What is the TOEFL Test?
How to Prepare for the TOEFL Test
TOEFL stands for Test of English as Foreign Language. It’s a test that measures your ability to use and understand English at the university level and it evaluates how well you combine your reading, listening, speaking and writing skills to perform academic skills. TOEFL is an exam required by most US and Canadian universities to prove proficiency, especially for international students coming from countries where English is not a native language. The test takes about four hours to complete and candidates can retake the TOEFL test as many times as they wish.
What is on the TOEFL?
The TOEFL has two versions; TOEFL iBT (Internet-based test) and TOEFL PBT (paper-based text). Both versions have four sections – Reading, Speaking, Listening and Writing. In TOEFL Reading you’ll read passages that are similar to those in first and second year university textbooks. In TOEFL Listening, you’ll hear conversations that take place on campus and relate to student life, and you’ll hear classroom lectures. In TOEFL Speaking and Writing, some of the responses you give are based on academics and student life, but there are also a few tasks that focus on your personal life and opinions.
How is the TOEFL scored?
Each section of the four sections of the TOEFL is worth 30 points total, but exactly how your score is calculated depends on the section. The total maximum score is 120. Most universities require TOEFL score ranging from 80-100. Scores are posted online within two weeks of the test date. The score is valid for two years.
TOEFL Scholarship
The TOEFL scholarship was designed to award TOEFL test takers for achieving academic excellence, exhibiting leadership skills, performing extracurricular activities and demonstrating English-communication proficiency. Test takers who applied for the TOEFL scholarship were required to be citizens of any one of the mentioned countries; Mainland China, India, Japan, Korea or Taiwan.
Who Takes the TOEFL Test?
Preparing for the TOEFL Test
- Read and listen to English news. One way to improve your English reading and listening skills is to pay attention to the news. The news allows you to improve your vocabulary, learn advanced English grammar, and listen to spoken English at a natural, conversational pace.
- Practice your English by talking to native English speakers, so you can ensure your speaking abilities are up to par.
- To excel at both English and the TOEFL test, you’ll need to master many tough vocabulary words. It’s important that you know which words you’ll need to study for the TOEFL. One way to study your vocabulary is to use flashcards.
- Learn English through language-learning websites and apps.
- Learn the TOEFL test format. In order to do well, you must understand the structure of the test, so you know exactly what to expect on the day of the test.
- Another way to prepare for the TOEFL is to use official TOEFL practice questions.
- Spend some time analyzing the mistakes you make on the practice questions.
- Figuring out where you went wrong on the TOEFL practice questions can help you avoid making the same mistakes on the actual test.
- Find and strengthen your biggest weaknesses. It will help you feel more confident on test day and improve your chance of getting the TOEFL score you want.
- Getting a TOEFL tutor who supports and guides you along the way is also a great way to prepare for the test. They will most likely know how to prepare you and what to prepare you for when it comes to the TOEFL test.