The Toefl (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a globally recognized standardized test that evaluates an individual’s proficiency in English across four key language skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Distinct from the TOEIC, which gauges workforce English competency, the TOEFL’s objective is to offer an impartial and accurate portrayal of the test-taker’s aptitude in a real classroom environment.
Spanning three hours, the TOEFL exam is conventionally administered online (TOEFL iBT), on paper (TOEFL PBT), or in a classroom setting (TOEFL ITP). With its significance in admissions to over 11,500 educational institutions, diligent TOEFL preparation is indispensable for students aspiring to enroll in universities within English-speaking nations. This guide will encompass effective strategies and recommendations for TOEFL readiness, along with addressing frequently asked questions about the examination.
What is your English level?
Find out your A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2 level of English with our quick, free online test.
How to prepare for the TOEFL the right way
Getting ready for the TOEFL is frequently influenced by individual inclinations and preferred learning methods. This underscores the value of securing an appropriate tutor who can effectively pinpoint your specific areas for improvement. Concurrently, abiding by these three fundamental principles of test preparation – familiarity, concentration, and anticipation – can assist you in formulating a robust strategy for TOEFL readiness.
Familiarity: Get to know the format
The TOEFL is structured into four distinct sections, with a brief 10-minute intermission positioned between the second and third segments. Commencing with the reading section, examinees are tasked with perusing passages and addressing 30-40 queries within a time frame of 54-72 minutes, contingent upon the precise quantity of questions.
Similarly, the listening segment of the TOEFL spans 41-57 minutes, requiring responses to 28-39 questions pertaining to concise lectures and classroom discussions. Following the intermission, the speaking component, lasting 17 minutes, presents the challenge of expounding on a familiar subject and deliberating over reading and listening materials. Ultimately, the test culminates with a 50-minute writing endeavor, during which participants read a passage, listen to an audio recording, and formulate a written response.
Focus: Set a goal and stick to it
Based on insights from psychological research, establishing a goal serves not only to cultivate essential study habits and methodologies but also to enhance the probability of achieving success. When gearing up for the TOEFL, it becomes crucial to acquaint yourself with how educational institutions leverage your TOEFL score to inform their admission evaluations.
The scoring of the TOEFL adheres to a range spanning from 0 to 120, an aggregate of section scores, each valued at 30 points. Since individual schools determine their specific benchmarks for acceptable test scores, it is imperative for examinees to be well-versed in the minimum score prerequisite to qualify for admissions consideration.
Foresight: Develop a study plan
After acquainting yourself with the test’s structure and determining your desired score, construct a study regimen that encompasses a diverse array of communication techniques, maintained through consistent practice. A plethora of online resources are accessible for honing your proficiencies across all four sections, including comprehensive study materials and practice assessments meticulously mirroring the actual exam format you’ll encounter on the test day.
Given the substantial significance of speaking and listening components, engaging in online practice can particularly bolster your preparation efforts. Research indicates that regular conversational interactions in the target language significantly enhance language comprehension and overall linguistic competence, differentiating learners who partake in oral exercises from those who abstain.
Supplementing your practice with a companion, a fluent speaker, or a fitting online English tutor can additionally furnish a sense of accountability and structure, ensuring your progress aligns with your TOEFL score objective.
Are you C1 Advanced English?
Get your C1 Advanced English certificate now!
✓ Put your certificate on your resume
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
How to prepare for the four basic language skills
Reading
While it’s commonly advised to read subjects of personal interest for TOEFL reading practice, it’s crucial to recognize that the TOEFL reading section encompasses advanced academic content. Therefore, relying solely on materials like magazines, personal blogs, or social media might not adequately prepare you.
For more effective preparation, direct your focus towards reading scholarly articles and academic texts that pertain to subjects commonly found in an educational environment, such as life and physical sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Engaging with news articles, especially those accompanied by interactive components, is also a viable strategy to enhance your vocabulary at a higher level.
Listening
Engaging with English-language movies and TV shows can generally enhance active listening skills; however, it’s crucial to recognize that the TOEFL listening section specifically evaluates students’ proficiency in academic English.
While incorporating conversational English into your daily routine can be beneficial, it’s important to acknowledge that mainstream media may not consistently adhere to formal grammar rules and can include slang that isn’t suitable within an academic framework.
In light of this, listening to podcasts related to TOEFL-tested subjects and consuming news broadcasts and documentaries are effective approaches to acquainting yourself with TOEFL-specific vocabulary and advancing your listening abilities.
Speaking
A robust command of reading and listening skills is pivotal for excelling in the speaking section, as this segment draws heavily from these domains. While the examiners don’t anticipate employing intricate vocabulary in every utterance, having insight into the vocabulary that will be evaluated is a valuable beginning point.
In addition to these crucial suggestions for the TOEFL speaking section, acquainting yourself with transitions can provide you with additional time to formulate your response, enhancing your overall performance.
Writing
The most impactful pointers for TOEFL writing focus on expanding your vocabulary while upholding precise English grammar and sentence structure. Begin by familiarizing yourself with vocabulary that suits a wide array of subjects, encompassing dynamic verbs, precise adjectives, and effective transitions.
Subsequently, pinpoint the concepts you find challenging to articulate in English and assemble a vocabulary list to guarantee clear and comprehensive communication of your thoughts. While practicing, utilize online tools like Grammarly and GrammarLookup.com to ensure your writing adheres to correct English conventions.
Considering the intricacies of the writing section’s assessment, obtaining feedback from a specialist who comprehends the criteria TOEFL graders use to evaluate writing can prove beneficial. This guidance ensures that your writing aligns with the expectations of TOEFL evaluators.
FAQ: Preparing for TOEFL
Despite these crucial seven guidelines for getting ready for the TOEFL, practical worries related to standardized test participation might induce anxiety in some individuals. The subsequent solutions can guide you in effectively addressing the common challenges linked to TOEFL preparation.
How much time do you need to prepare for TOEFL?
The appropriate duration for commencing TOEFL preparation hinges on factors like your English proficiency level, your experience with standardized language assessments, and your target score. Irrespective of the timeframe, whether weeks or months, devoted to TOEFL readiness, research indicates that spaced repetition, which involves learning with intervals, is generally more effective than massed repetition, where information is memorized without breaks.
Given this insight, it’s advisable to allocate a dedicated portion of your daily schedule for focused practice, minimizing interruptions and distractions. Considering the possibility of needing to retake the TOEFL based on your initial performance, it’s prudent to initiate your preparation well in advance of the application deadline.
How do I register for the TOEFL?
Enrolling for the TOEFL is achieved by establishing an account on the ETS website or app, which will guide you through the online registration procedure. Alternatively, you have the option to register through phone or mail. It’s crucial to be aware that specific test dates might no longer be accessible once all available slots are taken. To secure your desired testing schedule, it’s recommended to complete your registration well in advance.
Should you need special accommodations, it’s advisable to submit your request beforehand, along with the required documentation. (Please note that registration processes and fees can differ based on your country, making it essential to verify your regional prerequisites prior to proceeding.)
How’s the TOEFL administered?
The TOEFL can be taken either at an authorized test center or through the Home Edition, if available in your area. To determine the nearest testing center, you can input your address on the ETS website. If you choose the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, make sure to carefully review and fulfill the Equipment and Environment requirements for conducting the test from your home.
What to do the day before the TOEFL?
The day before your TOEFL test, take time to acquaint yourself with the required materials and the check-in process for the test day. You might also want to review specific aspects, like challenging vocabulary words or the test structure. However, it’s advisable to avoid last-minute cramming, as getting adequate sleep the night before the exam usually results in improved test performance.
What to do on the day of the TOEFL?
On the day of the test, make sure you allocate ample time to reach the test center for registration and locating your designated seat. For those taking the test at home, ensure your testing space is calm, properly illuminated, and free from clutter. Additionally, verify your Internet connection to prevent any interruptions during the exam.
How long does it take to receive the results?
The timeline for receiving your TOEFL scores varies based on the test format you select. If you opt for the test center TOEFL, you can anticipate receiving your scores in your ETS account approximately 6 days after your test date. For the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, scores are typically available between 6 to 10 days after the test date, while those who take the TOEFL paper edition should expect to wait 11 to 13 business days. (Please note that scores sent by mail may take up to 15 days after the test day to be released.)
For how long is the TOEFL valid?
The validity of your TOEFL score extends for a duration of two years. While educational institutions frequently demand official score submissions, it is advisable for test-takers to save a PDF version of their scores for convenient retrieval.
What is your English level?
Find out your A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2 level of English with our quick, free online test.
The post Preparing for the TOEFL: The Best Guide appeared first on International English Test.
