JPO

JPO stands for 'Junior Professional Officer'. JPO test is a test which collect people for international organization. Passing the test is one of my final goal.

http://prezi.com/f9xqxipanfj2/present/?auth_key=3uc88w4&follow=emll08m0pkcz

TEPS

Since my final goal is to pass JPO test, I would have to study TEPS first. 
 The 'Test of English Proficiency developed by Seoul National University' or 'TEPS' is an English proficiency test created by the Language Education Institute to evaluate Korean test takers' English language skills. TEPS has been administered nationwide since January 1999. TEPS consists of 200 questions which are divided into four sections: Listening (60 questions), Grammar (50 questions), Vocabulary (50 questions) and Reading (40 questions). TEPS is designed to test applicants' communicative English skills and to minimize test-taker reliance on certain strategies such as rote memorization. A study of the test indicated that it is valid and fair.
This test may be reliable, but the multiple choice nature of the test may raise test validity concerns. While TEPS is taken by thousands of Koreans each year, the scores are not recognized by many organizations outside of Korea as an indicator of English proficiency.
 It's similar with TOEIC, so I'm expecting to get a fine score by studying TOEIC.

TOEFL

 The Test of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL, evaluates the ability of an individual to use and understand English in an academic setting. It was developed to address the problem on ensuring English language proficiency for non-native speakers wishing to study at American universities. It has become an admission requirement for non-native English speakers at many English-speaking colleges and universities. Additionally, institutions such as government agencies, licensing bodies, businesses, or scholarship programs may require this test. A TOEFL score is valid for two years and then will no longer be officially reported since a candidate's language proficiency could have significantly changed since the date of the test. Colleges and universities usually consider only the most recent TOEFL score.
 Policies governing the TOEFL program are formulated with advice from a 16-member board. Board members are affiliated with undergraduate and graduate schools, 2-year institutions and public or private agencies with an interest in international education. Other members are specialists in the field of English as a foreign or second language. The TOEFL Committee of Examiners is composed of 12 specialists in linguistics, language testing, teaching or research. Its main responsibility is to advise on TOEFL test content. The committee helps ensure the test is a valid measure of English language proficiency reflecting current trends and methodologies.

 To apply for exchange student program, I would need to get a good score of TOEFL. I'm planning to apply for the program after I get discharged from the army, so I will start preparing for this after that.

How to learn TOEIC

 To learn how to study TOEIC, we need to know the forms of questions.

 The test consists of two different parts; Listening, and Reading.

 First, let's talk about the listening test.

 This is the first type of the listening test. A speaker describes the pictures, and learners need to choose right answers. Difficulty isn't so high.

 This is the second type. One listening for one question. Difficulty isn't so high either.

 Now this type is a tricky one. One dialogue for three questions. Therefore, learners need to check the questions before the listening starts, and remember the needed information as the speakers speak. These questions are the most difficult and important questions throughout the listening test, so learners need to focus on this type and practice checking questions beforehand(this is really important).

 Now, we'll move on to reading test.

 This is the first type of reading test. It simply requires learners to choose right vocabularies after reading a short sentence. Some of them are tricky, so learners are suggested to memorize vocabularies to prepare for this type.

 The second type is similar to the first one. Learners need to choose right vocabularies after reading a paragraph.

 The last type of reading test is a real reading test. Learners are required to answer questions after reading a long paragraph. Since the time is limited, learners need to adjust time well. It's a good way to check the amount of time learners need for this type, and try to cut it down.

About TOEIC

 TOEIC stands for 'Test of English for International Communication'. It is an English language test designed specifically to measure the everyday English skills of people working in an international environment.

 There are two types of TOEIC; Listening & Reading Test, and Speaking & Writing Test. TOEIC Speaking & Writing Test, which is the popular test people take for various reasons, is a two-hour multiple-choice test consisting of 200 questions evenly divided into listening comprehension and reading comprehension. Each candidate receives independent scores for written and listening comprehension on a scale from 5 to 495 points. The total score adds up to a scale from 10 to 990 points.

 I'm preparing for TOEIC. My goal is to get a high score so that I would be able to apply for CATUSA. Next time, I'll write about how to prepare for TOEIC.