Scoring well on the TOEFL exam is key for many looking to get into English-speaking universities. It’s also important for showing your English skills. With the right prep, you can get a high score and open doors to success.
If you’re not a native English speaker or want to get better at English, this guide is for you. We’ll share top tips to boost your TOEFL score. You’ll learn how to do better in reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
Key Takeaways :TOEFL Exam
- Research shows that practice on TOEFL TestReady can accurately predict TOEFL iBT performance
- Majority of learners report TOEFL TestReady boosted their confidence, skills, and readiness for the TOEFL iBT test
- Feedback and guidance in TOEFL TestReady are developed by the same teams that create the TOEFL iBT test
- Achieving a perfect TOEFL score of 120/120 is possible with early English exposure, strong exam skills, and answerable questions
- Comprehensive preparation combining passive and active learning methods is key to success on the TOEFL exam
Introduction to the TOEFL Exam
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam is a key test for non-native English speakers. It checks if they can study at American universities or colleges. Knowing about this exam is important for showing your English skills and getting into your chosen school.
Understanding the Test Structure
The TOEFL exam has four parts: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each part tests a different English skill. You’ll face various questions and tasks to show your understanding, communication, and thinking abilities.
- The Listening section has 30-45 questions and lasts 21-34 minutes. It checks if you can understand spoken English in different situations.
- The Reading section has 30-45 questions and takes 22-33 minutes. It tests your ability to read and understand academic texts.
- The Writing section lasts 24-30 minutes and includes 14-18 questions with 2 tasks. It evaluates your writing skills and how well you express your thoughts.
- The Speaking section has 3 tasks with 19 responses and takes about 13 minutes. It tests your speaking skills in academic and everyday situations.
- The Personal Video Statement is a five-minute unscored video. It lets you share your personal experiences and goals.
Importance of a High Score
The TOEFL score needed varies by university and study level. Top universities usually want scores of 100 or higher. Mid-tier and lower-tier schools might accept scores between 60 and 100. Getting a high score is key to getting into your dream school and getting scholarships.
General Preparation Strategies
To get a high score on the TOEFL exam, you need a solid plan. Here are some tips and strategies to help you do well:
- Don’t overthink it. Stick to what the passages say. Don’t read too much into the questions.
- Use the process of elimination for multiple-choice questions. Look at each option and get rid of the obviously wrong ones.
- Practice with real TOEFL materials. This will help you get used to the exam’s format and timing. It’s a key part of studying well.
- Look at your mistakes in practice tests. This helps you see where you need to improve. Focus on those areas for better preparation.
- Stay focused and calm during the exam. Use your time wisely. Don’t leave answers blank, as guessing can be right 25% of the time.
Success in the TOEFL exam comes from good preparation and practice. By using these strategies, you can improve your score. This will help you reach your academic and career goals.
| TOEFL Preparation Tip | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Avoid overthinking | Helps you stay focused on the information provided in the passages |
| Use the process of elimination | Increases your chances of identifying the correct answers in multiple-choice questions |
| Practice with official TOEFL materials | Familiarizes you with the question formats and timing of the exam |
| Review incorrect answers | Helps you identify areas for improvement and optimize your TOEFL study techniques |
| Maintain focus and calm | Allows you to manage your time effectively and maximize your performance on the exam |
“Preparation is the key to success in the TOEFL exam. By mastering these general strategies, you can boost your score and open doors to your academic and professional future.”
Mastering the Reading Section
The TOEFL Reading section is a key part of the exam. It tests your skill in understanding and interpreting academic texts. To do well, you need to know the different TOEFL reading question types and use effective TOEFL reading strategies.
Understanding TOEFL Reading Question Types
The Reading section has 10 question types. Each has its own time and point value. You’ll see questions on vocabulary, detail, and more. Knowing these types well is key to TOEFL reading comprehension.
Vocabulary questions take 60 seconds, while summary questions can take up to 120 seconds. Knowing how long to spend on each question helps you manage your time effectively.
Mastering Skimming and Scanning Techniques
Good TOEFL reading passage techniques mix skimming and scanning. First, skim the passage for main ideas in 1-2 minutes. Then, scan for specific info in about 1 minute per question. Taking notes on key points helps you stay on track.
Also, watch for transition words and phrases. They help you understand the author’s argument and how ideas connect. These clues are crucial for TOEFL reading comprehension.
| TOEFL Reading Question Type | Avg. Time to Answer | Point Value |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | 60 seconds | 1 point |
| Detail | 60-120 seconds (ideally 90 seconds) | 1 point |
| Negative Detail | 120 seconds | 1 point |
| Paraphrasing | 120 seconds | 1 point |
| Sentence Insertion | 120 seconds | 1 point |
| Inference | 90 seconds | 1 point |
| Author’s Purpose | 90 seconds | 1 point |
| Pronoun Reference | 60 seconds | 1 point |
| Summary | 120 seconds | 2 points |
| Organization | 120 seconds | 1 point |
By learning the TOEFL reading question types and using smart TOEFL reading strategies, you can ace the Reading section. This will help you get a high score on the TOEFL exam.
Conquering the Listening Section
The TOEFL Listening section is key to the exam. It tests your skill in understanding spoken English in school and daily life. To do well, learn the TOEFL listening strategies, TOEFL listening question formats, and TOEFL active listening techniques.
First, get to know the Listening section’s layout. You have 41 minutes to listen and answer. You’ll spend 21 minutes on lectures and conversations, 16.5 minutes on questions, and 3.5 minutes on instructions. This gives you about 24.5 minutes to listen to lectures, conversations, and instructions. Then, you have 16.5 minutes to answer 28 questions.
- Know the different question types, like multiple-choice and categorizing. This prepares you for the questions you’ll face.
- Take notes on key words, names, dates, and main ideas. This keeps you focused and helps you answer questions.
- Listen for main points and details that might be asked. Also, watch for signpost words that show the structure of the information.
- Read the questions before listening. This helps you know what to listen for.
- Practice active listening by trying to guess the conversation or lecture’s direction. This boosts your TOEFL listening comprehension.
- Watch English media with subtitles to improve your TOEFL listening skills. Be careful of distractors in the answers.
By using these TOEFL listening strategies and TOEFL active listening techniques, you’ll conquer the TOEFL Listening section. You’ll get the score you want.
“The course led to an increase in TOEFL score from 83 to 97, showcasing an improvement of 14 points.”
TOEFL Listening Question Formats
The TOEFL Listening section has five main question types:
- Conversation
- Lecture
- Factual Information
- Inference
- Detail Recall
There are also six specific question formats:
- Gist-content and gist-purpose
- Detail
- Function
- Attitude
- Organization
- Connecting content
Knowing these formats helps you feel confident and efficient in the Listening section.
TOEFL Exam Speaking Section Strategies
The TOEFL Speaking Section is a key part of the exam. It tests how well you can share your thoughts and ideas clearly. To do well, it’s important to know the TOEFL speaking question types and how to structure your TOEFL speaking response.
Understanding Question Types
The TOEFL Speaking Section has four different types of questions:
- Question 1: Independent Speaking Task – Share your opinion on a topic.
- Question 2: Integrated Speaking Task – Sum up information from a reading and audio.
- Question 3: Integrated Speaking Task – Summarize and compare info from a reading and audio lecture.
- Question 4: Integrated Speaking Task – Sum up the main points and examples from an academic lecture.
Developing a Clear Response Structure
For every TOEFL speaking question, having a clear structure is key. This usually includes:
- Introduction – Briefly state your main idea or summarize the key points.
- Body – Expand on your main idea or give supporting details and examples.
- Conclusion – Restate your main point or sum up the information.
Practicing with time limits and recording your answers helps. It teaches you to manage time and give clear, structured answers during the exam.
Remember, regular TOEFL speaking practice is crucial. By knowing the question types and improving your structure, you’ll get closer to your TOEFL speaking score goal.
Writing Section Tips and Techniques
The TOEFL Writing Section is key to the exam. It tests your ability to write in English. To do well, learn TOEFL writing strategies, understand TOEFL essay structure, and practice TOEFL integrated writing and TOEFL writing practice.
There are tips for both the integrated and independent writing tasks. Knowing these can help you feel confident and score well.
- Understand the Integrated Writing Task: This task asks you to summarize main points from a reading and listening passage. Then, explain how the listening relates to the reading.
- Take Concise Notes: While listening, take detailed but brief notes. Paraphrase the content instead of quoting directly.
- Allocate Time Effectively: Spend more time on the professor’s viewpoint from the listening passage than the author’s from the reading passage.
- Emphasize Coherence: Use transitional words to keep your essay flowing smoothly. This helps when switching between different viewpoints.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: Write integrated essays at home often. Get feedback from teachers or TOEFL experts to improve.
For the independent writing task, consider these strategies:
- Understand the Question Types: This task might ask you to summarize, agree or disagree, explain preferences, or compare ideas.
- Structure Your Response: Use multiple sentences, simple verb tenses, and transitional language to make your essay better.
- Manage Your Time: Plan, write, and revise your essay carefully within the given time.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Create flashcards and practice to improve your vocabulary. This helps you express your ideas better.
- Seek Feedback: Write independent essays and get feedback from teachers or TOEFL experts to improve.
By using these TOEFL writing strategies, you can improve your skills in the TOEFL Writing Section. This will help you achieve your desired score.
Verified Resources for TOEFL Preparation
Getting ready for the TOEFL exam is a big step. You need to use trusted resources to get the score you want. There are many options, like official materials, online courses, and practice tests.
Official TOEFL Materials
The TOEFL exam is made by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Their official resources are very helpful. They have practice questions, sample tests, and explanations of the exam format.
By using these materials, you can understand the exam better. You’ll learn how to tackle each section effectively.
Online Courses and Practice Tests
There are also online courses and practice tests to help you prepare. Sites like edX offer free courses from experts. TST Prep, BestMyTest, and TOEFL Resources have lots of practice questions and tips.
These resources can improve your vocabulary and listening and reading skills. They also help with writing and speaking.
When looking at online courses and practice tests, think about cost, duration, and content quality. Magoosh’s TOEFL prep course costs $109-$129. Udemy’s TOEFL course is $15.99. The ETSx TOEFL prep course is $49.
| TOEFL Preparation Resource | Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Magoosh TOEFL Prep Course | $109 – $129 | 120+ video lessons, 420+ practice questions, 6 full-length practice tests with graded writing |
| Udemy TOEFL Course | $15.99 | Lifetime access, targets 79+ TOEFL score |
| ETSx TOEFL Prep Course | $49 | Free audit plan, self-paced online course developed by TOEFL iBT creators |
| TestDEN TOEFL Course | $129 | 4 complete TOEFL iBT practice tests, TOEFL Skills Trainer, TOEFL Speaking and Writing Trainer |
To do well on the TOEFL, mix official materials with online resources. This will help you build your skills and confidence. With the right plan, you can get the score you need for your goals.
Also Read : Boost Your Score: ACT Exam Preparation Tools And Tips
Conclusion
This article has given a detailed look at how to do well on the TOEFL exam. It covers the test’s structure, strategies for each part, and the best resources to use. By following these tips, students can boost their TOEFL exam scores.
They can then get into the college or university they want. This applies to all kinds of schools.
Starting early and practicing often is key to TOEFL preparation. Staying focused and calm during the test is also important. The strategies shared here will help students feel ready and confident for the TOEFL exam.
Remember, the TOEFL exam is a chance to show your language skills. It can lead to better education and job opportunities. With good preparation and the right attitude, you can succeed and enjoy the benefits of a high score.
FAQs
Q: What are some advanced preparation techniques to boost my TOEFL scores?
A: Advanced preparation techniques include taking practice tests, focusing on your weaknesses, engaging in immersive English experiences, and utilizing TOEFL preparation services that offer personalized feedback.
Q: How can I find the best location to register for the TOEFL exam?
A: You can find the best location to register for the TOEFL exam by visiting the official ETS website, where you can search for test centers based on your preferred location and test date.
Q: Is there a price reduction available for TOEFL registration?
A: Yes, some organizations may offer a price reduction for TOEFL registration, especially for students from low-income backgrounds. It’s best to check with your local educational institutions or the ETS website for specific details.
Q: How do I send my TOEFL score reports to colleges?
A: You can send your TOEFL score reports to colleges during the registration process by selecting the recipient institutions. You can also add recipients to your account later for a fee.
Q: What factors depend on my TOEFL scores for college admission?
A: Factors that depend on your TOEFL scores for college admission include the specific requirements of the college, the level of study (undergraduate or graduate), and whether you are applying to programs that require high proficiency in English.
Q: How many business days does it take to receive my TOEFL score after the test date?
A: Typically, TOEFL scores are available within 6 to 10 business days after the test date. However, processing times may vary based on the test location and other factors.
Q: Can I register for the TOEFL exam without a high school diploma?
A: Yes, you can register for the TOEFL exam without a high school diploma. However, some colleges may require proof of secondary education for admission.
Q: What should I do if I need to change my TOEFL test date?
A: If you need to change your TOEFL test date, you can log into your ETS account and select the option to reschedule. Keep in mind that a fee may apply for rescheduling.
Q: Are there any services that provide additional support for TOEFL preparation?
A: Yes, there are various services available that provide additional support for TOEFL preparation, including online courses, tutoring services, and study materials designed to improve specific areas of the exam.
Source Links
- https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/prepare/toefl-testready.html
- https://medium.com/@asanilta/how-i-got-the-perfect-toefl-score-twice-caf7f30e3710
- https://gmatclub.com/forum/how-to-improve-toefl-score-119306.html
- https://www.educations.com/articles-and-advice/introducing-a-new-toefl-test-22268