EduKitchen shares free and comprehensive test prep tips for the homeschool environment in preparing for English tests such as the TOEFL, IELTS, and SAT.

Elevate Success With These Test Prep Tips for Tests of English

Test prep can be overwhelming when students decided to take popular standardized tests such as the TOEFL, IELTS, or SAT exams. Once we commit to taking the standardized test of choice, our journey begins. It’s best to begin with understanding the format and question types, refining language skills, improving time management skills, and learning important strategies and techniques for answering questions (such as skimming and scanning). 

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Below you will find more detailed information on our test prep for tests of English at home for each of the tests highlighted on this page in order to help with test prep. It is important to understand how each test is structured, and how each section of the test is taken. 

Once you have an understanding of the different structures and expectations from each test, it should be easier for you to decide which test is right for you, and when you will come to take the test.

TOEFL iBT Preparation

In this section on test prep for tests of English at home, students who are interested in studying at a university in an English speaking country should consider taking the TOEFL test. 

The test looks to test HOW students use the English language in both the academic and non-academic setting. Are you thinking about signing up to take the iBT TOEFL? The iBT part stands for internet based test. The TOEFL test can be taken either as a paper test, or an internet based test. 

This test consists of 4 sections; reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Each section tests how students use the English language in situations that resemble actual situations on university campuses.

Learn More about the TOEFL iBT

IELTS Preparation

In this section on test prep for tests of English at home, students who are interested in studying at a university or working in the UK should consider taking either the academic (university based) or general (working based) test. 

Thinking about signing up to take the IELTS exam? Not sure whether you should take the Academic or General exam? As their names suggest, if you are looking to study at a university in an English speaking country, then you should take the Academic exam, which is generally considered to be harder than the General exam. 


We provide videos that discuss how to test prep for both the Academic or General exams, along with information on how to improve your language skills for each section the exam.

Learn More about the IELTS

Digital SAT Preparation

In this section on test prep for tests of English at homem students who are considering studying in the United States should take the SAT exam in order to be accepted to most colleges and universities. 

International students who are considering studying in the United States can now apply to take the Digital SAT from the college board. 

The Digital SAT will be available to students in the United States starting in 2024.

If you are thinking about signing up to take the SAT 1 test, then click below to watch our videos on how to improve your language skills for all sections of the SAT 1 test.

Learn More about the S.A.T.

UPDATE: It should be noted that students outside the United States, also need to take CLEP courses. You can find more information by clicking here to visit the college board website.

Comparing Tests of English

Before you commit to taking the test, an essential component of test prep  is to do the research as to which test is best for your future academic goals. 

If your goal is academic pursuits, then TOEFL or IELTS (academic) are your  best options. The differences between these two tests are not so much in format, but the goal of each test. 

Both the TOEFL and IELTS cover the basic language skills in having 4 sections (reading, listening, speaking, writing) to the test. How each test is conducted is covered in greater detail in our blogs on each test. 

The TOEFL and SAT tests are American based, while the IELTS test is U.K. based. Click below to read in greater detail, which test is best for you.

Read More About Each Test

Graduate Studies Abroad

In deciding to pursue graduate studies in the English language, whether at home (if you live in the US or UK) or abroad, there are important factors to consider in choosing which is the right test to help meet your educational goals. The GRE is more general and intended for those who are considering applying to more than one graduate study program, which may or may not include the MBA. The GMAT and GRE tests are American based and are required to join any graduate program in the US and UK, and in some other countries. Click below to read in greater detail, which test is right for you. 

Both the GMAT and GRE cover Analytical Writing Assessments, Quantitative, and Verbal Reasoning questions that test your analytical, problem solving, and critical thinking skills. So what makes these tests different? 

Read More About the GMAT vs. GRE

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