Prepare Yourself for a Better TOEFL Score

If you are interested in studying at an American college or university, you have probably heard about the test of English as a foreign language.

The test is widely known as the TOEFL. It is the most widely used language assessment test for American universities.

A TOEFL score may be necessary to obtain a student visa to an English speaking country. Some companies and even government offices use test scores to measure the English language skills of their employees.

Many foreign students worry about taking the TOEFL because it is important to achieve their goals. Good grades in the test will open many doors. But a low score on the exam will limit your options for financial aid and admission to the best schools.

The most competitive universities generally expect an Internet-based test or an iBT score of 90 or higher. Others accept lower scores, and some do not require students to take TOEFL at all.

Most universities do not publish a real cut score, but a high mark will always help.

Who should take the TOEFL?

Many students study for the TOEFL test before they are ready. You must have completed at least intermediate level English classes before taking the exam.

If you scored less than 70 on the iBT or 500 on the paper exam, or PBT, it is advisable to continue studying for a few months and return to the TOEFL later.

Taking the paper or internet test?

Let's take a closer look at the two main versions of the TOEFL.

The iBT is offered in almost all the world and is accepted by almost all the colleges and universities, as well as by the scholarship program, in the United States.

The PBT occurs in places where the Internet is not widely available. The content of the PBT changed in 2017; As a result, your line of questions is now similar to that of the iBT.

Both the iBT and the PBT have integrated tasks. That means that the questions that involve listening, reading and writing are mixed. The revised PBT costs less, around US $ 180, than the iBT; however, the costs may differ from one country to another: $ 215 in Brazil; $ 245 in France.

The PBT has three areas: reading, listening and writing, and it takes two hours and 50 minutes to complete.

The iBT has four parts: reading, listening, speaking and writing. Including the time dedicated to registration, the iBT test lasts four and a half hours.

The examiners spend 20 minutes answering six questions related to speech. Each question requires first reading or listening to examples in English, then express

the opinion of one when speaking.

If you have another option, take the iBT, unless you are trying to reduce costs.

Practice makes perfect

Plan when you will take the TOEFL. If possible, register to take the exam, even if the date is several months from now. This will give you a good reason to study. Take an online sample test or an exam preparation book to find out where you need to improve the most.

Do you do well in reading, but not so good in listening? This will help you plan your studies to develop the skills you need to get a better grade.

How will you study?

The Educational Testing Service (ETS) website has a free online course to help you prepare for the TOEFL. There are also questions and sample preparation games on the ETS Facebook page, such as the 40 word Challenge.

You can buy books with a guide for the test and sample questions from ETS or other editors. In addition to answering those questions, try to surround yourself with English. Listen to podcasts or stories every day on the VOA English Learner website. Try to take notes about what you hear. Watch films in which English is spoken and listen to music with English lyrics. Read newspapers in English to stay updated with new words that relate to current events and technology.

When will you study?

Experts say you must study for at least two months before taking the test. But if your score on the practice test is more than 20 points below your goal, you may need to improve your general English ability, and that may take years.

To get a good score, you must set aside time to study, set goals and measure your progress. Think of it as a school where you are the top administrator. As the boss, you can decide your action plan: "I will practice the listening section every night of this week, then I will take a listening sample test, if I am happy with my score, I will practice the speaking section every night next week." Be sure to incorporate rewards to improve your score, such as taking a weekend of study ....

Where will you study abroad?

Did you know that the TOEFL has a search service? It can help you connect with universities, universities and other educational institutions, as well as graduate programs. TOEFL will send you information about other programs of study, admission requirements, financial aid, scholarships and other educational opportunities. Choose the search service when you create or modify your registration.

You can also find out which schools will accept the TOEFL score you got on the ETS website.

What other tests can you take?

There are other large-scale testing programs to measure one's abilities in English. See our story comparing the TOEFL test of English for International Communication, or TOEIC and the International Language Testing System English or IELTS.

You may need to take another test to comply with immigration regulations or study abroad, so check the requirements.

And do not waste time studying for the TOEFL if you do not go to school or go abroad in the next two years. Remember: Universities only accept the exam mark for two years.

The conclusion is that the best way to successfully complete the TOEFL is to know English well. Do not rely on informal tips or tricks. Do not try to circumvent the test manufacturer. Think of reading, listening, speaking, writing and grammar as one connected idea: communication.