TOEFL TIPS
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Important Facts About TOEFL
More than 8000 universities and colleges require the TOEFL scores from non-English speaking students in order to admit them to a program. The TOEFL test is administered in more than 130 countries via the internet and offered over 30 times a year at authorized test centers worldwide. For more information, see test centers and dates.
General Overview
TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. The test is designed to measure the spoken and written English proficiency of non-English speaking people in an academic setting and is divided into four sections. The test is timed for each section and uses multiple-choice questions. The TOEFL test is given in different formats depending on a test taker's location.
TOEFL iBT
The TOEFL Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) measures all four language skills, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The test requires the use of integrated skills in the Speaking and Writing sections. It helps students show that they have the English communication skills needed for academic success.
Top 5 Speaking Tips for the New TOEFL iBT
1. Make a statement or Opinions.
Do this regularly, and give yourself a 1-minute limit. Think about your favorite place to visit, favorite food to eat, or most memorable moment.
2. Read, write, then speak.
Take any short article, read it, and then make an outline.
Be sure to keep the notes short and concise. After your outline is created, use the information as a guideline to orally summarize what the article was about in as much detail as possible. This will strengthen your speaking skills.
3. Listen and read materials on the same topic.
Use newspaper and magazine articles and video clips. Take notes on each material, create outlines, and then orally summarize them both. Compare and contrast the materials and then state an opinion out loud.
4. Record yourself or have someone record you.
Use your computer, or have a friend make a video of you.
Use this check list to find your strengths and weaknesses:
Am I clear?
How is my timing?
How is my grammar?
How is my word usage?
Are my ideas organized? Did I finish the task?
5. Ask a friend or teacher for their comments.
By tracking your progress, you'll know what your strengths and weaknesses are.
If you complete the task, use words correctly, communicate clearly, and organize efficiently, you will do great!
Top 5 Writing Tips for the New TOEFL iBT
1. Master paraphrasing.
If you copy words and phrases exactly as they are documented in the reading passage, you will receive a ZERO.
Work with sentences and paragraphs daily to get plenty of practice.
2. Successful outlines and summaries lead to good scores.
Frequently read an article (400 words) and make an outline of the main ideas.
Then, with the information produced in the outline, write a summary.
3. Prepare for the integrated writing section by listening to and reading materials on the same topic.
The topic's views can be similar or different.
Create a summary of both the listening and reading passage.
Bring the information together and explain how they connect. You can discuss how both are different, contradictory, or alike.
4. Give yourself a 30-minute time limit.
Choose a familiar subject, state an opinion, and then support it.
It is very important to use detailed examples in your supporting paragraphs.
5. Have a friend or a teacher give you comments on your writing.
By tracking your progress, you'll know what your strengths and weaknesses are.
If you complete the task, use words correctly, communicate clearly, and organize efficiently, you will do great.
Paper-Based Test - Time to complete: 2 - 3 hours
| Section | Questions | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 50 | 35 min | This section evaluates your understanding of spoken English in North America. Resources giving helpful hints, guidelines & practice: Web Mentor>> |
| Structure & Written Expression | 40 | 25 min | This section tests your understanding of the structure and usage of standard English grammar. This section is divided into two parts. Resources giving helpful hints, guidelines & practice: Web Mentor>> |
| Reading Comprehension | 50 | 55 min | This section measures your understanding of reading passages with academic contents. Resources giving helpful hints, guidelines & practice: Web Mentor>> |
| TWE (Test of Written English) | one essay | 30 min | This test measures your English writing skills. Resources giving helpful hints, guidelines & practice: Web Mentor>> |
| Encomium Inc. | |||
Computer - Based Test - Time to complete: 3 - 4 hours
| Section | Questions | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 30 - 50 | 40-60 min | Listening Comprehension is computer adaptive and divided into two parts:
Short Conversations – You will listen to short conversations between two people. A third person asks a question based on the stated or implied meaning of the conversation. Longer Conversations and Talks – You will listen to longer conversations and talks. Then you will be asked several questions based on the stated or implied meaning of the conversation or talk. |
| Structure & Written Expression | 20 - 25 | 15-20 min | Structure (Written Expression) is computer adaptive, meaning the computer adapts the question to your skill level. The question types remain the same as the Paper-based Test. Resources giving helpful hints, guidelines & practice: Web Mentor>> |
| Reading Comprehension | 40 - 60 | 70-90 min | The reading comprehension passages have academic content and style and include topics from a variety of fields. Each passage is followed by 8-12 questions. Resources giving helpful hints, guidelines & practice: Web Mentor>> |
| TWE (Test of Written English) | one essay | 30 min | You will have 30 minutes to write on a given topic. Your essay rating is incorporated into your score for Structure/Writing. Resources giving helpful hints, guidelines & practice: Web Mentor>> |
| Encomium Inc. | |||
For additional information, please contact:
ETS
PO Box 6200
Princeton, NJ 08541
Tel: (609) 771-7600
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http://www.ets.org
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