20 TOEFL Tips
- Familiarize yourself with the TOEFL format
Most countries now offer the Internet based TOEFL (iBT). A few offer
only the paper-based test (PBT). Make sure you find out which test you
will be taking before you start studying for the TOEFL. You cannot
choose to take the paper based test if your country offers the iBT. One
reason people experience exam stress is because they don't know what to
expect before a test. Prevent stress on exam day by studying the format
of the test in detail. ETS has very clear standards about the format of
their test. This is why it is called a "standardized" test.
- Research TOEFL score requirements
The TOEFL is required for any non-native English student who wants
to go to a post-secondary school in the United States. Most people take
the TOEFL in order to apply to a specific school or program. Before you
begin studying, find out what the requirements are for the schools you
are interested in going to. Remember that the scores for the paper based
test are different than the scores for the iBT. Some schools will look
at your scores from different sections. Each iBT section is scored out
of 30. Many universities expect you to achieve higher writing skills
than speaking skills. TOEFL scores are only valid for two years.
- Learn academic English
TOEFL is used for a different purpose than other ESL tests. The
TOEFL measures your ability to succeed in an American university or
college. Other English-speaking countries also require TOEFL scores as a
prerequisite for admission. You don't have to know about the business
world as you do in the TOEIC test. Instead, you should concentrate on
studying language that you would hear and see on campus and in the
classroom. In other words, you should read textbooks, encyclopaedias,
journals and research articles rather than advertisements and resumes.
You won't need to know any background information about certain
subjects, but it will help you to become familiar with the presentation
and language used in academic material. You should also watch modern
television and movies. If you have a friend who goes to an English
university, go to class with him as often as you can. Borrow his books
and hang out with his friends.
- Use practice tests
The best way to prepare for the TOEFL is to practise doing the
tests. If you are taking a TOEFL class, your teacher will provide you
with plenty of material. If you are studying for the TOEFL on your own,
you will have to purchase a few key resources. Find a textbook that has
exercises, vocabulary, practice tests, CDs, and explanatory answers. You
might not want to work through a book from front to back. Work on the
sections that you find most challenging. Don't just rely on one book.
You might have a book that is much easier than the official TOEFL. Look
for free samples on the Internet to supplement your textbook. Make sure
the question types are up to date.
- Find a mentor
A reliable native English teacher who knows a lot about the TOEFL is
one of the best resources a student can have. You will have many
questions that your textbook can't answer for you. Frustrated students
often give up. It is important that you have someone who will answer
your questions and encourage you when you feel down. If you cannot
afford a teacher or a tutor, find a student who has studied for the test
before. Sometimes other students can give you excellent hints and help
you with grammar questions. You might be able to help other students
with their questions too. Teaching another person is a great way to
learn. If you use Twitter, search for "TOEFL". You will find teachers
and students to follow and network with.
- Build up your stamina
The TOEFL test takes a long time to write. If you are taking the
paper based test it will take you about 2.5 hours. The iBT is much
longer. You can expect to be at the computer for 4 hours. Many students
have an attention span of about two hours. This is the maximum length of
most classes. After this amount of time performance starts to weaken.
If you keep your study sessions to one or two hours, your brain will not
be prepared to work for four. Start off with short study sessions, and
work up to longer ones. It is absolutely necessary that you get a good
night's sleep before this test. You cannot afford to be tired.
- Arrive prepared
If you arrive at the test centre with all of the things you need,
you will feel calm and ready. When you are nervous, your memory does not
work as well. Make sure you know exactly how to get to the test centre
and where you can park. Bring the correct amount of money for parking.
If you are writing the paper based test, you should have a number of
pencils, a pencil sharpener and a few erasers that don't smudge. It is
also important that your identification looks valid. If you have had
problems with your ID before, make sure to bring a backup photo. Don't
forget any paper work that ETS sends you to prove that you have
registered.
- Pace yourself
Plan to arrive at the test centre at least 30 minutes ahead of time.
Wear a watch. This is especially important if you are taking the paper
based test. Some exam rooms do not have clocks. The iBT has a clock on
the screen, however, you should still wear a watch to make sure that you
arrive on time! During the exam, watch your time very closely. Many
students do poorly on the TOEFL because they spend too much time on
difficult questions. There is no break between the Reading and Listening
section. You will get a ten minute break after the first half before
the Speaking section. You will only have a short time to write the
essay. Spend some time planning and checking your writing.
- Improve your typing skills
You will have to fill out your answers on the computer and type your
essay. If you rely on a few fingers to type, consider improving your
typing skills before taking the TOEFL. Make sure that you are confident
typing on a QWERTY keyboard. If you aren't, search for typing practice
drills online. Even if your typing skills are strong, try doing
practice tests on other computers. Some students get so used to their
own computer that they get nervous when they have to type on a new
keyboard or use a different mouse on test day.
- Become an expert note taker
You will be able to take notes in each section as you take the TOEFL
iBT. Note taking is allowed because it is an important skill you need
for taking university or college courses. As you study, practise taking
notes on the main idea of what you read and hear as well as on the main
details. Do this throughout your day as you listen to news reports, read
websites, and watch TV. Create your own shorthand for frequently used
words and phrases.
- Answer every question
Never leave a question blank. Eliminate all of the answers you know
are wrong and then make an educated guess. You have a 25% chance of
getting the correct answer. When you finish a section or question, try
to put it out of your mind. Whether you are reading, listening, or
answering a question, put all of your concentration on the task at hand.
- Secrets for the Reading section
The iBT does not test grammar separately as previous TOEFL tests
did. You will still need to prove that you have a strong grasp of
grammar in the speaking and writing sections. It is helpful to
familiarize yourself with key academic vocabulary. There are helpful
textbooks for this purpose. Keep in mind that you don't need to know
every word in a reading passage to answer the questions. Practise
reading without a dictionary close by. When it comes to the questions,
concentrate on the areas that the questions pertain to. Skim through the
passage, read the questions, then read for more detail. The questions
usually come in the order they appear in the passage. Anticipate the
type of questions you will be asked in this section. Many of the
readings have a main idea question. You will be asked at least two
vocabulary questions from each reading. You will also be asked some
detailed questions and some inference questions. You will not have time
to reread a whole passage.
- Secrets for the Listening section
When you are practising for the listening sections, don't play the
tape or CD more than once. On the real test you will only hear
everything once. You have to train your ears to listen fully the first
time. During the real exam, don't look back at a listening question
after you have decided on an answer. You cannot change it. The clock
will not start running until you start the answers. Learn to listen for
main ideas, presentation (compare/contrast etc.), and key details.
- Secrets for the Speaking section
It is okay to hesitate for a moment or two when it is time to
respond. However, it is best to fill as much of the time as possible
with your response. If you have a few extra seconds you can sum things
up in a short conclusion. You will lose marks for poor pronunciation, so
don't try to use big words that you can't say properly. You will also
lose marks for improper use of vocabulary and idioms. Make sure you know
how to use an expression properly before you try to use it on the exam.
- Secrets for the Writing section
Don't forget that you will have to make connections in the first
part of the Writing section. Memorize phrases from practice tests that
show you how to do this. The most important thing is to keep your
writing simple and clear. You will not have access to a spell check
function. Don't use vocabulary and punctuation that you are unsure of.
Spend some time planning your essay before you write it. Your outline
will save you time in the long run. When you practise for the essay,
find a format that you are comfortable with. Use this format every time.
For example, your thesis might always be in the third sentence of your
introduction. You might always end your conclusion with a question. Make
sure to use lots of examples to support your essay. Transitional words
and phrases will make your writing easier to read. Memorize a list of
these and practise typing them. Always leave time to review what you
have written. Read your essay silently in your head as you check it.
- Strengthen all 4 skills
Some people make the mistake of taking the test too soon. Perhaps
your reading, listening, and writing skills are ready, but your speaking
skills still need work. If you do very poorly on one section of the
test, you will have to retake the entire test. You can't redo one
section. Make sure that you are ready to take the whole test when you
register.
- Dress in comfortable clothing
Dress in comfortable layers on test day. You never know whether or
not the test room will be cold or warm. Wear your favourite shirt. When
you feel comfortable you perform better! Don't wear tight clothing. You
have to sit in one place for a long time. Though you want to be
comfortable, do take time to look your best on test day. In other words,
dress for success.
- Make sure to eat before the test
Four hours is a long time to go without a snack. You will not be
allowed to bring any food or drinks into the test room with you. Eat a
sensible meal before you take the test. Avoid too much caffeine as it
will give you the shakes. Don't consume large amounts of sugar right
before the test. You will get tired very quickly. Make sure that you
have had plenty of water (but not too much as you will not want to waste
time in the washroom).
- Refer to the official TOEFL website
The official TOEFL website (www.toefl.com)
has a number of helpful things that you can download for free. They
will supply you with a list of writing topics for the essay. You can
also find important information about test centres and test updates.
Many of your questions can be answered here. You will also get hints
about which resources are worth buying.
- Reward yourself
After you take the exam, reward yourself for all of the time and
effort you put into learning a second language! Treat yourself to a gift
or a night out. No matter how well you did on the exam, you deserve a
reward. Write down what your reward will be before you take the exam. It
is always helpful to have something to look forward to.
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