TOEFL ZONE

Five students have informed me that they received emails from ETS stating that their TOEFL exams in the United States have been canceled. The reason for the cancellation was not mentioned, but it could be due to severe weather conditions.

If you have received a similar email, please contact your test center immediately for confirmation and reach out to ETS for further clarification and instructions.

Make sure to act quickly to address the situation.

An Academic Discussion task

Doctor Achebe:

In our discussion on the importance of workplace mentoring, we learned that mentoring (training or guiding someone) is typically associated with senior employees―that is, workers who have been at a company for a long time and mentor younger colleagues. However, at some companies, especially those that use innovative technology, younger employees sometimes train or guide senior colleagues. Do you think that it is a good idea for companies to encourage younger employees to mentor senior coworkers? Why or why not?

Claire:
I support the idea of having younger employees mentor senior ones. Technology is developing so rapidly these days, and young people are much more skilled in dealing with technology than older employees are. It’s the ideal way for senior employees to learn new digital skills.

Kelly:
Claire makes a good point, but technology aside, I do not think that younger employees make good mentors right away. When younger employees join companies, they often lack the experience needed to be fully effective in their roles. They should be mentored by senior coworkers who have achieved a high level of expertise in their work.

My response:
I agree with Claire’s point that younger employees should be encouraged to mentor senior colleagues, especially in areas related to technology. In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, younger employees often have a natural advantage in understanding and utilizing modern tools and platforms. By allowing them to share their expertise, companies ensure that all employees, regardless of age, stay up to date with the latest technologies, which is critical for remaining competitive. Additionally, having younger employees mentor senior ones creates a more collaborative work environment. This can help break down traditional hierarchies and encourage open communication between generations. Younger employees can feel more valued and motivated when their skills are recognized, while senior employees benefit from learning new approaches that improve their efficiency. Although Kelly raises a valid point about younger employees lacking experience, mentorship is not just about job-specific expertise. It’s about sharing knowledge in areas where one excels

@toeflzone

Vocabulary from the Story

1. Inaugurated – formally admitted to office.


2. Non-consecutive – not following one after the other.


3. Rotunda – a large, round room beneath a dome.


4. Fervor – intense and passionate feeling.


5. Administered – carried out or executed.


6. Symbolizing – representing something as a symbol.


7. Underscoring – emphasizing.


8. Controversies – disputes or arguments.


9. Ambitious – showing a strong desire to succeed.


10. Jubilation – a feeling of great happiness or triumph.


11. Precaution – a measure taken to ensure safety.


12. Geographical – related to physical locations or regions.


13. Polarizing – causing division or disagreement.


14. Vigilant – keeping careful watch for danger or difficulties.


15. Grandeur – splendor and impressiveness.
@toeflzone

A historic return Donald Trump's Inauguration Day

By Metages Mesfin

On a cold January morning in 2025, history was made as Donald J. Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States. The ceremony, moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to the harsh winter weather, marked Trump’s return to the White House after a non-consecutive first term—a feat last seen in the late 19th century with Grover Cleveland. The atmosphere was electric, blending the grandeur of tradition with the fervor of Trump’s supporters.

Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office, while JD Vance, the new Vice President, took his oath before Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh. In attendance were former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, symbolizing a rare unity in a politically divided era. The event also drew international figures such as Argentinian President Javier Milei and China’s Vice President Han Zheng, underscoring the global significance of this political moment.

The ceremony was accompanied by a lineup of performances that captured the celebratory mood. Country music star Carrie Underwood delivered a stirring rendition of “America the Beautiful,” while the iconic Village People energized the audience with their signature hits.

Security measures were at an all-time high, a precaution following recent threats and controversies. National Guard troops patrolled the area, ensuring the safety of the event. After taking the oath, President Trump addressed thousands of supporters gathered at Capital One Arena. He emphasized a renewed commitment to "making America great again," promising swift action on his ambitious agenda.

The evening concluded with three inaugural balls: the Commander in Chief Ball, the Liberty Ball, and the Starlight Ball. These events were filled with elegance and jubilation as attendees celebrated the beginning of a new era.

President Trump wasted no time in getting to work. Within hours of the ceremony, he signed executive orders addressing immigration, rolling back transgender protections, and renaming controversial geographical landmarks. While these measures were met with mixed reactions, they set the tone for what promises to be a bold and polarizing presidency.

As Trump embarks on his second term, the nation finds itself at a crossroads. For his supporters, it is the dawn of a thrilling new chapter. For his critics, it is a moment to remain vigilant. Either way, January 20, 2025, will be remembered as a day that reshaped American politics and leadership.
@toeflzone

Merhaba! Best wishes to all sitting for the TOEFL on January 18, 2025. Stay focused!

Sir, I got my results today. 120/120! 💪 Thank you for your help:)

Dear Sir, I have finally achieved the score I was aiming for and I wanted to let you know how much your support meant to me. I am not sure if it’s something you’re interested in, but I just wanted to share.

Okay, to all my dentist and pharmacist students,

Let me be absolutely clear. If you are here, it means you are aiming for excellence and I will not accept anything less. This is not a casual endeavor and success will not come to those who are unwilling to put in the work. Attending my sessions is ONLY part of the equation. You MUST PRACTICE diligently and consistently on your own.

I expect the highest TOEFL scores from every single one of you. There is no room for mediocrity, no excuses for lack of effort, and no TOLO RANCE for complacency. You are preparing for a future that demands the best, and I expect you to MEET that demand with unwavering determination.

This is not just a goal. It is a standard, and I will hold you accountable for reaching it. If you are not prepared to give your absolute all, then this is not the place for you. Your success depends entirely on your commitment. Prove to yourself and to me that you are SERIOUS.

Period!

Hello everyone,

My name is Emily. I am a foreign pharmacist currently waiting to take the FPGEE as part of my journey to becoming licensed in the U.S. After five challenging attempts at the tofel test, I finally achieved success on my sixth try. I took the exam on January 8 and received my results today. The sense of accomplishment makes all the effort worthwhile.

The speaking and reading sections were particularly difficult for me. With English not being my first language, I often found it hard to communicate fluently and clearly. In my earlier exams, I scored 23 in speaking and 20 in reading, which was discouraging and made me question my approach. Despite trying various YouTube templates and strategies, I couldn’t achieve the results I wanted.

Each attempt felt like a headache where progress in one section came at the expense of another. Determined to improve, I enrolled in Metages Mesfin’s two-month online Toefl sessions and that decision made a significant difference.

What stood out about Metages @Meti_2323 was his dedication, patience, and professionalism. His lessons were well-structured and he made sure every moment was used effectively. He provided constructive feedback and practical advice that helped me identify and work on my weaknesses. He was always supportive and encouraging, even when I felt unsure of myself which helped me stay motivated.

In addition to the classes, I practiced rigorously using resources like TestSucced, TPO, Test Gliders, and Test Admit. These platforms offered free mock tests that closely resembled the actual exam, allowing me to refine my strategies and improve consistently. I learned that while templates can provide structure, combining them with consistent practice and targeted learning is key.

I’m also incredibly grateful for the support of my husband, who stood by me throughout this preparation for my exam. His encouragement and understanding helped me stay focused during my preparation.

Thanks to all this combined effort and guidance, I achieved a score of 105/120: 29/30 in speaking, 28/30 in reading, 25/30 in writing, and 23/30 in listening. While it wasn’t an easy journey, it was definitely worth it.

If you are struggling with the tofel exam, don’t lose hope, don't quit it easily. One day, success will be yours. Good luck everyone with your toefl test.

Good [morning/afternoon/evening] everyone,

It’s an absolute pleasure to address you all today. Over the past few months, I’ve had the honor of working with TOEFL students from around the world, and I must say, my experience with students from India has been truly remarkable.

India, a land of incredible diversity, rich culture, and a deep-rooted tradition of education, has always been synonymous with excellence. It’s no surprise that Indian students bring unparalleled dedication and determination to their TOEFL preparation. Your hunger for knowledge, paired with your unique ability to balance aspirations with hard work, sets you apart.

What’s truly inspiring is how each of you brings your unique perspective to the table. Whether it’s your ability to think critically, your natural flair for storytelling, or the way you embrace challenges, I’ve witnessed qualities in you that not only help you excel in exams like the TOEFL but also prepare you for success on a global stage.

In our journey together, we focus not just on improving your scores but also on helping you develop skills that will empower you to thrive in diverse academic and professional environments. Remember, the TOEFL is more than just an exam; it’s a gateway to opportunities that can shape your future.

To every Indian TOEFL student I’ve worked with and those I will work with in the future: your goals are not just dreams; they are achievable realities. Together, we will turn those ambitions into accomplishments.

Thank you for trusting me as a guide on your journey. Let’s continue to break barriers, achieve excellence, and inspire others with our success stories.

Here’s to your bright future!

Thank you.