The TOEFL test is designed to test the English fluency of non-native English speakers. The individual who prepares for this test should focus on four aspects of the English language- Reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
When we intend to learn TOEFL, we might have difficulties learning it. Moreover, we might be nervous about preparing and overwhelmed. It is not easy to understand and crack until we have an interest. English is not their mother tongue for many people, but we would have learned it at our schools and universities. We have a basic understanding of the English language. So we need to be overwhelmed with things about how to prepare.
If you are interested in beginning your career or academic studies in English speaking countries, you can join TOEFL Coaching in Chennai and equip yourself with all four aspects of the TOEFL test- Reading, speaking, listening and writing.
This blog shall discuss how to prepare for TOEFL, how long you should study for a test, and TOEFL resources.
Preparing for the TOEFL is not about understanding grammar structure, pronunciation, and vocabulary. It is beyond the preparation of how is helpful in our daily life. Whoever is preparing for the TOEFL must think that we are equipping ourselves and training to meet the business world. From education to business, having good English communication skills open up the door to explore. Most importantly, having basic skills in English helps people to migrate.
When you prepare for the TOEFL, you’re also equipping yourself to use English in everyday situations, such as at a university or work. However, you must pass the test with a high score to achieve your goals. With the proven tactics listed below, you’ll be able to adequately prepare for your TOEFL test, face it with confidence, and ace it like a professional.
How to Prepare for the TOEFL Test: 11 Proven Tips for Success
Get to Know the Format of the TOEFL Test
Before starting preparation for the TOEFL, you need to understand the format of the question paper and decide on testing centers. Joining the course is necessary because you will have a profound understanding through video lectures, live sessions, practice question banks, study schedules, and expert mentors. It is a TOEFL resources for learners, and it is the best way to obtain a high score.
As test takers, we must prepare for three aspects of the English language- speaking, reading, listening, and writing. So, we should give equal emphasis to these three aspects.
Internet-based test
- Reading section: 36-56 questions
- Listening section: 34-51 questions
- Speaking section: 6 tasks
- Writing section: 2 essays
Paper-based test
- Listening section: 50 questions
- Writing section: 40 questions
- Reading section: 50 questions
- TWE test: write one essay
As test takers, we shall decide which format would be helpful for us, but most people prepare to take Internet-based tests. It merely depends on you.
When you prepare for the TOFEL, refer to previous question papers and try to solve and check the answers on these question format bases.
Know Why You Are Taking the TOEFL Test
In over 130 countries, the TOEFL TEST is accepted and required by over 9,000 colleges, universities, agencies, and institutions. Knowing why you’re taking the test is crucial to be well prepared.
For example, the purpose of taking a test might be:
- An official exam to determine your English proficiency
- to apply to a university
- For a course or employment that meets your immigration needs
Focusing on these aspects would help you aim at the purpose of taking the test. For example, suppose you are taking TOEFL for career purposes. In that case, you should concentrate on listening, speaking, and writing because, in the business circle, you will be communicating with the clients, writing emails, and listening to the native ascent speaker.
Get a Study Guide
Before preparing for the test, you must have a study guide. The study guide helps you cover the waste portions. Before beginning any exercise or sample test, acquaint yourself with each component. You can take a practice test to get an idea of your present abilities before you start.
To receive comments on your TOEFL performance from a certified TOEFL grader, you can join the course and learn from expert mentors. Moreover, You can take the entire TOEFL exam and get a grade, feedback, and tips on how to improve your performance from a teacher. It is an excellent approach to identifying your strengths and weaknesses.
When you are preparing for the test, focus on each section carefully:
- Reading: When reading the books, underline the crucial points and vocabulary. Additionally, if you encounter unfamiliar words, use the dictionary to refer.
- Listening: When listening to the audio, focus on the words and note them. When you are attending the listening test, you will play the audio once, and the interviewer will ask questions from it. So be focused on listening.
- Writing: When you start writing the content, organize your idea and make an outline for the topic given—points like an introduction, your main points, and a conclusion. After outlining, you can start writing but finally read out your content and make necessary changes.
- Speaking: Don’t talk about anything other than the question asked. Keep it straightforward. Make an effort to communicate calmly.
Read the TOEFL based books
Have the practice of reading TOEFL-based books because it would give a precise understanding of the topics we should focus on.
The books such as
- “The Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test, 6th Edition”
- Barron’s “TOEFL iBT, 17th Edition”
- Barron’s “Essential Words for the TOEFL, 7th Edition”
- Test Prep Books’ “TOEFL Preparation Book, 2020 and 2021”
- Kaplan’s “TOEFL iBT Prep Plus, 2020-2021”
- “Official TOEFL iBT Tests Volume 1, 4th Edition”
- Mometrix’s “TOEFL Preparation Book, 2021-2022”
There are lots of books in the market. The books that we have mentioned here are few. So, you can refer to these books to crack the TOEFL exam.
Find support within online communities
Finding link-minded people would motivate you to read more efficiently. So you can find people on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Follow those people, communicate with them, share your ideas, and gather information. If you find people who have cracked TOFEL it would be beneficial because it will give you useful information.
Communicating online, Exchanging ideas, chatting with them, and setting up Skype calls with your online contacts will encourage you more and help you improve your skills.
Practice Reading Non-technical English
Reading nontechnical books would help you improve your reading skills. In the TOEFL reading section, you will be given a passage to read, and the questions will be asked based on the topics. So, practicing reading books would help you read fast. Predominantly, it would be best if you focused on underlining important points.
Read for 30 minutes every day
Begin each day by reading for 30 minutes with complete focused attention. There are various great websites with engaging content to read, such as:
Breaking News: It incorporates current events into various readings and tasks.
The English Server: Here, you’ll find many simple short stories and fiction.
Practice listening and focus on vocabulary
Why reading books is important because it improves your vocabulary. Try to memorize three to four vocabulary every day with their meaning. It helps in reading, listening as well as in speaking.
So, practice listening to music or audiobooks, motivation talks, etc. If you are interested, listen to the podcasts, English listening, etc.
Listen to English speakers as much as possible
- Listen to the ascent speaker. Practice listening to the ascent speakers. It would help you understand how they pronounce words and use the words in the sentences. Most importantly, practice speaking with them or pausing, listening to them, and speaking with them.
- Audio for English learners: For example, on UIC, you may listen to academic lectures, audio snippets on Several Topics, or ESL-friendly podcasts on A4ESL. Choose the suitable difficulty level for you. Then, to give yourself a little more of a challenge, choose a level that is one step higher than your present level.
Because there is so much information available, here are some suggestions to get you started. Watch English-language YouTube clips, FluentU videos, TED Talks, TV shows, and movies. Listen to the news, music, and radio. Take some online classes.
Practice Speaking English
The TOEFL speaking section has broken down into small tasks. So, practice speaking with your friends or alone. Instead of muttering, pronounce your answer aloud, whether taking a practice test or undertaking particular TOEFL activities. Be precise and concise. When you are alone, consider the following suggestions:
- Communicate with yourself in front of the mirror
- If you have problems with a word, keep practising until you get it properly. Practice the same word or phrase in English until you feel comfortable.
- For pronunciation, consult the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Remember that most online English dictionaries will also offer a button to read the word aloud.
- Record your voice. After that, play a recording for any mistakes and rectify that.
Take Practice Tests and Measure your progress
After all this practice, you can prepare for the test. To track your progress:
- Take the mock exams from your study guide.
- Review your mistakes and practice the areas where you’re having trouble.
- Retake the same exam after a few weeks.
- Compare your results and see where you may improve.
Now, you would have understood how to prepare for the TOEFL test, how long you should study for a test and TOEFL resources. Moreover, we have also discussed why joining the TOEFL course is essential. So, to learn more about the TOEFL test format, you can join TOEFL Coaching in Bangalore at EnglishLabs will help you have a profound understanding of test formats, duration for each test and how long you should study for a test.
