By Kim Rahn
Staff Reporter
Some new learning material to aid in preparation for Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) has drawn attention for its well-organized construction and abundant examples.
TOEFL Pedia, written by Tiger Wilson and published by Viscon, is taking the English education market by storm.
The study material for the Internet-based test (iBT), is comprised of three books _ vocabulary, independent writing and integrated writing.
``While previous TOEFL study books presented vocabulary in alphabetical order, TOEFL Pedia has categorized it according to subject matter, like archeology, geography and biotechnology, for more effective study,'' a staff member of Viscon said.
With the TOEFL test becoming Internet-based, the exam has adopted more terminology, and TOEFL Pedia has included such vocabulary, she said.
``Most vocabulary books use example sentences that contain particular words. But TOEFL Pedia uses examples from TOEFL's reading and listening sections, so test-takers can study more effectively,'' she said.
For writing, TOEFL Pedia provides test know-how in detail by dividing the section into independent writing and integrated writing.
The independent writing book is made up of short paragraphs about which test-takers have to answer questions related to the content. TOEFL Pedia includes 30 mock exams for independent writing in which questions are based on those used in previous tests.
The integrated writing book is a section where exam-takers read a story, listen to a related story and then write down answers to questions about what they have read and heard. The book contains 48 mock exams similar to questions set in previous tests.
``Stories that test-takers listen to in actual tests take about 2 minutes, but other TOEFL study guides' listening time usually differs from this. TOEFL Pedia's practice exams offer listening programs and questions that meet the ETS standard,'' the staff member said.