Preparing for the TOEIC exam: Maria Lopes Rachadel

With goals to study in the US and become a civil engineer, Maria is no stranger to hard work. But how do you fit TOEIC exam preparation into an already busy schedule? Maria says it's all about following a routine that allows time for study, relaxation, and fun.

For my career goals, English is essential

My parents don’t speak English fluently, but they wanted to give me and my sisters opportunities to learn, so they invested in courses with EF English Live for us. For them, it's worth it because English opens doors, both for communication with people from around the world and for building a career.

Curitiba, my hometown, is the capital of Paraná in southern Brazil. It’s a big city with lots of opportunities, but to land a good job here, you need to speak English and even another language if possible. My dream is to become a civil engineer and work internationally. For that, English is essential.

I’ve improved by ten levels in less than a year

When I started learning English, I used apps I could download for free. They were helpful for learning basic phrases, but they weren’t enough for fluency. This year, I started studying with EF English Live, and it has improved my English so much. I’ve progressed ten levels in less than a year. The classes have really helped with my confidence, especially improving my speaking skills.

In the beginning, I was really nervous about speaking in class, especially with others listening, but now I feel more comfortable. One of my favorite teachers is Susan B. She's so cheerful and talks to me like a friend, lessons with her are so much fun.

English lessons at school in Brazil don't help with fluency

School English lessons in Brazil focus mostly on grammar. There isn't much opportunity to practice speaking and our teachers are not native speakers. Grammar—especially past tense and countable vs. uncountable nouns—isn’t easy for me. With EF English Live, I can work on these areas at my own pace and practice speaking in class.

I love how I can choose topics for my lessons. Yesterday, my class with Susan B focused on arts and creativity. During every class, I get feedback on my pronunciation and grammar and we go over problem areas together. These personalized lessons make learning enjoyable and effective.

Finding time to study is all about a good routine

Outside of my classes, I practice English by watching fun series like Friends and The Big Bang Theory. These shows help me learn conversational English and everyday expressions. I also write in English—letters, notes, and even my daily schedule—and then I read it aloud to myself to improve my grammar and vocabulary. Writing is tough, but it’s worth the effort.

Balancing my studies, hobbies, and other activities is all about having a good routine. In the mornings, I go to school. Afternoons are for English classes, and evenings are for martial arts—I’ve been practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for two years now. I also love drawing and reading when I find the time. It's so important to balance hard work with rest. Having a strict routine means I make time for everything, including relaxation.

I want to study in the US

My ultimate dream is to travel the world. I’d like to start by going to university in the US. I think Kentucky, I don’t know why! Maybe because of KFC! Beyond English, I’m interested in learning German or Italian. I believe mastering English is just the first step toward exploring other languages and cultures.

My advice: Balance learning, rest, and fun

My advice to anyone learning English is this: make time for both learning and fun. A good routine helps you stay consistent, and taking breaks is important too. Learning a new language isn’t easy, but it’s okay to make mistakes—it’s all part of the process. For me, EF has been the best choice, and I’m excited to keep improving.