The creators of the TOEIC, TOEFL and IELTS exams specifically use difficult vocabulary to make it challenging or impossible for learners to achieve high scores without knowing them. In fact, a lack of vocabulary is the most common reason why learners fail to achieve their target scores.
At Agos Japan, an institution committed to nurturing learners and maximizing their potential, extensive research and experience have highlighted the need for a comprehensive vocabulary. Words are categorized into groups from the most to the least common, making them understandable and manageable. However, learners are encouraged to dedicate time and effort to learn both commonly-used and less frequent but important words and phrases, which are applicable to both British and American English.
Learners often wonder about maintaining motivation during the daunting task of memorizing many words. The general advice is twofold: Mindset & Habits.
Developing a mindset that does not view the process of acquiring new words as drudgery (boring, repetitive work), and forming a habit of diligently revisiting these vocabularies in various contexts are crucial for learning any new language.
A change in mindset is critical as well: a common mistake made by learners is studying words just for a test. In fact, the vocabulary needed to master the TOEIC, TOEFL and IELTS exams is also essential for understanding newspapers, magazines, books, tv shows, movies and even casual conversations with native speakers throughout one’s life. In other words, this isn’t just about short-term test preparation but about becoming proficient communicators in English for life.
Changing the mindset is the first step learners need to take toward establishing effective study habits. These habits are essential to retain vocabulary. Learning the definition of a word is the first step on the road to mastery. Reading or hearing the word in various contexts, as used by different writers and speakers, is necessary to gain the confidence for its application in one’s own writing and speaking.
This process is not merely achieved by studying the definitions of words on a flashcard for a week or two and then not seeing the same word for the next month. There is a need to reinforce these lessons to organize study habits, or the previous study time will have been wasted as short-term or temporary memory.
To enhance this learning process, as an instructor at Agos, what Globify offers learners is a scientifically proven way to master the vocabulary necessary to achieve their target score, but in the most efficient and enjoyable way possible. Globify offers the best method I have come across yet to simultaneously foster the mindset necessary to greatly expand one’s vocabulary with contextual understanding and develop the study habits to make it happen.
Content Contributed by Jim Giguere, Head of Instruction at Agos Japan
Jim leads a dynamic team of 20 instructors at Agos Japan, providing high-quality English education and consulting services. With over nine years in international education, he's a seasoned expert in cross-cultural communication. He's not just managing; he's innovating, shaping IT strategies, and ensuring students thrive. Fluent in conversational Japanese, Jim is also a creative force, contributing to several publications as an editor and designer. He's been recognized with multiple honors and awards for his academic and leadership skills.
About Agos Japan
Agos Japan is a leading educational institution specializing in English proficiency and standardized test preparation, including TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS, GMAT, GRE, and SAT. With a dedicated team of experienced international instructors, Agos Japan offers a comprehensive learning approach that combines strategic test preparation with an understanding of cultural nuances.
Committed to student success and satisfaction, Agos Japan has helped over 17,000 Japanese students get accepted to the top universities and graduate schools worldwide, including Harvard, Yale, Stanford, MIT, UCLA, Oxford, Cambridge and many others.
