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TOEFL Test Prep – TOEFL is required to prove English Proficiency to get admission in U.S. Colleges and Universities. Learn about SAT Test Prep strategies, Books and Study Materials.

Get Notefull Free TOEFL Course Today

Raghuram Sukumar —  March 16, 2013 — Leave a comment

I have seen several HSB readers mention Noteful TOEFL course recently.  This is what Vanan had to say about Notefull

I practiced for it seriously by speaking on about 5 familiar topics everyday – recording my responses – hearing them again.  I even posted my responses in FB groups to get reviews. Moreover, NoteFull tips came in handy to organize my speech in an effective manner. Also, please speak clearly in a manner that is intelligible.

Looks like Notefull is offering Free TOEFL Course.

Go to Noteful’ls TOEFL Page and submit your name and email to get access to Free TOEFL Course from Notefull.

Here is link to one of Joseph’s Free TOEFL Test Prep Tips

You can improve your TOEFL test skills with this free TOEFL course from Notefull.

> Go Here to Sign-up for Free Notefull TOEFL Course

If you are looking for specific targeted TOEFL class, then you can sing-up for one of their TOEFL courses.

I know few students who have taken TOEFL multiple times and failed to score 78. There is no point in taking TOEFL repeatedly improving your TOEFL skill level.

notefull free toefl course

Complete TOEFL Mastery Course Details

Think of Complete TOEFL Mastery as a “toolkit” giving you everything you need to get your score on the TOEFL. The program includes:

  • 3-step systems for reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
  • 3 complete readings.
  • 6 complete listenings.
  • 18 speaking practice tests.
  • 12 writing practice tests.

In addition, you get unlimited e-mail support from our team of top-scoring TOEFL instructors who serve as your personal tutors online. We work with you step-by-step to take you from where you are to where you want to be.

First Sign-up for Free Notefull TOEFL Course.

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Best TOEFL Test Prep Books 2013

Raghuram Sukumar —  March 15, 2013 — 7 Comments

Are you looking for list of Best TOEFL Books in 2013?

I have complied some of the best TOEFL test book that are available in the market in this page.  All you have to do is pick couple of books and start your TOEFL test prep.

Best TOEFL Books 2013

best toefl book

Now, I have listed 5 TOEFL Test Prep Books. Which is the best TOEFL books 2013?

For TOEFL book, I recommend test takers to buy 2 books.

Official Guide for TOEFL Test Prep

[schema type="review" url="http://www.happyschoolsblog.com/OfficialTOEFLGuide" name="Official Guide to the TOEFL Test" description="This Official Guide to the TOEFL Test is the best, most reliable guide to the test that is used around the world to assess foreign applicants to U.S. and Canadian universities for English proficiency. It includes real TOEFL questions for practice, as well as explanations of every section of the test and information on what is expected for every speaking and writing task." rev_name="Official Guide to the TOEFL Test " rev_body="Must Read for TOEFL Test Takers. Start preparing for TOEFL from this book." author="Author: ETS" pubdate="2012-08-08" user_review="5" min_review="1" max_review="5" ]

TOEFL – ETS Official Guide is Must Buy. Always start your test preparation from Official Test Prep Guide.

Official TOEFL Test prep book will help you to get used to TOEFL test structure, questions types with example.

But, with any official guide, you don’t get strategies. To improve your TOEFL test score in short period of time, you need to learn TOEFL test strategies.

Any of the above 4 TOEFL test prep books will teach you test prep strategies.

This is a Vanan had to say about TOEFL Books

Let me tell you - Kaplan TOEFL iBT book reflects the real toughness of TOEFL test as such.

So give a Kaplan test periodically to know your progress throughout your preparation. Strategies don’t work as such. At the end, it is how well you are acquainted with English!

Kaplan’s might not be the best fit based on their approach. Then you can read about other 3 TOEFL test prep books and buy one.

So, essentially there is one best book for TOEFL which is TOEFL – ETS Official Guide

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TOEFL Experience : Preparation, Books, Study Tips to Score 108

Raghuram Sukumar —  March 15, 2013 — 11 Comments

toefl experienceHey Guys..! First of all, I would like to thank HSB for having helped me so much in the TOEFL Preparation process.

When I first thought of taking TOEFL, all I did was to plunge into TOEFL experience posts @ HSB and each piece of information posted was very much useful.

Thanks a lot HSB..! So I thought, it would not be fair on my part if I don’t contribute to HSB in return: And here is my TOEFL Experience in India post!

The TOEFL is such an easy exam – but it does require some amount of preparation to get acquainted with the Exam Conditions as such.

Do give a Practice Test and learn where you stand for yourself.

I first gave a practice test and came to know that my range is around 100. I practiced for TOEFL by giving tests for around a month.

TOEFL Test Prep Books

I referred

Let me tell you - Kaplan TOEFL iBT book reflects the real toughness of TOEFL test as such.

So give a Kaplan test periodically to know your progress throughout your preparation. Strategies don’t work as such. At the end, it is how well you are acquainted with English!

Here are my TOEFL test prep tips based on my TOEFL experience for each specific section

Reading

The passages given in TOEFL are easy but the sentence structures can sometimes trick you. So pay careful attention while reading a passage.

Also, the answer choices can seem so easy at first glance.

On scrutiny, you will discover the traps placed in them. So approach this section with utmost caution.

Read as much as possible. No strategies work because you can get a passage on any topic out there in the world.

Get involved yourself with the passage and enjoy it. You will be good to go!

Also, don’t take the summary questions lightly – they cost you anywhere between 2-3 points. So double check them before answering the options.

Listening

Well.. This section tests your note-taking skills.

The lectures are easy to follow, but if there seem to be lots of details in them, you need to be skillful in noting down the relevant points.

I missed some points and at the end, they costed me a lot.

The options also can be a bit tricky. So take as much notes as possible(only the relevant ones) [OR] develop a skill of retaining whatever you have heard and note down just the keywords.

All recordings which you get in this section count for your scoring process. Watching English movies helps only to an extent.

Listen to recordings like those from NPR and some American Lectures online. Write a transcript of what you hear and compare with the original transcript. These can push up your score.

Speaking

This is my favorite section which I initially dreaded a lot.

I practiced for it seriously by speaking on about 5 familiar topics everyday – recording my responses – hearing them again.

I even posted my responses in FB groups to get reviews. :) Moreover, NoteFull tips came in handy to organize my speech in an effective manner. Also, please speak clearly in a manner that is intelligible.

I’ve experienced from the feedback and score that – the clarity matters a lot compared with content. After all, only if someone is able to understand what you speak, will they get your points! So please be clear.. Also it doesn’t matter if you speak slowly – but be clear first. Then you can gradually develop your speed.

Writing

If you are done with the GRE, TOEFL Writing section is going to be a cakewalk for you! Write as much relevant details as possible.

Include relevant transition words and organize your writing beautifully!

For the integrated writing task, the trick lies in connecting your lecture with writing.

Be sure to include points from both with more emphasis on the lecture. And for the independent writing, allow your thoughts to flow freely. But organize them in a structure and give a proper shape. Its great if you follow your own ‘unique’ Writing templates! You will rock the Writing section for sure!

You have to be ready to face any condition at the Test Center. For example, while I was in the initial sections, the noise of assembly which was going on outside was heard. Nevertheless, you must be prepared for the worst case and ‘just’ concentrate on your test!

The wait for TOEFL scores was really killing…! I could not resist the suspense.

Nearly, I kept checking for once in every hour during the date which they said my TOEFL score would be out. And my score is 108 with the following split-up

  • Reading – 26
  • Listening – 24
  • Speaking – 29
  • Writing – 29

Note from Raghu

This experience is shared by Vanan.

Wonderful experience and congrats on scoring 108 in TOEFL.

Looks like you didn’t get a chance to meet a lovely girl at TOEFL Test center

Update 1 from Vanan:

As you know, this is NOT a TOEFL season. So there was ONLY ONE GIRL who wrote TOEFL along with me. In such a center with 40 systems, I was really very comfortable with just 2 of them taking the test. I chose the Testing Center after reading your post Good TOEFL Test Centers.  The Test Center you mentioned in that post was EXCELLENT. I owe a lot to HSB. You ROCK!

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Why Studying English as a Second Language is important to U.S. Colleges?

Dustin Peaire —  February 22, 2013 — 3 Comments

Studying English as second language is important
More and more colleges around the US are starting to realize that studying English as a second language is important and are beginning to offer English as a Second Language classes to help ease international students into American college life.

As the Marquette Tribune points out that Marquette is beginning to offer special programs for international students. One of the most popular offerings has been the English as a second language program, as students say it helps them to learn about American culture and the English language simultaneously.

Therefore, when they get to taking classes, they can understand the material much better.

Marquette is also special because of its International Friendship Program, which pairs an international student with a host family in the Milwaukee area. This allows them to have a place to stay during the holidays.

This also gives them a chance to really experience American culture and become more comfortable with staying in the US.

Another school that is working to help international students assimilate is Indiana State University.

The Interlink Language Center, housed on campus, realizes that studying English as a second language is important for international students, and not only teaches future students how to speak English, but also about how American culture works.

Partnering with ISU, the students are guided through their studies by learning how to navigate the campus and researching their majors.

In my experience, most of my friends who are international students have really enjoyed their time in the US and have found the school more than accommodating to their learning English.

The best suggestion is to make a lot of friends when you get to college and make every effort you can to practice English.

Studying English as a second language is important, and like with any foreign languages, practice really does make perfect.

Also, check if your school has a International friends program, it’s a really great way to both meet people and learn about America (and other places too!)

> How to Study for TOEFL with Kristina Hasanova (video)

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How to Reschedule or Cancel TOEFL Test?

HSB Counselor —  January 7, 2013 — Leave a comment

How to reschedule or cancel TOEFL iBT Test?

A lot of students get stuck with rescheduling and canceling their registered TOEFL iBT test. Below is the step wise procedure to reschedule TOEFL iBT test.

TOEFL ETS
Rescheduling or Canceling your TOEFL iBT test is an easy process.

The most important thing you need to remember is, rescheduling or cancellation of TOEFL is possible only when you have three full days in hand before the test day.

In other words there needs to be a gap of three full days between the day you request for reschedule/cancellation and the TOEFL test day.

  • You can reschedule TOEFL or cancel TOEFL online or through telephone.
  • Mail/Email requests are not accepted.

TOEFL Reschedule or Cancel – Online 

  • Login to your TOEFL iBT account
  • View Order on your account home page
  • Click “Modify” for rescheduling and “Cancel” for cancellation of the test.

 TOEFL Reschedule or Cancel – Phone

  • Keep your registration number handy.
  • Students from US and Canada can call at 1-443-751-4862 or 1-800-468-6335.
  • Indian students can call at 91-124-4147700.
  • Students from all other territories can check the Prometrics registration center pdf

 Note: You need to use the same name i.e. the full name as used during TOEFL test registration. ( How to Register for TOEFL in India )

TOEFL Refund – Charges Involved

ETS charges for rescheduling TOEFL and refunds you for cancellation of the test schedule.

  •  Charge: You need to pay $60 in addition to your registration charges for rescheduling the TOEFL test.
  •  Refund: There is a refund policy associated with cancellation of TOEFL test. You get half of the amount you paid for registration back.

But remember this is possible only when you take the initiative three days before test day.

 

Next > TOEFL Study Tips – This is How I scored 114 in TOEFL iBT Test

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TOEFL IBT Test Experience

TOEFL IBT Test Experience – Score 100/120

Raghuram Sukumar —  December 8, 2012 — 5 Comments

> Following TOEFL iBT Test Experience is shared by Rekha.

I completed GRE before TOEFL and ended up with 294.

I wrote TOEFL 22nd September in Chennai and received – I got 100/120.

  • Reading-25
  • Listening-28
  • Speaking-27
  • Writing-20

The preparation for TOEFL is not that difficult as for GRE, since it focuses mainly on the language we speak daily. But I suggest that it is better to have practiced for all the sections. Here is my TOEFL iBT test taking and preparation experience.

TOEFL IBT Test Experience

Photo Credit Photo Credit

Reading

Generally we think that this section would be very easy. This would be misconception.

The passages may be easy to understand when compared to GRE Verbal. But the type of questions we answer will be difficult.

We generally face trouble with summary questions. Be cautious with these, they carry 2 marks. Focus your attention mainly on these questions while practicing.

Also concentration is highly needed for this section,as this will be the first section of the exam,do not feel tensed,be relaxed.Practice this section under the time limit. I really found it very hard to complete this section within time.

Listening

Well, I agree this section will be a great benefit to students.

Only if u have practiced it well.You wont find much disturbance during this section as all the other students also will be in the same section.

The thinks you should take care is noting down every single detail while listening itself.

Don’t stop noting the points,they will be a great help to you while answering the questions.Practice writing the terms in shortcuts so that you wont find it difficult to understand.

Speaking

We feel very tensed about this section even from the time of preparation itself.You should definitely have familiarity with this section. It goes very fastly and you rest for a while,you lost the section.

Practice the way you speak,be clear with pronunciation and use simple words.See that your sentence formation is correct and you wont stop in the middle and search for the words to speak next.

Also the time of 1 minute will be shortly sufficient to express our whole idea,so try to be compact and express all that needed and asked in the question.Do not speak about the extra details not asked in the question.

Writing

To my surprise i scored very low in writing.

I got high grade for the independent task, but got limited grade for the 1st task.

To say writing task is not that difficult.Like in GRE we need not write 5 paragraphs or so. Its better if u refer to some sample TOEFL essays before the exam.Intellectual task needs some practice since we need to synchronize the information from listening and reading.

TOEFL iBT Prep Tips

There is no need to prepare much time for this exam. Its better if you spare last 10 days of the exams.

Try to write atleast 4 practice tests, they help you in many ways.

Speaking section should be practiced much. Spare 4 hours everyday for a week. You can score good with that preparation :)

Also though your appointment time is at 10, reach by 9 to exam center. You could start your exam before and complete it fastly and also you can complete the speaking section before all others start it.

Next – TOEFL Preparation for the LAZY people

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This is How I Scored 118 in TOEFL – Piece of Cake!

Raghuram Sukumar —  November 8, 2012 — 17 Comments

> Following post was shared by Kriks

My score is 118 and the break-up is as follows:

  • Reading-30
  • Listening-30
  • Speaking-29
  • Writing-29

TOEFL is a test of an individual’s ability to use and understand English especially in an academic setting. This means that you have to take a holistic approach to the exam and the language per se.

Reading Section

It being the first section provides you with a great chance to score well on it. You’re fresh and your mind as a clean slate for gathering new information.

Take care to read and reread every choice. Sometimes the answers are very similar and rereading them after a few seconds might be the difference between getting it right or losing marks there.

To prepare for this section, read as much as you can. Newspaper articles (NY Times, Hindu editorial sections) and novels, everything works. It sounds simple, but you need to work on your speed as well as your ability to comprehend the text and make inferences.

TIP: You don’t necessarily have to read the whole passage in the first instance. The relevant text is visible all the time. Simply scroll to the end and move on.

Listening

It is a very quick section. Be very careful while listening to the conversations and lectures.

Don’t try to write down EVERYTHING because that’s simply impossible and isn’t really necessary if you pay attention.

Jot down the most important information. And take care to decipher the intonation and tone of the speaker. Listen to podcasts, songs or close your eyes while watching a movie/TV show.

TIP: If you get done with all the questions very quickly then on the last question mark the answer but DON’T click on next. Take an extra break! You’re gonna need that for the next section.

Speaking

Come back from the break a minute or two before it’s over. Sit down and take a few breaths. You’re gonna need to clear your mind. This is also a very rapid section. You need to practice speaking in the test environment to be actually comfortable on the test day. I regret not doing the same.

For this section, make use of your gadgets! Time and Record yourself. Choose a topic and talk to your friends about it. Indulge in intellectual debates and conversations. An added advantage would be talking to native speakers (if they have different accents, then that’s even better) if possible Timing is of utmost importance.

45 to 60 seconds are never going to be enough, so deal with it. Don’t worry about the umms and uhhs. They are pardonable as long as you are able to deliver a clear, coherent and concise answer.

TIP: Most questions are spoken and as well as displayed on the screen Read the question quickly and start making your notes. Don’t wait for the audio question to get over or for the starting beep. It gives you extra 3-5s, which could mean all the difference.

Writing

This is the last section. You’re going to be exhausted after the 3 odd hours. So take a few deep breaths and clear your mind before attacking this section. The integrated task requires you to read a passage and then listen to a lecture regarding the same.

Be quick with the reading and note down ONLY the VERY important points, since the passage would be visible later as well. Pay attention when the lecture starts. You only get to hear it once. Make proper notes, concatenating the information from both. For the independent task, you can rely on your GRE prep.

Write a clear essay, preferably 3-4 paragraphs long, with illustrations and examples to support your view. Fabricate details and statistics if you have to (it doesn’t mean LIE in the essay. But you can use approximate numbers if you want).

TIP: Don’t try to be too verbose. The tasks require your to present clear information which displays that you have effectively understood everything. And don’t repeat the information as it is mentioned in the passage/lecture. Also, don’t try to bulk up the word count by being repetitive regarding the information. That always proves to be counter-productive.

General Tips
1) Try reaching the venue ASAP! The checking might take time, and being late always stresses you out!
2) Have proper breakfast in the morning.
3) Have a good night’s sleep the day before. It’s very important to be completely relaxed and fresh on the test day.
4) Carry something with yourself for the break between Listening and Speaking section. Biscuits, fruits or a light snack.
5) DON’T be verbose. You’re supposed to provide a proof that you understand the questions and KNOW what you’re supposed to answer for the same. Using incorrect vocabulary would make you look like a fool, not a sesquipedalian or grandiloquent. Makes sense?

And finally, have fun. It’s not an easy test, but it’s not that difficult either. All the best everyone who’s preparing for the TOEFL! :D

For HSB: Do you suppose you could answer a few queries that I might have? Or should I post them separately?

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10 Free Resources to Study for the TOEFL

Raghuram Sukumar —  November 4, 2012 — 2 Comments

Guest Post by Kristina Hasanova from Global English Express.

Don’t pay money to study for the TOEFL before you need to! There are many free resources you can use to prepare before taking a course or hiring a tutor.

Of course, at some point in your study, you will want to have a little professional coaching from a course or tutor. And it’s a good idea to purchase a preparation textbook like The Official Guide to the TOEFL. But first, save money using these 10 excellent resources.

Learn About the Test

 Reading/Listening Section

TOEFL Prep Tips Video

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biometric identification toefl

This is How Biometric Voice Identification Will Be Used to Prevent Cheating in TOEFL

Raghuram Sukumar —  October 15, 2012 — 8 Comments

We all know about TOEFL Fraud and how ETS is trying to crack them down.

Recently ETS announced new security measure to detect fraud in TOEFL – New TOEFL Security Measure – Biometric Voice Identification

In a recent interview  with PIE News, Eileen Tyson, Executive Director Global Client Relations at ETS discussed about how Biometric Voice Identification will be used to prevent proxies taking TOEFL.

With the new feature we’re adding, we can create voice prints of each test taker and we’ve had a lot of success with it. It allows us to determine whether there is the same voice among several test takers. It can also help us ensure the same test taker is not participating over a number of tests, so it’s going to be huge tool for us.

We currently use it for security investigations but will expand its use in 2013.  And there’s a wealth of other things we do to ensure security.

Hope ETS will be successful in implementing this Biometric voice identification and prevent score cancellations of genuine test takers.

Watch Harsha talk about TOEFL Fraud in Hyderabad in the following video (After 1 Hour mark)

youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wkuf-Hh3uJU

 

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how to study for toefl

How to Study for TOEFL with Kristina Hasanova

Raghuram Sukumar —  October 1, 2012 — 10 Comments
I discussed TOEFL Test prep tips with Kristina Hasanova. We spoke about
  • How to study for TOEFL
  • 3 TOEFL Tips for Non-Native English Speakers
  • Free TOEFL Listening passages
  • 400 Academic Words for TOEFL
  • Other Free resources to improve English language

About Kristina Hasanova

English Fluency Resources
  • AJ Hoge’s – 7 Rules of Fluent English Speaking
  • Greg Thomson – Growing Participator Approach (His system might be complicated for your readers to understand just by reading the site, but his principles promote learning very naturally and simply, starting in your immediate context and building from there, just like a child does with his mother and gains fluency easily.)
Academic Word List

How to Study for TOEFL

  • Listen to Free TOEFL passages based on Academic words
  • Listen to passages several times
  • Repetition improves language comprehension

What do you think about this video – How to study for TOEFL with Kristina

 

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TOEFL ETS

New TOEFL Security Measure – Biometric Voice Identification

Raghuram Sukumar —  August 18, 2012 — 10 Comments

ETS, the creator of the TOEFL test, announced the introduction of biometric voice identification to maintain fair and reliable TOEFL testing.

TOEFL ETS FeesThe newly announced security measure provides an additional proven technique to add to the TOEFL program’s comprehensive security system in authenticating TOEFL test takers globally.

This is great news right?

We know about Proxies and Agents Taking TOEFL Test and TOEFL Score Cancellations.

Hopefully this new Biometric Voice Identification should prevent agents from taking the test.

TOEFL – Biometric Voice Identification

Similar to the highly advanced speaker identification platforms used by government and law enforcement agencies, the software uses statistical pattern matching techniques, advanced voice classification methods, and inputs from multiple systems to compare speech samples from TOEFL test takers.

Launched earlier this month, the speaker identification system offers the ability to create voice prints for detailed analysis to validate TOEFL test takers.

The new technology will be used as part of test security investigations in 2012 and beginning in 2013 will gradually be used on a larger scale.

“The inclusion of biometric voice identification technology is yet another tool in the TOEFL test security portfolio to ensure test integrity worldwide,” explains David Hunt, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of ETS’s Global Division.

“Including a state-of-the art speaker identification component to the TOEFL’s security system further strengthens our ability to detect attempts to gain an unfair advantage, a common concern in academia today. ETS is committed to identifying and implementing those protocols deemed most effective by leaders in the security industry in safeguarding against fraudulent behavior.”

What Do You Think?

Do you think this new Biometric TOEFL Security measure will prevent agents and proxies taking the test?

 

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toefl ibt experience

TOEFL Experience : Very Long and Slightly Profane

Raghuram Sukumar —  August 14, 2012 — 6 Comments

> Following TOEFL iBT  experience was shared by Kartik Chamarty.

My TOEFL was scheduled first on Sept 18, 2011, and it was postponed the evening before, when I got a call from an ETS-woman, who said there were “technical difficulties” and “we don’t know when the test will be rescheduled to, but be prepared for something as late as Nov/Dec”.

List of  TOEFL Test Takers Experience

toefl ibt experience

Note, for all practical purposes, English is my native language, so I was disgruntled at having to write the test in the first place, and now they postponed it indefinitely, when I was planning to send in my university applications in the first week of October. Hence, my frustration. (Bordered on rage at times, but I have issues)

Finally, on Sept 23 at 1:30 pm, I got a call saying my test was the next day (24th) at 10am.

Again, thanks for the speedy notification and for assuming that I’m jobless on a Saturday. To show my disgust (not that it did me much good) I didn’t have a shower, wore all-black and landed there.

TOEFL ibT Experience – Test center

Did the usual stuff, verifying my identity etc and sat down at some computer.

During the mic testing, there was a pretty girl beside me testing her headset in a thick Indian accent. (nothing wrong with that, I have a fairly thick one too (pun not intended), but I’ll get to why I mentioned her later).

There was one idiot, who was shouting, “It is a warm and bright morning on the 24th of September and I am here to write my TOEFL test”, loud enough for his anxious parents waiting outside the building to shut their ears. (Well that’s an exaggeration, but you get the idea.)

Now for the individual sections, how I prepared for it, and my useless commentary.

TOEFL – Reading Section

Well, this should be a cinch for people who read anything in general.

For me, I had been reading editorials from The Hindu for just over a year.

Not all the editorials, just the interesting ones. And yes, interesting in the sense that I would be reading it even if I didn’t have to write the stupid exam.

Trust me, it makes a helluva difference in terms of your vocabulary pickup and comprehension when you’re reading something you love.

For me – Taliban/Af-Pak, Spoilt greeks and spaniards refusing to get their shit straight and reform etc etc.

Anyway, it just needs perseverance, as it can get pretty boring. So don’t keep repeating in your mind like a mantra, ‘this is pointless, this is pointless’, and you’ll be fine.

Listening Section

The pretty girl I mentioned before became pretty ugly when she started her speaking at the same time.

But this time, it was a whole hearted attempt at a born-and-bred American accent.

You don’t have to do a 180 just to be understood by other people, it really does sound nauseating when you try to be someone you’re not. (Although it’s pretty cool if you walk around with a stick in your hand, claiming to be Lord Voldemort.)

I debated waving my hands in front of her face, but then I remembered the videocams.

This is one of the sections I practiced seriously, as I have an unproven hearing problem, which has in the past supplied me with a whole bunch of unfriendly sobriquets. Four or five listening exercises from Barron’s.

Headphones, noisy environment with no rewinding is a perfect simulation of the real deal.

Then came the 10 minute break, which was, unfortunately, mandatory.

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