When applying to English universities, there are a few options in terms of standardized English proficiency testing. One of the most popular and widely-accepted is the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). As an international student, this test could be your final challenge to get into the university of your dreams, so here are some of the best ways to prepare for TOEFL!
What is TOEFL and How Does it Work?
When preparing your university applications, you want to have your TOEFL scores ready 2-4 months in advance. Although testing scores are usually valid for two years, the more recent and up to date your English skills are the better. Test results tend to come back within a month, but it’s best to get a test date scheduled a few months in advance to avoid any deadline conflicts.
Like most language testing, TOEFL is divided into testing categories such as speaking, writing, reading and listening. It is designed to make sure the student is prepared for an academic English environment. The length of the test varies depending on how quickly you can get through the sections, but all in all it takes approximately 3-4 hours with a mandatory 10 minute break halfway through. The test is to be taken in an authorized test center and fortunately there are over 4500 testing locations worldwide.
Understanding and Preparing for the Test
With any task in which you wish to excel, the key to success is practice. The more time you dedicate for test preparation, the more confident you’ll feel during the examination. Not only will you acquire those necessary skills, you’ll experience less stress.
The test is divided into four sections with a 10 minute break halfway through. The first section will be reading, then listening, followed by speaking and writing after the break. Prepare yourself for the testing environment. If you’ve scheduled your test for the afternoon at 2pm, then for the week prior take a practice test every day at the time. Be sure to mimic all of the testing conditions and parameters.
During the reading and listening portions you’ll be able to practice by yourself with available study resources. However, for the speaking and writing sections, enlisting help can enhance the quality of your preparation. Get feedback on your writing from someone with a solid English foundation. You can get a teacher to look over your work or a friend that has successfully finished the test!
Unlike the IELTS, you won’t be having a face-to-face conversation with an instructor. Instead, you will be recorded. Try to become comfortable with clear pronunciations using a microphone. Having someone listen to your speaking and giving feedback is also very helpful. Knowing your weaknesses early on will grant you the time to correct yourself before the test.
Testing Conditions
Always read instructions carefully. Developing this habit while studying will prepare you for the test itself. When the questions ask you to “use reasons and examples to support your response”, make sure to do it; this isn’t optional!
Timing is key. When doing the practice test, note which sections take you the longest and where you seem to struggle. You can avoid getting stuck on a specific word by widening your vocabulary. Developing different ways to answer the same question will give you the ability to move through the test quicker while still fulfilling requirements.
Grammar and vocabulary are one of the most important aspects to successfully pass the TOEFL. It is a key aspect for every category you will be tested on. If you do not know if your grammar and your vocabulary skills are weak, you can try a practice test as it will be apparent in your test results. Read and listen to texts, highlight words and phrases you don’t know, make note of their definitions and purposes, then incorporate it into your writing and speaking.
Reading and Listening
It’s important to remember that TOEFL focuses on academic comprehension. This means, it’s best to stay away from pop culture learning. While any kind of English exposure is helpful, for the purpose of this test, it’s best to focus on lectures and academic texts. Find focal arguments and points in the readings and establish the meaning and purpose before answering the questions.
Here are some useful questions to consider while during the reading process:
Who is this about?
Where does this take place?
What is being discussed?
Why is this important?
How is the point achieved?
Bottom Line: Attitude is Key
Take a step back and think about what kind of student and test taker you are. It’s completely normal to feel nervous and the circumstances surrounding this test can put a lot of pressure on any ambitious student. While it’s easier said than done, being calm and confident is the best way to approach this test. The confidence comes from the preparation. The time and effort you put into this test is what you will get out of it. At the end of the day, this test is designed to make sure you’re prepared for the academic work you will be doing in university. The skills you are harnessing for this test, you will need for the rest of your academic career. It is a prerequisite for your success. Great scores are very much achievable and the efforts you put into it will show!