How to Use ChatGPT for IELTS, TOEFL, and Learning English
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My Personal Opinion Regarding A.I. Text
Over the years, I’ve developed an uncanny ability to tune out the usual HR and corporate jargon. Phrases like “leveraging synergies” or “a fast-paced forward-thinking environment fostering growth” instantly switch my brain off. The same goes for all that spiritual nonsense about “opening your third eye” or “aligning your chakras and embodying positive energy.” Now, I’ve added a new filter specifically for AI-generated text. When I see lines like, “I am adept at conveying ideas clearly, ensuring effective information delivery, and fostering collaboration among diverse teams. Additionally, my experience in lesson structuring and classroom management has equipped me…” I immediately stop paying attention. I know I’m not alone in this. Honestly, a flawed but genuine human response beats the soulless word salad AI tends to produce any day.
Using A.I. for English Learning and Exam Preparation: A Double-edged Sword
A.I., and ChatGPT in particular, has become a popular tool for learning. Some see it as a breakthrough, others remain skeptical. In my experience, it is far from consistent. When it works, it can help students practice, explore ideas, and prepare for exams. But recently, the quality has dropped to the point where even basic tasks feel like a coin toss.
ChatGPT works best when you are very specific with your instructions. Tell it exactly what format to follow, what not to do, and what kind of response you expect. If you are vague or casual, it tends to misinterpret things or skip steps entirely. Over time, it may start recognizing your habits, but lately, even that has become unreliable.
It now forgets responses almost instantly. You can ask it to do something, and by the next message, it either acts like it never saw the request or gives a completely unrelated answer. The grammar has gotten worse too. Sentences that once made sense are now full of awkward phrasing and incorrect structures. Sometimes it gives off this smug tone while serving up nonsense, which just makes everything more frustrating.
If you still want to use it for studying, do not rely on it for correctness. Use it to brainstorm, rephrase things, or generate practice questions, but always cross check the output. Never assume the grammar rules or explanations are right. Reset the chat often, give clear prompts, and keep a backup of real materials. Otherwise, you are just wasting time with something that used to be useful but now barely functions.
Do NOT Pay For Custom GPTs. Free Versions Are All You Need.
All custom GPTs and chatbots, including those marketed for English learning or IELTS and TOEFL preparation, are built on the same core A.I. models, like OpenAI’s ChatGPT. While they may claim to be unique or highly specialized, they simply use slight customizations or branding to appear different. Despite this, these tools often charge users for features that are already available for free.
It’s worth noting that the way these chatbots are trained or configured might vary, but it’s not something users can’t do themselves. OpenAI provides tools that allow anyone to create their own customized GPT by adding specific instructions and training materials. This means that if you’re motivated, you could create your own IELTS or TOEFL-focused chatbot. The only drawback is that it takes time and effort to set up and test. That’s why using a ready-made option can be more convenient.
For example, my custom model is entirely free and leverages OpenAI’s technology. It’s specifically trained for exam preparation, with detailed instructions already in place to help learners practice and improve effectively. While you could build something similar on your own, my model offers a time-saving alternative for anyone looking for a focused, high-quality tool without the hassle of creating one from scratch.
Before paying for custom chatbots marketed for English learning or test preparation, remember that they all use the same underlying technology. You can achieve the same results for free with ChatGPT or by using a model like mine that is already trained for you. There’s no need to pay for something you can get without unnecessary costs.
How to Correctly Use ChatGPT to Learn Language & Prepare for Exams Like TOEFL & IELTS
A.I. tools like ChatGPT can be incredibly versatile for language learning. Whether you’re working on expanding your vocabulary, building your grammar, or preparing for exams like IELTS and TOEFL, here are some creative and effective ways to use them.
1. Expand Your Vocabulary
+ Learn synonyms and antonyms: Ask ChatGPT for related words and how to use them in sentences. Example: “Define reversible. Use it in 5 sentences in the context of psychology.”
+ Compare meanings: Clarify subtle differences between similar words. Example: “Does remarkable mean important? Is there a difference? Use both in sentences.”
+ Get word suggestions: Describe a topic or scenario and let ChatGPT provide useful vocabulary. Example: “I want to describe a horse. What words can I use?”
Some Examples:
- “Explain the word ‘resilient’ and give 3 examples of how it’s used in a workplace setting.”
- “List 5 synonyms for ‘important’ and use each one in a sentence about environmental issues.”
- “What are some advanced words I can use to describe food? Give me examples in sentences.”
- “Can you create a short dialogue where two people use the word ‘innovative’?”
- “What words can I use to describe a bustling city? Give me 5 examples with context.”
- “What’s the opposite of ‘productive’? Use it in a sentence about work habits.”
2. Build Word Knowledge
+ Break down words into prefixes, roots, and suffixes to understand their structure. Example: “Break down the word invisibility and give me similar words.”
+ Find patterns across languages: Compare how similar words are formed in different languages. Example: “Are the words introverted in English and its Turkish equivalent formed similarly?”
+ Explore word families: Ask for words with shared roots to expand your understanding. Example: “Why do so many words end in -able? What does it mean?”
Some Examples:
- “Break down the word ‘unpredictable’ into its root, prefix, and suffix. What does each part mean?”
- “Find 5 other words that share the root ‘spect’ (e.g., inspect, respect). Use them in sentences.”
- “Why do so many adjectives end in -ous? Give me 5 examples and explain how they’re used.”
- “What’s the difference between ‘interaction’ and ‘react’? Explain the root ‘act’ and give examples.”
- “Translate the word ’empower’ into another language and explain if the root or meaning changes.”
3. Learn in Context
+ Generate context: Practice new vocabulary by asking ChatGPT to use it in stories, letters, or conversations. Example: “Write a short paragraph about football. Use the word immensely.”
+ Focus on common themes: Learn words related to specific test topics like travel, environment, or education. Example: “Write a semi-formal letter inviting a friend to visit Spain. Use verbs related to traveling.”
+ Explore famous usage: Discover how key words appear in quotes or cultural references. Example: “Give me 3 famous quotes that use the word freedom.”
Some Examples:
- “Write a paragraph about forests. Use the words ‘inevitable,’ ‘mitigate,’ and ‘consequences.'”
- “Write a semi-formal letter to a professor asking for an extension on an assignment.”
- “Generate a short conversation between two people deciding what to watch on Netflix.”
- “Summarize a news article about space exploration. Use at least 3 academic words.”
- “Write a short story about a weekend trip. Include 5 descriptive words for nature.”
4. Learn About Exams
+ Simulate test questions: Ask ChatGPT to create questions specific to your needs. Example: “Write 5 fill-in-the-blank questions where the answers are verbs.”
+ Generate comprehension exercises: Combine reading and listening tasks to mimic test conditions. Example: “Write a paragraph about nutmeg and create 5 true/false/not given questions.”
+ Build vocabulary quizzes: Gradually increase the difficulty of the questions to challenge yourself. Example: “Ask me 10 vocabulary questions. Provide 4 options for each answer.”
Some Examples:
- “Explain the difference between IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2. Provide examples of each.”
- “What is the structure of TOEFL Speaking Task 3? Can you give me a sample question and answer?”
- “How does IELTS Speaking Part 2 work? Create a topic card for me to practice.”
- “What are the common grammar mistakes that lower scores in TOEFL Writing? Give examples.”
- “List 5 tips for time management during the IELTS Reading test.”
5. Unlimited Practice Materials
+ Practice speaking prompts: Simulate test scenarios, such as answering IELTS Speaking Part 2 or TOEFL Speaking Task 3 questions. Example: “Give me a speaking topic and act as the interviewer.”
+ Get writing feedback: Submit essays or short answers for feedback on grammar, structure, and coherence. Example: “Here’s my essay for IELTS Writing Task 2. Can you give feedback based on band descriptors?”
+ Work on fluency: Use role-playing or conversational prompts to improve natural language flow. Example: “Pretend you’re a customer at a café. Let’s practice ordering food.”
Some Examples:
- “Ask me 10 vocabulary questions. Provide 4 options for each answer.”
- “Write a paragraph about a famous invention. Create 5 comprehension questions (T/F/NG).”
- “Generate 5 fill-in-the-blank grammar questions about the past perfect tense.”
- “Write an essay topic for TOEFL Writing Task 2 and provide an outline for the response.”
- “Create a mock IELTS Speaking Part 3 discussion on the topic of urbanization.”
6. Use Voice Generators
+ Use voice features: Listen to speaking prompts or practice note-taking for TOEFL lectures using A.I. voice generators like ElevenLabs. Example: “Play a simulated TOEFL Integrated Writing lecture. Let me take notes and summarize it.”
+ Simulate interviews: Practice responding to IELTS Speaking prompts as if you’re in the test environment. Example: “Ask me an IELTS Part 3 discussion question, and I’ll respond.”
Some Examples:
- “Play a simulated IELTS Speaking Part 2 topic: Describe a city you would like to visit.”
- “Provide an audio lecture about climate change for TOEFL Integrated Writing Task 1.”
- “Generate an audio prompt for a role-playing activity where I’m ordering at a restaurant.”
- “Read this sentence aloud so I can practice pronunciation: ‘Technological advances are transforming industries.'”
- “Simulate a TOEFL Speaking Task 4 lecture on the benefits of teamwork in the workplace.”
7. Learn Literature
+ Access Public Domain Books: Request full texts or excerpts of classics available in the public domain, or ask for summaries to quickly understand key themes.
Example: “Can you provide the text of Pride and Prejudice?” or “Summarize Frankenstein in 5 sentences.”
+ Request Simplified Versions: Simplify a text to match your reading level, similar to graded readers like the Penguin series.
Example: “Rewrite the first chapter of The Great Gatsby for a beginner English learner.”
+ Analyze Literary Techniques: Dive into themes, symbolism, or character development in famous works.
Example: “Explain the symbolism of the green light in The Great Gatsby.”
+ Study Summaries of Famous Books: Get a concise breakdown of the main ideas, characters, and themes in popular novels or plays.
Example: “Summarize 1984 and explain its key themes.”
+ Practice Creative Writing: Use ChatGPT to inspire your storytelling by generating prompts or rewriting famous passages in different styles.
Example: “Give me a creative writing prompt in the style of Edgar Allan Poe.”
Some Examples:
“Summarize To Kill a Mockingbird in simple English, focusing on its main themes.”
“Rewrite a scene from Romeo and Juliet in modern, everyday language.”
“Explain the allegory in Animal Farm and how it relates to real-life events.”
“Suggest 5 beginner-friendly public domain books to help me improve my vocabulary.”
“Can you simplify Dracula into a short story suitable for intermediate readers?”
“Create a quiz based on the first chapter of Jane Eyre.”
“Compare the themes of The Picture of Dorian Gray and Frankenstein in a simple paragraph.”
“Write a beginner-level summary of The Scarlet Letter in 3 sentences.”
“Explain how Of Mice and Men uses foreshadowing, and provide examples.”
“Summarize Great Expectations for someone at an advanced reading level.”
DON'T!
1. Don't Trust ChatGPT Blindly
ALWAYS triple-check information from ChatGPT because, despite its best efforts, it often provides incorrect responses with confidence. This is particularly problematic for technical subjects, grammar explanations, or specific facts, where even small inaccuracies can lead to significant misunderstandings. For example, ChatGPT might offer an incorrect rule for a grammar point or misinterpret a question entirely, presenting false information as if it’s the absolute truth. If you rely on this information without verifying it, you risk building your learning on a flawed foundation. Correcting these mistakes later can take far more time and effort than learning the material correctly in the first place. Make it a habit to validate ChatGPT’s responses with trusted resources or by consulting a teacher.
2. Don't Get Lazy
Relying too heavily on ChatGPT can quickly become a crutch, leading to a lack of effort in understanding and solving problems on your own. For example, instead of working through a challenging grammar exercise, you might simply ask ChatGPT for the answers. While this might save time in the moment, it prevents you from engaging with the material and developing critical problem-solving skills. Over time, this dependency can create gaps in your knowledge that become harder to fill. Remember, ChatGPT is a tool to assist your learning, not a replacement for active practice and critical thinking. Use it to clarify doubts or enhance your understanding, but always put in the effort to solidify your learning through practice and reflection.
3. Don't Assume A.I. is Sentient (yet!)
ChatGPT has been trained on vast amounts of text from books, articles, and websites, but it does not “think” or “understand” in the way humans do. It’s simply generating responses based on patterns it has learned from its training data. While this makes it incredibly effective at simulating conversation, providing explanations, or creating content, it also means it has no awareness of context, emotions, or real-world implications. Treating ChatGPT as if it were a sentient being can lead to misplaced trust in its capabilities, such as expecting it to have moral judgment or a deep understanding of nuanced topics. Think of ChatGPT as a search engine or barely competent assistant who sometimes forgets the alphabet or goes blind every once in a while.
4. Don't Lie to your Teacher
Any good teacher worth their salt knows the depth of each student’s knowledge, the extent of their capabilities, and their mannerisms. Attempting to trick your teacher by using ChatGPT to complete assignments or answer questions you don’t understand is ultimately futile. Teachers can quickly spot discrepancies between your spoken and written abilities or your sudden improvement in performance. Not only does this harm your learning, but it can also damage the trust you’ve built with your teacher. That said, if your goal is simply to pass an exam or obtain a degree without genuinely learning the material, you may see short-term success. It also works perfectly fine in corporate environments where people consume word salad on a daily basis to survive. However, this approach will eventually catch up with you, especially when real-world skills are needed. Learning with integrity benefits both you and your teacher in the long run.
Watch a few of my videos to see how I approach teaching and what you can expect.
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