Preparing for the TOEFL exam is somewhat similar to IELTS preparation but has its own unique aspects. The TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) primarily tests academic English skills and is often required for admission to universities in the U.S. The following advice will help you:
1. Understand the Exam Structure
The TOEFL iBT consists of 4 sections:
- Reading (54-72 minutes, 30-40 questions): Read academic texts and answer questions.
- Listening (41-57 minutes, 28-39 questions): Listen to lectures or conversations and answer questions.
- Speaking (17 minutes, 4 tasks): Speak on a topic or respond based on what you’ve read/heard.
- Writing (50 minutes, 2 tasks): Integrated (summarize reading/listening) and Independent (write an essay). The test is computer-based, so practice note-taking and typing quickly. American accents are common, so get used to listening to such audio.
2. Set Your Goals
- Universities typically require 80-100 out of 120. For example, top schools may need 100+.
- Aim for balanced scores across all sections. If you’re weak in Speaking, for instance, focus more on it.
- Scores are valid for 2 years, so start preparing early.
3. Plan Your Preparation
- Schedule: Dedicate 2-3 hours daily consistently. For example, Reading in the morning, Speaking in the afternoon.
- Duration: If your English is below intermediate, plan for 3-6 months; if intermediate, 1-3 months should suffice.
- Materials: Use official resources:
- ETS Official Guide to the TOEFL Test
- ETS TOEFL Practice Online (TPO)
- Cambridge or Kaplan TOEFL prep books
- YouTube channels for TOEFL (Notefull, English with Jennifer)
4. Prepare Specifically for Each Section
Reading
- Tips: Practice with academic texts (science, history, social sciences). To manage time, practice skimming (quickly grasping the main idea) and scanning (finding specific details).
- Practice: Read 1-2 texts daily and answer questions (Multiple Choice, Insert a Sentence, etc.). Use ETS sample tests.
- Key: Notice keywords and synonyms. For example, "significant" might mean "important."
Listening
- Tips: Listen to American-accented lectures, podcasts (NPR, TED-Ed), or university class recordings. Practice note-taking since you can’t replay audio.
- Practice: Do ETS Listening tests, distinguish main ideas from details, and analyze your mistakes.
- Key: Questions follow the order of the audio, so stay focused.
Speaking
- Tips: Practice time management for all 4 tasks (15-30 seconds to prepare, 45-60 seconds to speak). Think quickly and speak clearly. Mimic American accents to get comfortable.
- Practice: For Tasks 1 and 2, practice speaking independently on topics (e.g., "Your favorite book"). For Tasks 3 and 4, summarize what you’ve read/heard. Record yourself and review mistakes.
- Key: Include specific examples in your answers and speak coherently. For example, "I prefer teamwork because it helps me learn from others."
Writing
- Integrated Writing (20 minutes, 150-225 words):
- Tips: Compare the main ideas of the reading and lecture. The lecture often contradicts the text, so highlight this difference clearly.
- Practice: Write on ETS sample prompts and compare with model answers.
- Independent Writing (30 minutes, 300+ words):
- Tips: Ensure your essay is structured (introduction, 2-3 body paragraphs, conclusion). Include examples to support your points.
- Practice: Write on prompts like "Do you agree that technology improves education?"
- Key: Use formal language (e.g., "I firmly believe" instead of "In my opinion"). Save time by creating an outline before writing.
5. Additional Tips
- Get Familiar with Technology: Since TOEFL is computer-based, download ETS’s demo software to explore the interface.
- Regular Practice: Take a full practice test every 7-10 days to track your score. Use ETS TPO (TOEFL Practice Online).
- Language Environment: Watch English movies (Friends, The Big Bang Theory), listen to podcasts, and speak English with friends.
- Correct Mistakes: Use a teacher or online platforms (Grammarly, Preply) to review Writing and Speaking errors.
- Stress Management: Practice under timed conditions to stay calm on test day.
6. Useful Resources
- Official: ETS TOEFL, TOEFL Go! app
- Online Courses: Magoosh TOEFL, Kaplan TOEFL, EdX TOEFL prep
- Social Media: Reddit’s r/TOEFL, TOEFL Resources Facebook group
- Videos: Search YouTube for TOEFL Speaking/Writing model answers.
Good luck with TOEFL! Let me know if you need more advice on a specific section.