Top 10 Tips for TOEIC Reading Practice with Business and Finance Materials

Introduction: The Importance of TOEIC Reading

Welcome to our channel. Today, we’re diving into the world of TOEIC reading. Many students find this section challenging, but with the right approach, it can be conquered. The reading section not only tests your comprehension but also your ability to analyze business and finance-related texts. These skills are crucial in the professional world. So, let’s get started!

1. Start with Familiar Topics

When beginning your TOEIC reading practice, choose materials that cover topics you’re already familiar with. This could be articles on current business trends or finance-related news. Starting with familiar topics helps build your confidence and understanding of the content.

2. Diversify Your Reading Materials

While starting with familiar topics is important, it’s equally essential to explore a wide range of materials. The TOEIC reading section covers various subjects, from marketing to economics. By diversifying your reading materials, you expose yourself to different vocabulary and writing styles, preparing you for any topic that may appear in the test.

3. Active Reading: Annotate and Summarize

Passive reading won’t cut it in the TOEIC reading section. To truly grasp the content, practice active reading. This involves annotating key points, underlining important details, and summarizing paragraphs. These techniques not only improve your understanding but also help you locate information quickly during the test.

4. Time Management: Set a Pace

Time is of the essence in the TOEIC reading section. With a limited time frame, it’s crucial to set a pace. During your practice sessions, time yourself for each passage. This will give you an idea of how much time you can allocate to each question, ensuring you don’t get stuck on a single item and can complete the section within the given time.

5. Context Clues: Mastering Vocabulary

Encountering unfamiliar words in the reading section is common. However, you don’t always need a dictionary. Context clues can be your best friend. Pay attention to the surrounding words, the tone of the passage, and the overall context. Often, these hints can help you deduce the meaning of a word without needing to look it up.

6. Skimming and Scanning: Quick Information Retrieval

Not every question in the TOEIC reading section requires in-depth reading. Skimming and scanning techniques can be invaluable here. Skimming involves quickly going through the passage to get a general idea, while scanning is about locating specific information. Mastering these techniques saves you time and ensures you answer questions accurately.

7. Practice with Authentic Materials

While practice tests are essential, don’t limit yourself to them. Real-world business and finance materials, such as industry reports or company profiles, provide a more accurate representation of the TOEIC reading section. They expose you to the language and jargon commonly used in professional settings, giving you an edge in the test.

8. Join Reading Groups or Forums

TOEIC reading practice doesn’t have to be a solitary activity. Joining reading groups or forums allows you to discuss passages, share insights, and learn from others. It’s a great way to expand your perspective and discover new strategies for tackling the reading section.

9. Review and Analyze Your Mistakes

Mistakes are part of the learning process. After completing a practice test or passage, take the time to review your answers. Understand why you made a particular mistake and learn from it. This self-analysis helps you identify patterns, rectify errors, and improve your overall performance.

10. Consistency is Key

Last but not least, consistency is vital in TOEIC reading practice. Set aside dedicated time each day for reading activities. Whether it’s a full passage or a short article, regular practice ensures you’re continuously honing your skills and staying in touch with the language.

Top 10 Tips for Time Management During TOEIC Reading Tests

Introduction: The Importance of Time Management in TOEIC Reading Tests

Welcome to this video on time management during TOEIC Reading Tests. Time management is crucial in these tests as they have a fixed duration. Properly managing your time ensures that you can attempt all the questions and maximize your score.

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Test Format

Before the test, make sure you’re well-versed with the format. Understand the different question types and their requirements. This familiarity will save you time during the actual test, as you won’t have to spend precious minutes deciphering instructions.

2. Skim Through the Passage First

When you receive the passage, don’t dive straight into reading it in detail. Instead, quickly skim through it to get a general idea of the content. This initial scan will help you understand the passage’s structure and locate specific information later.

3. Focus on Keywords

While reading the passage, pay attention to keywords. These are words or phrases that are likely to be mentioned in the questions. By identifying and noting them, you can quickly refer back to the relevant part of the passage when needed.

4. Don’t Get Stuck on Difficult Questions

In the test, you might come across challenging questions. Instead of spending too much time on them, mark them and move on. By doing this, you ensure that you attempt all the questions within the given time and don’t miss out on easier ones.

5. Use the Process of Elimination

When you’re unsure about an answer, don’t leave it blank. Instead, use the process of elimination. Cross out the options that are clearly incorrect, increasing your chances of selecting the right answer even if you’re not entirely sure.

6. Manage Your Time for Each Section

TOEIC Reading Tests usually have multiple sections. Allocate your time wisely, ensuring that you have enough time for each section. This way, you won’t rush through any part and can give equal attention to all.

7. Practice with Time Constraints

Regularly practice TOEIC Reading Tests under timed conditions. This not only helps you get familiar with the time pressure but also allows you to gauge your performance and identify areas for improvement.

8. Improve Your Reading Speed

Working on your reading speed can significantly benefit your time management. Practice reading passages quickly while still comprehending the content. Over time, your speed will improve, allowing you to cover more ground in the given time.

9. Stay Calm and Focused

During the test, it’s essential to stay calm and focused. Panicking or getting distracted can lead to time wastage. Take deep breaths, maintain a steady pace, and concentrate on the task at hand.

10. Review Your Answers

If you have some time left at the end, use it to review your answers. Check for any mistakes or overlooked questions. Even a quick review can help you spot errors and make necessary corrections.

Top 10 Tips for Skimming and Scanning Techniques in TOEIC Reading

Introduction: The Importance of Skimming and Scanning in TOEIC Reading

Welcome to our TOEIC Reading series. Today, we’ll be diving into the world of skimming and scanning, two techniques that are absolute game-changers when it comes to tackling the time-sensitive TOEIC Reading section.

Tip 1: Mastering the Art of Skimming

Skimming is all about getting the gist of a passage quickly. Start by reading the title, headings, and subheadings. Then, focus on the first and last sentences of each paragraph. Pay attention to any bold or italicized words, as they often indicate important information.

Tip 2: The Power of Scanning

Scanning is about finding specific details in a passage. Instead of reading every word, let your eyes move quickly across the text, looking for keywords or phrases that match the question. Underline or circle them to refer back to later.

Tip 3: Time Management is Key

In TOEIC Reading, time is of the essence. Set a pace for yourself and stick to it. Don’t get stuck on a difficult question. Move on, and if you have time at the end, you can come back to it.

Tip 4: Practice with Authentic Materials

The more you expose yourself to real TOEIC passages, the better you’ll become at skimming and scanning. Use official practice tests or authentic reading materials to hone your skills.

Tip 5: Utilize Visual Cues

Images, graphs, and charts in a passage often contain valuable information. Before reading the text, take a quick look at these visuals. They can give you a general idea of what the passage is about and help you locate specific details later.

Tip 6: Don’t Get Distracted by Unfamiliar Vocabulary

Encountering unfamiliar words is common in the TOEIC Reading section. Instead of fixating on them, focus on the context. The surrounding words or phrases can often give you a clue about the meaning.

Tip 7: Be Mindful of Signal Words

Signal words like ‘however,’ ‘therefore,’ or ‘in addition’ can provide important information about the relationship between ideas. Pay attention to these words, as they can guide you in understanding the passage’s overall structure.

Tip 8: Take Advantage of Headings

Headings not only give you an overview of the passage but can also serve as a roadmap. When a question refers to a specific section, quickly locate the corresponding heading to narrow down your search.

Tip 9: Skim the Questions First

Before diving into the passage, take a quick glance at the questions. This will give you an idea of what to look for while skimming and scanning, saving you time and helping you stay focused.

Tip 10: Review and Reflect

After completing a practice passage, don’t just check the answers. Take the time to analyze your approach. Did you miss any crucial details? Were you able to effectively use skimming and scanning? Continuous reflection is key to improvement.

Top 10 Tips for Reading English Newspapers and Magazines for TOEIC Practice

Introduction: Importance of Reading for TOEIC

Today, we’re going to talk about an essential aspect of TOEIC preparation: reading English newspapers and magazines. Reading is not only a great way to improve your vocabulary and grammar, but it also helps you understand the context and nuances of the language. Let’s dive into the top 10 tips for making the most of your reading practice.

1. Start with Headlines and Summaries

When you open a newspaper or magazine, begin by reading the headlines and summaries. They provide a concise overview of the article’s main points. This initial scan helps you get a sense of the content and decide which articles to read in detail.

2. Skim for Keywords

While reading, don’t get caught up in every word. Instead, focus on keywords that convey the main idea. This technique, known as skimming, allows you to grasp the overall meaning without getting bogged down by every detail.

3. Contextual Clues for Vocabulary

Encounter an unfamiliar word? Don’t rush to the dictionary just yet. Often, the surrounding words or the overall context can give you a good idea of the word’s meaning. This not only saves time but also helps you develop your ability to infer meaning from context.

4. Take Notes

While reading, jot down key points, interesting facts, or any questions that arise. This active engagement with the material enhances your comprehension and retention. Plus, these notes can serve as valuable review material later.

5. Read Different Genres

To broaden your language skills, don’t limit yourself to a single genre. Explore news articles, opinion pieces, feature stories, and more. Each genre has its own style and vocabulary, exposing you to a diverse range of language usage.

6. Analyze the Structure

Pay attention to how articles are structured. Look for the introduction, main body, and conclusion. Understanding the organization helps you follow the author’s logic and makes the reading experience more coherent.

7. Discuss with Peers

Reading doesn’t have to be a solitary activity. Engage in discussions with your peers about the articles you’ve read. This not only provides different perspectives but also improves your ability to articulate your thoughts in English.

8. Read Regularly

Consistency is key. Set aside dedicated time for reading every day. Even if it’s just a few minutes, regular practice helps you build momentum and make steady progress in your reading skills.

9. Review and Reflect

After you’ve finished reading an article, take a moment to reflect on what you’ve learned. Can you summarize the main points? Do you have any questions? This reflection solidifies your understanding and reinforces the concepts.

10. Practice with TOEIC-style Questions

To specifically prepare for the TOEIC exam, incorporate practice questions into your reading routine. This familiarizes you with the question types, time constraints, and overall format, giving you an edge on test day.

Top 10 Tips for Reading and Understanding Historical Texts in TOEIC Reading

Introduction: The Importance of Historical Texts in TOEIC Reading

Hello, students! Today, we’re diving into the world of historical texts in the TOEIC Reading section. While they may seem daunting, mastering these passages is crucial for a high score. Historical texts not only test your reading skills but also assess your ability to comprehend complex ideas. So, let’s get started!

1. Read the Questions First

Before diving into the passage, skim through the questions. This helps you understand what information you’re looking for and saves time while reading.

2. Identify the Passage Type

Is it a narrative, an argument, or a description? Identifying the passage type gives you a framework to understand the author’s intent and the overall structure.

3. Pay Attention to Dates and Numbers

Historical texts are often filled with dates, years, and numerical data. Underline or note them down, as they can be crucial for understanding the context.

4. Look for Signal Words

Signal words like ‘however,’ ‘therefore,’ or ‘in contrast’ indicate important shifts in the text. Understanding these transitions helps you follow the author’s argument.

5. Analyze the Language

Historical texts may use archaic language or specialized vocabulary. Break down complex sentences, look up unfamiliar words, and pay attention to the author’s tone.

6. Use Context Clues

If you encounter an unfamiliar word, don’t panic. Look at the surrounding words and sentences for clues about its meaning. The context often provides valuable hints.

7. Take Notes

While reading, jot down key points, arguments, or any information that stands out. These notes will be handy when answering the questions later.

8. Understand the Author’s Bias

Like any writer, historical authors may have biases. Be aware of their perspective, as it can influence the information presented in the text.

9. Practice Active Reading

Reading isn’t just about absorbing words. Engage with the text by asking questions, making connections, and forming opinions. Active reading enhances comprehension.

10. Review and Reflect

After reading the passage and answering the questions, take a moment to review your performance. What strategies worked? What can be improved? Learning from each practice session is key.

Top 10 Tips for Quick Thinking in TOEIC Speaking Section

Introduction

Welcome to our channel. In today’s lesson, we’ll be discussing one of the most challenging aspects of the TOEIC Speaking section – quick thinking. As the clock ticks, it’s crucial to gather your thoughts swiftly and respond effectively. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top 10 tips!

1. Familiarize with Common Topics

The TOEIC Speaking section often revolves around everyday scenarios like travel, work, or leisure activities. By familiarizing yourself with these topics, you’ll have a mental bank of ideas to draw from, saving precious time during the exam.

2. Practice with Time Limits

Time management is key. Regularly practice speaking tasks with strict time limits. This will not only improve your speed but also train you to structure your responses concisely.

3. Use Connectors and Transition Words

To ensure your responses flow smoothly, make use of connectors and transition words. Phrases like ‘In addition,’ ‘Moreover,’ or ‘On the other hand’ not only enhance coherence but also buy you a few extra seconds to gather your thoughts.

4. Don’t Overthink

In the TOEIC Speaking section, it’s essential to strike a balance between accuracy and speed. While it’s crucial to provide accurate information, overthinking can lead to time wastage. Trust your instincts and respond naturally.

5. Take Notes

During the listening section, jot down key points. These notes will serve as a quick reference when formulating your response, preventing any information gaps.

6. Paraphrase the Question

To buy yourself a few seconds to think, paraphrase the question before responding. This not only shows your language proficiency but also gives you time to gather your thoughts.

7. Use Filler Phrases

Filler phrases like ‘That’s an interesting question’ or ‘Let me think for a moment’ not only give you time to think but also make your response sound more natural and fluent.

8. Be Mindful of Pronunciation

While speed is important, don’t compromise on pronunciation. Aim for clarity and enunciate words properly. Remember, it’s not just about what you say, but how you say it.

9. Listen Actively

In the listening section, active listening is crucial. Train yourself to catch key details, as these will often form the basis of your response. The better you listen, the more accurate your answer will be.

10. Seek Feedback

Lastly, seek feedback from teachers or peers. Their insights can help you identify areas of improvement and fine-tune your speaking skills. Remember, practice makes perfect.

Top 10 Tips for Public Speaking Skills Relevant to TOEIC Speaking

Introduction: The Power of Effective Public Speaking

As students, you know the significance of effective communication, especially in today’s globalized world. Public speaking is a vital component of this skill set. It not only helps you convey your thoughts but also boosts your confidence and credibility. In this video, I’ll be sharing ten tips that specifically cater to TOEIC Speaking, ensuring you’re well-prepared for this section. So, let’s dive in!

1. Familiarize Yourself with the TOEIC Speaking Format

Understanding the structure and requirements of the TOEIC Speaking section is crucial. By doing so, you’ll know what to expect, allowing you to strategize accordingly. Familiarize yourself with the tasks, time limits, and evaluation criteria. This knowledge will serve as a solid foundation for your preparation.

2. Practice Regularly with Sample Questions

Consistent practice is key to honing your speaking skills. Utilize the ample resources available, such as TOEIC Speaking sample questions. Set aside dedicated study sessions where you simulate the test environment. This not only improves your fluency but also enhances your time management abilities.

3. Focus on Clarity and Pronunciation

In the TOEIC Speaking section, your pronunciation and clarity of speech play a significant role. Aim for a neutral accent, ensuring your words are easily understood. Practice enunciating each word distinctly, paying attention to stress and intonation. This attention to detail will greatly enhance your overall delivery.

4. Develop a Structured Approach

When responding to TOEIC Speaking tasks, having a structured approach is essential. Start with a concise introduction, followed by clear main points, and conclude with a summary. This organization not only makes your response coherent but also showcases your ability to present ideas systematically.

5. Utilize Transition Words and Phrases

Transition words and phrases act as signposts in your speech, guiding the listener through your ideas. Incorporate words like ‘firstly,’ ‘moreover,’ and ‘in conclusion’ to create a seamless flow. This not only improves comprehension but also adds a professional touch to your delivery.

6. Emphasize Key Information

When presenting information, it’s crucial to highlight the key points. This ensures that even if the listener doesn’t grasp every detail, they still understand the core message. Utilize stress, intonation, and appropriate pauses to draw attention to essential information.

7. Active Listening: A Two-Way Process

Public speaking isn’t just about talking; it’s also about listening. During the preparation phase, actively engage with various speeches, presentations, and TED talks. This not only exposes you to different speaking styles but also helps you understand the importance of audience feedback and adaptability.

8. Seek Constructive Feedback

Constructive feedback is invaluable when it comes to improving your speaking skills. Share your practice recordings with mentors, teachers, or peers. Their insights can provide a fresh perspective and highlight areas for improvement that you may have overlooked.

9. Time Management: A Precious Resource

In the TOEIC Speaking section, time is of the essence. Practice answering questions within the given time limits, ensuring you don’t exceed them. This not only helps you complete all tasks but also prevents rushing, which can negatively impact your delivery.

10. Confidence: The X-Factor

Last but certainly not least, confidence is key. Believe in your abilities and approach each speaking task with a positive mindset. Remember, the more you practice and prepare, the more confident you’ll feel. And confidence, as they say, is the X-factor that sets apart an average speaker from an exceptional one.

Top 10 Tips for Polishing Your Accent for TOEIC Speaking

Introduction: The Importance of Accent in TOEIC Speaking

Welcome to today’s lesson. When it comes to TOEIC Speaking, having a clear and understandable accent is crucial. Not only does it enhance your overall communication, but it also showcases your language proficiency. Today, I’ll be sharing with you 10 tips that will undoubtedly help you polish your accent and excel in the speaking section of the TOEIC exam.

1. Mastering Vowel Sounds

Vowels play a significant role in English pronunciation. Take the time to practice each vowel sound individually, paying attention to the position of your tongue and the shape of your lips. By doing so, you’ll be able to produce accurate and distinct vowel sounds, making your speech much clearer.

2. Focusing on Consonant Clusters

Consonant clusters, such as ‘bl’ or ‘str,’ can be challenging for non-native speakers. To tackle this, break down the clusters and practice them slowly at first. Gradually increase your speed while maintaining clarity. With consistent practice, you’ll find yourself pronouncing even the trickiest clusters effortlessly.

3. Paying Attention to Word Stress

In English, word stress can change the meaning of a word. Practice identifying the stressed syllables in different words and emphasize them when speaking. This not only adds natural rhythm to your speech but also ensures that your words are understood correctly.

4. Mimicking Native Speakers

Listening to and imitating native speakers is an excellent way to improve your accent. Pay attention to their intonation, rhythm, and stress patterns. By mimicking them, you’ll internalize these aspects and incorporate them into your own speech, resulting in a more native-like accent.

5. Utilizing Pronunciation Apps and Tools

In this digital age, there are numerous pronunciation apps and tools available. These resources often provide interactive exercises and feedback, allowing you to practice and refine your pronunciation independently. Make the most of these tools to supplement your learning.

6. Engaging in Conversations with Native Speakers

Nothing beats real-life practice. Whenever you have the opportunity, engage in conversations with native English speakers. This not only exposes you to different accents and speech patterns but also helps you adapt and respond in real-time, improving your overall fluency.

7. Recording and Analyzing Your Speech

Recording yourself while speaking English can be a valuable self-assessment tool. Listen to the recordings and identify areas where you can improve, such as pronunciation, pacing, or clarity. This reflective practice allows you to track your progress and focus on specific areas of development.

8. Joining Pronunciation Workshops or Classes

Enrolling in pronunciation workshops or classes can provide you with structured guidance and expert feedback. These sessions often include activities that target specific pronunciation challenges, allowing you to address them effectively. Additionally, the group setting provides opportunities for peer learning and practice.

9. Watching English Movies and TV Shows with Subtitles

Watching English movies and TV shows is not only an enjoyable pastime but also a language learning opportunity. Start by watching with subtitles, paying attention to the actors’ pronunciation. As you become more familiar with the dialogues, try watching without subtitles, challenging yourself to understand and mimic the speech.

10. Consistency and Patience

Improving your accent takes time and consistent effort. Set aside dedicated practice sessions regularly, even if it’s just a few minutes a day. Celebrate small victories along the way, and remember that every bit of practice contributes to your overall progress. With patience and perseverance, you’ll undoubtedly see significant improvement in your accent over time.

Top 10 Tips for Organizing Thoughts Quickly for TOEIC Speaking Tasks

Introduction

Welcome to our channel. Today, we have an exciting topic for all TOEIC test-takers. We’ll be discussing the top 10 tips to organize your thoughts quickly for TOEIC speaking tasks. As you know, time is of the essence in this section, so let’s dive right in!

1. Understand the Prompt

Before you start organizing your thoughts, it’s crucial to fully comprehend the prompt. Read it carefully, paying attention to the context, keywords, and any specific instructions. This initial understanding will guide your thought process and ensure you stay on track.

2. Create a Structure

A well-structured response is key to conveying your ideas effectively. Consider using a simple framework like the ‘Introduction-Body-Conclusion’ format. This structure not only helps you organize your thoughts but also makes it easier for the listener to follow your response.

3. Use Bullet Points

When jotting down your main ideas, opt for concise bullet points instead of full sentences. This saves time and allows you to capture the essence of your thoughts. You can always elaborate on these points while speaking.

4. Prioritize Ideas

Sometimes, you may have multiple ideas on a topic. In such cases, it’s essential to prioritize them. Identify the most relevant and impactful points that align with the prompt. This way, even if you run out of time, you’ll have covered the essential aspects.

5. Use Connectors

To make your response coherent and cohesive, employ appropriate connectors. Words like ‘however,’ ‘therefore,’ and ‘in addition’ not only link your ideas but also showcase your language proficiency. This adds depth to your response.

6. Practice Mind Mapping

Mind mapping is a visual technique that aids in organizing thoughts. Start with the main idea in the center and branch out to sub-ideas. This visual representation provides a clear overview and helps you structure your response logically.

7. Time Yourself

During practice sessions, always set a time limit. This trains you to think and organize your thoughts swiftly. Remember, in the actual TOEIC test, you’ll have limited time, so being time-conscious is crucial.

8. Use Transition Words

Transition words like ‘firstly,’ ‘in conclusion,’ and ‘for example’ not only guide your response’s flow but also indicate to the listener that you’re transitioning between ideas. This makes your speech more coherent and structured.

9. Review and Revise

Once you’ve organized your thoughts, take a moment to review them. Check if the ideas are logically connected and if the structure is coherent. If needed, make any revisions or additions. This quick review ensures your response is well-organized.

10. Practice, Practice, Practice

Lastly, the key to mastering any skill is practice. Set aside dedicated time to practice TOEIC speaking tasks. The more you practice, the more comfortable and efficient you’ll become at organizing your thoughts quickly.

Top 10 Tips for NoteTaking Strategies in TOEIC Speaking

Introduction

In today’s lesson, I’ll be sharing with you 10 essential note-taking strategies for TOEIC Speaking. Taking effective notes is crucial for understanding and responding accurately during the exam. So, let’s dive right in!

1. Use Abbreviations

When time is limited, using abbreviations can save you precious seconds. Develop a set of shorthand symbols that you can quickly jot down while listening. This way, you can capture the main ideas without getting overwhelmed by detailed information.

2. Create Visual Representations

Sometimes, a picture can convey more information than words. Try to represent concepts or relationships visually. For example, draw arrows to show cause and effect, or use simple diagrams to illustrate a process. These visual cues will make your notes more memorable.

3. Use Headings and Subheadings

Organize your notes using headings and subheadings. This hierarchical structure helps you quickly locate specific information when you need it. It also makes reviewing your notes later much easier.

4. Develop a System of Symbols

In addition to abbreviations, having a system of symbols can be handy. For example, you can use a star to mark important points, a question mark for things you’re unsure about, or an exclamation mark for surprising facts. This way, your notes become more than just words on paper; they become a visual representation of the content.

5. Leave Space for Additions

While taking notes, it’s common to miss or not fully understand certain points. To account for this, leave some space between your notes. Later, when you review your notes or get additional information, you can easily add it in the appropriate place.

6. Use Color Coding

Color coding can be a powerful tool for organizing information. Assign different colors to different categories or themes. For example, use blue for vocabulary, green for examples, and red for important points. This visual distinction makes it easier to navigate through your notes.

7. Summarize and Paraphrase

Instead of writing everything word for word, aim to summarize and paraphrase the information. This forces you to process the content and capture the essence of what’s being said. It also helps you avoid the trap of mindlessly transcribing, which can lead to missing important points.

8. Use Connectors and Arrows

When taking notes, it’s essential to capture the relationships between ideas. Use connectors like ‘because,’ ‘therefore,’ or ‘however’ to show these connections. Arrows can also be useful to indicate a sequence or progression of ideas.

9. Review and Revise

Don’t consider your notes as final. After the lecture or listening activity, take some time to review and revise them. This helps reinforce the information in your memory and ensures that your notes are accurate and comprehensive.

10. Practice, Practice, Practice

Lastly, note-taking is a skill that improves with practice. The more you engage in activities that require active listening and note-taking, the better you’ll become. So, make it a habit to practice regularly, even outside of exam preparation.