Introduction
TOEFL (Test Of English as a Foreign Language) is a test like IELTS to evaluate the non-native English Speakers who are willing to apply in Universities where the English language is used as a medium of communication. Applicants are required to submit a required TOEFL score to become eligible for the admission. The current registration fee for the TOEFL is 170$. It is administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS). In this post, you will get TOEFL Information and some preparation tips to score well in the test.
Test Format
TOEFL include the following sections:
- Listening Section in which you will have 50 questions and time of 40 minutes. In this section, your English language understanding capability would be tested. You will hear an audio of some lectures and conversations and will be required to the answer the questions related to it. You will be allowed to take notes in between the listening part.
- Writing Section contains an integrated task (20 minutes) and an independent task (30 minutes). The independent task is a persuasive essay in which you will have to express your thoughts and support an opinion. While in the integrated task, you will hear a lecture and will be given an article to read. Plus, a question. You will have to combine the information from whatever you will hear and read to answer that question.
- Reading section includes three passages of about 700 words and questions from those passages. Which means 20 minutes per passage including the questions. The passage may contain many unfamiliar words, but you can get the definition of those in the test by clicking on those words.
- Speaking section which contains two independent tasks and four integrated tasks. For the independent tasks, you will be required to briefly share your opinions. You will be given 30 seconds to prepare and up to 1 minute to speak for each task. From 4 integrated tasks, you will have to listen and speak for two tasks, and you will have to read and speak for the other two tasks.
You can skip questions within a SECTION and answer it later within the time limit. You can not go back to a section once the time is up or if you have finished the section. Moreover, there is no negative marking in the test for wrong answers. Hence, you can make a guess instead of leaving a question unanswered.
Scoring Range
For the listening, writing, reading and speaking section, the score ranges from 0 to 30 for each. Hence, your total will be the sum of all scores out of 120. You will get your scores emailed within 15 working days of your test date.
How to prepare
- Make a study plan and follow it strictly. More importantly, stick to it.
- Make sure that you are aware of the test format.
- Practice listening and writing at the same time for the listening section.
- Practice typing on the keyboard for the writing section.
- Don’t spend too much time on a question in the reading section.
- Start speaking English in your daily routine. Concentrate on speaking clearly with correct pronunciation.
- Try to expand your vocabulary. Reading is the best way to do it.
- Watch English movies and TV shows.
- Look for various online practice tests of TOEFL and watch video lectures on YouTube.
- TOEFL iBT Quick Prep is available for download with practice questions.
- Books: Magoosh, Barron, The Official Guide to the TOEFL test.
How to register
You can register online on the ETS website, or you can visit ETS center in your city. The ETS website contains the locations of all centers in the World. The registration of the test is on the first come first serve basis. Hence, it is advised to register as soon as possible to get the preferred date. Especially, when the deadline for any scholarship(for example Full Bright Scholarship) is nearby.
Conclusion
TOEFL requires preparation and practice. You need to practice as much as you can with dedication and consistency. Moreover, test format understanding needs time. Avoid rushing through practice tests if you want to score well in TOEFL. Try to reach the test center early. If possible, try to take GRE test first before TOEFL as it may create more opportunities for admission in many universities.
I hope the above TOEFL information and Preparation tips will be helpful for the TOEFL aspirants. Best of Luck!
