It doesn’t have to be as difficult as Charlie Brown’s life to prepare for the TOEFL test.
In fact, studying for the exam can be as entertaining as reading “Archie and Jughead” comics!
The TOEFL test is used to assess non-native English speakers’ English skills by evaluating their writing, reading, listening, and speaking abilities.
If you use the proven tactics listed below you’ll be able to properly prepare for your TOEFL test, take it with confidence, and pass it like a pro.
1. Become familiar with the TOEFL test format.
If you wish to take the TOEFL, you should first familiarise yourself with the TOEFL format.
To learn more about the TOEFL test structure, get answers to your questions, and find out where you can take it, go to the official TOEFL website.
Recognize the TOEFL’s content. The TOEFL always has three parts: reading, hearing, and writing, regardless of the format you take. A speaking section is included in the online TOEFL.
Test on the internet
This is how the Internet-based test (iBT) looks:
60-80 minutes of reading time | 36-56 questions
60-90 minutes of listening time | 34-51 questions
10-minute short break
20 minutes of speaking time | 6 challenges
50 minutes of writing time | 2 essays
Paper-based assessment
This is how the paper-based test looks:
30-40 minutes of listening time| 50 questions
25 minutes for writing | 40 questions
55 minutes of reading time | 50 questions
TWE test: 30 minutes | compose one essay
It’s worth noting that nowadays, the test is generally taken online. The popularity of paper-based tests is declining.
Consider the samples of TOEFL test questions. It will give you a better idea of the types of inquiries you can expect. Pay close attention to the questions. Try to respond to them and then double-check your replies.
2. Understand Why You’re Taking the TOEFL
In over 130 countries, the TOEFL TEST is accepted and required by over 9,000 colleges, universities, agencies, and institutions. It’s critical to understand why you’re taking the test in order to be well prepared.
You might, for example, be taking the following test:
An official exam can be used to determine your English proficiency.
to submit an application to a university
In preparation for a course or a job
Regarding your immigration needs
Make sure you understand why you’re taking the TOEFL in the first place. Then you can apply this knowledge to better focus your study time. For example, if you’re taking the test for a profession that requires a lot of phone calls, you’ll want to score well on the speaking and listening sections of the test.
To get the grade you want, you’ll need a nice study atmosphere. To make your own study place, follow these guidelines
Make a list of your top three preferred study spots.
It may be in your room, a library, a cafe, your office, your living room, or somewhere else entirely. However, it’s critical that you feel at ease in the spaces. What’s the significance of three? If you’re feeling uninspired in your room one day, go to the library or your favorite coffee shop, for example.
Find a soothing area. Create a distraction-free environment when deciding where to study. So that your relatives and friends don’t bother you when you’re studying, let them know. Log off of social media and turn off your phone.
Keep your study area organized and perfectly neat and tidy.
Organize your files and clean up your workspace. Make use of a system that suits your needs. Check that your pencils are sharpened and that your pens are in good working order. Perhaps you might purchase a new, clean notepad solely for the TOEFL exam.
Make a schedule for your breaks, snacks, and meals. You will be able to focus better throughout study time if you schedule your breaks. Setting aside time to eat will ensure that you don’t forget! Furthermore, having a balanced diet will assist you in concentrating better. When studying, have a bottle of water beside you to ensure that you get enough water.
Make an effort to clear your head. For a positive mindset, exercise and do some meditation or relaxation techniques. Calm and Headspace are good meditation apps.
Preparation Tips for the Reading Section
Make a note of the major points on the side of the book or on a piece of paper. After you’ve finished, double-check your answers and look through your mistakes. During practice exercises, you can consult your dictionary if necessary.
- Get some reading practice in English that isn’t technical
- Every day, read for 30 minutes.
- Begin each day by reading for 30 minutes with complete focus and attention. There are various great websites with interesting content to read, such as:
- Breaking News , as it incorporates current events into a variety of readings and tasks.
- Story Archives – This site has a lot of CNN news stories for ESL students.
- The Server in English — Many simple short stories and fiction can be found here.
- Pose questions to yourself.
- Every few pages, take a break and ask yourself some questions.
Preparation Tips for the Listening Section
While you’re listening, jot down notes to help you remember important points. Don’t write complete sentences down; instead, scribble down the most important points.
Always listen with the objective of learning in mind.Decide what you’ll pay attention to before you start listening. Here are some issues to keep an ear out for:
- The main points. What is the major point of discussion?
- What is the primary objective? What is the intent of the speaker’s speech? Is it to educate? To express a viewpoint? To express dissatisfaction? Etc.
- Transitions. What is the speaker’s method for transitioning from one idea to the next?
- Intensity and stress. Where does the speaker put the emphasis in his or her sentences? When does their voice develop higher and lower in pitch?
Preparation Tips for the Writing Section
Consider the topic first, then note down your thoughts. Make a plan that includes an introduction, important points, and a conclusion. Once you’ve created an outline, you can begin writing. After you’ve completed it, go over it again and make any necessary corrections.
Practice timed writing to help you prepare for the writing section. For example, you will have 50 minutes to compose two essays in the real exam. This provides you with a total of 25 minutes for each topic, including time for review. Time yourself when you’re practicing writing about a given topic.
Set a timer for 20 or 25 minutes and choose a topic (there are numerous alternatives). Write for 15-20 minutes, then review and make corrections for 5 minutes.
Here are some additional suggestions to help you improve your timed writing skills:
- Take a look at your grammar. Purdue OWL has several online review exercises for you. Practice utilizing a range of verb tenses and review your irregular verbs. Make sure you grasp conditionals and modal verbs. Understand the distinction between gerunds and infinitives.
- Prepositions and articles should be well-understood. Finally, practice sentences using phrasal verbs. To clear up any doubts, seek the assistance of a teacher or a native speaker.
- Every day, write in English. Create an English-language journal, emails, shopping lists, to-do lists, letters, and even Facebook posts. When journaling, writing letters or writing blog entries, set your timer for 15-25 minutes to get used to writing in English for a period of time. Even if you aren’t working on a specific exam topic, pay attention to your grammar.
- Check for errors in spelling and grammar. Don’t overlook the importance of punctuation. Check your spelling and grammar using Grammarly. (It’s far superior to normal spellcheck.) If feasible, enlist the help of a friend or a tutor to help better your writing.
Preparation Tips for the Speaking Sectio
The TOEFL speaking section is divided into several tasks. Speaking to a computer may seem unusual at first, but don’t be concerned. You should practice speaking both alone and with others to prepare.
- Even if you’re alone, practice speaking.
- Instead of mumbling under your breath or repeating it ‘in your thoughts’ without words, say your answer out loud when taking a practice exam or undertaking particular TOEFL exercises.
Make your point loud and clear. Here are a few more suggestions for when you’re alone:
- In English, communicate with your pets or even your houseplants.
- Speaking in front of a mirror is a good idea.
- If you’re having problems with a word, keep practicing until you get it right. Over and over in English, repeat the same word or phrase.
So, to sum up, TOEFL is not a tough nut to crack if you are thoroughly familiar with the concept and have prepared yourself accordingly. English has become a part of our lives, it only requires a little effort to properly practice the language and get used to it to score good marks in TOEFL.