I talk with my advisor everyday. Doesn that mean I have enough English to pass the ITA Test?
Often students assume that if they can communicate with an advisor or other faculty member then they should have no difficulties communicating with students. However this thinking is flawed for two reasons. First, one-on-one conversation requires less language than does the extended talking required in teaching. In fact, one-on-one conversation with someone from your field can largely rely on the technical language of the field. Students, however, have different listening needs: students are hearing the material for the first time, are often unfamiliar with technical terms, need simple and clear explanations, and expect examples that clearly illustrate theoretical concepts.
