web to get your TOEFL preparation started:
Exam English
You can do a full length test's worth of practice on this site. Keep in mind that the format DOES NOT follow the actual exam. On the reading section, there should be 13 (not 10) questions and each passage with questions ends with a table or classification question. On the listening section, there will be 2 academic lectures and 1 campus conversation, not 4 lectures and 3 conversations.
ETS Quick Prep
Here's yet another great tool from ETS that includes real retired TOEFL test questions. Use volumes 3 and 4 because you need the audio for the listening and speaking. Between the two volumes, you'll get 6 listening practice sets, 6 speaking practice sets, and 1 writing practice set.
Official ETS Sample Test Questions
Ok, this isn't a full test, but these are sample questions from the makers of the TOEFL. They offer the best wording and insight into test because they are old retired questions. Do them after you complete a full length test.
TOEFL iBT Sampler
Another great ETS resource to download and use.
Practice Tests Free (Download)
A so-so download that isn't a full length practice test but can get you used to the TOEFL interface. (There real TOEFL takes about 4 hours NOT 55 minutes.) You can also download this application from download.com.
155 TOEFL Independent Writing Topics
This site provides a complete list of all the possible TOEFL independent writing topics (essay #2 of the writing section). Be sure to read over it so you understand the different styles of questions, write a few essays in 30 minutes to get the feel of writing under timed conditions, and outline a bunch to stimulate your creativity. Just remember, the independent writing task is a different essay from the SAT essay. The focus should be on reasons, rather than examples, to support your argument. You can also use all personal examples if you like.
Update: We have published 185 Official TOEFL iBT Writing Topics here on our site!

Need help preparing for the TOEFL? We offer 8 hours of TOEFL prep for only AED 1,600 that you can complete in only 2 weekends. Email us at eden@apply-me.com for more info.
0 Comments

2014 Upcoming IELTS Test Dates in Dubai

6/18/2014

1 Comment

 
In our previous post, we recommended that students or people applying for immigration take the IELTS if they want to easily meet their immigration requirements. Here are the remaining test dates for 2014. If you're applying to universities, be sure to register for the Academic Module. The General Module is for immigration.
Test Date
28 June
10 July
19 July
26 July
2 August
16 August
21 August
6 September
20 September
27 September

2 October
18 October
1 November
13 November
22 November
6 December
13 December
Academic Module Offered
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
General Module Offered
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
You can register for the IELTS online at the British Council or University of Wollongong websites or in person at their offices.
1 Comment

Take the IELTS to Easily Meet Your English Language Requirement

6/18/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
IELTS or TOEFL? Here's why the IELTS may be better for you.
If you intend to attend university or immigrate to an English speaking country, you probably need to take an exam that proves you speak English as a second language. Although many people opt for the TOEFL, the IELTS may be a better fit for you. In general:
  • The IELTS is a more straightforward exam for many people. While the IELTS includes the same broad sections (reading, listening, writing, and speaking) as the TOEFL, these skills are tested in more everyday use ways, even on the Academic Module. For example, the listening section requires you to listen to phone conversations and fill-in information, in addition to listening to short academic lectures (these are shorter than on the TOEFL). The speaking portion is an interview with an actual person, which is a better reflection of English usage in real life, rather than quick recorded sound bites on the computer like on the TOEFL.
  • Questions are straightforward...but there's a catch. In general, the IELTS doesn't include tricky questions like the TOEFL. If you understand the conversation or newspaper article, you can easily answer the questions. The catch? On the listening, you must write down what you hear almost exactly, which takes a lot of focus. If the question asks for the phone number, you must write the numbers exactly as you hear them or you get the question wrong. Misspell a name or answer? It's wrong.
  • It's a pencil and paper exam that you answer as you go. The IELTS doesn't involve any rigorous note taking for most sections because you can answer the questions as you go. It isn't on the computer, which means it will take longer to get your test scores, BUT you can answer the questions as you complete the test rather than waiting until the end of the section, as on the TOEFL.
  • It's easier to get a seat for the IELTS. The test is basically offered every Saturday and there are hundreds of seats available for each test. It's much harder to get a seat for the TOEFL because there is only one official test provider in Dubai.
If you've decided to take the IELTS, you can register for the IELTS online at the British Council or University of Wollongong websites or in person at their offices.
0 Comments
<<Previous
    Picture

    Categories

    All
    Announcement
    Ask
    Canada
    Emba
    Essays
    Freebies
    Ged
    Gmat
    Graduate
    Gre
    Guides
    Ielts
    Math
    Mba
    PhD
    Reading Lists
    Resumes
    Sat
    Subject Tests
    Toefl
    University

    Picture
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
Photos used under Creative Commons from pictures of money, oliver_symens_de, Sids1, C_osett, cogdogblog, inthepotter'shands, faungg, CarbonNYC, Claricethebakergardener, Rum Bucolic Ape, __MaRiNa__, Unhindered by Talent, Jason Bache, markus spiske, derschlosi, Wonder woman0731, gorillakid4352012, GotCredit, SOCIALisBETTER, Becaroona, ** RCB **, Nicolas Winspeare, AJ Batac, cletch, MiiiSH, Ellen Munro, teresatrimm, lozikiki, SmithGreg, www.audio-luci-store.it, muffett68 ☺☺, *0* PrincessCCCC, g23armstrong, Neeta Lind, Charles Williams, faungg's photos, 666isMONEY ☮ ♥ & ☠, Fire At Will [Photography], brennan.v, franksteiner, robzand, oliver_symens_de, Jason M Parrish, Felipe Venâncio, Helga Weber, Alaskan Dude, sigsegv, ToGa Wanderings, keeeeegan, Stefano Montagner - The life around me, rbrwr, Brett Jordan, Residorm, donaldmctim, reynermedia, ClickFlashPhotos / Nicki Varkevisser, tony.cairns, mrehan, teacherhax, orangeacid, quinn.anya, The CV Inn, edans, HBuzacott, theilr, BLW Photography, activefree, fotologic, bfishadow, Osbornb, yeowatzup
  • Home
  • SAT Tutoring
  • GMAT/EA Tutoring
  • Consulting
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Whatsapp 050-272-3756