Tips on the TOEFL Exam
Most colleges in the United States require students who are not native English speakers to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for admittance. For non-native speakers, the test can be challenging. The exam tests to see if the student can use English proficiently in an academic setting. It covers listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills.
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Content
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Preparation is the key to TOEFL success. TOEFL is a timed test. Test takers are given 4 1/2 hours to complete the test, but the skills are timed individually. The listening section takes 60 to 90 minutes and has 34 to 51 questions. The reading comprehension section takes 60 to 100 minutes and includes 36 to 70 questions. Students get 20 minutes to complete six tasks in the speaking section. They have 50 minutes for the writing section.
Practice
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Sitting for the test can itself be a challenge. Students take the test on a computer in a controlled setting. There are several versions of the test that are based on the same formula. Therefore, it is best to take a lot of practice tests before sitting for TOEFL. Practice tests are found in TOEFL preparation materials, TOEFL prep classes and on the Internet. Check the TOEFL website to get the current test parameters so you know the practice test that you're using has the same ones.
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Resources
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The public library, on-line support groups and the TOEFL developer, ETS, have resources for study and practice. Some of the ETS materials are free on the website. They include sample questions, practice tests, and skill-building exercises. Private tutors, community non-profit organizations, and continuing education programs are places you can get instruction in TOEFL preparation. TOEFL study groups are also a useful option; check social networking sites, local classifieds and community resource listings to find them.
Balance
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When taking TOEFL, the four skill areas are measured individually. When it comes to studying, make sure you balance your time so that you are strengthening all the skills. Work hard on your weak spot, but balance out the study time over the four areas. You cannot re-take just one section of the test.
Test Day
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On test day get there half an hour ahead of time. Make sure you are well rested and have had a good breakfast. Don't bring anything with you except identification. No cell phones or electronic devices are permitted inside. The proctor will assign you a seat and you'll get scratch paper and a pencil. There is a ten-minute break. Practice ahead of time sitting for 4 1/2 hours. Spend identical amount of time on practice tests to simulate the actual test time.
Pacing
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When you are taking the test, you have to cover all the ground in each section. Some students get stuck on something and fail to keep moving along. Try to be aware of how much time you are spending on each question so there is balance. Stay calm and proceed at a steady pace. Read the question, think about how to approach it, and then answer. Sketch an outline for each essay in the writing section to get your ideas clear before you begin writing.
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References
- Photo Credit studying image by Petro Feketa from Fotolia.com student image by Ivanna Buldakova from Fotolia.com
