TOEFL – ABrief Overview
TOEFL or “Test of English as a Foreign Language” was introduced in early 2000. There were two kinds of tests the applicants need to qualify to base on their choices that are a paper-based test and computer-based test. These two types of TOEFL were applicable till the year 2005. But it the same year the administering authority of TOEFL took a further step and introduced TOEFL IBT that is Internet Based Test in the following countries – Canada, Germany, France and Italy. The very next year it was made applicable to the rest part of the world. There are still some countries where this test is not applicable but the applicants of those places can paper-based test of TOEFL.
How to Register for TOEFL?
Registration for TOEFL is effortless as all you need to do is to fill the registration form from its official website Ets.org. Fill in your details and before submitting the form, make sure to review it once again. Especially check your name at should same as mentioned in your identity card, or else you won’t be given permission to sit for the exam. Try to do the registration process as soon as possible or else you might miss the expected examination center. Though, it is a popular exam but does not have enough centers as well.
What is TOEFLExam Pattern?
Here we have mentioned the in-general examination prototype of TOEFL test. Take a look:
It is a computer-based test and carries four distinct sections that are:
- Reading bears 36-56 questions
- Listening bears 34-51 questions
- Speaking carries six tasks
- Writing carries two tasks
Every part will be given stipulated time.
- For speaking 20 minutes are allotted
- For speaking 50 minutes are allotted
- For reading around 80 minutes are allotted and
- For listening around 90 minutes are allotted
Plus, a break of 10 minutes will also be given the aspirant cannot avoid that. So, overall four hours will be distributed in a whole.
The tasks mentioned above for speaking and writing will include reading a passage and listening to a lecture and responding as per the guidelines.
How to Prepare for TOEFL Test?
Given below, we have shared all the requisite information concerning the four sections along with the preparation suggestions as well –
Reading Section – This is an important yet one of the most challenging parts of TOEFL. It will consist of various passages on distinct topics of around 700 words (maximum) in total. The same will follow with questions to test the vocabulary, understanding and comprehension.
If you are expecting natural passages and terms to come in your way during this exam, then you are entirely going on a wrong way. To excel in this section, make sure to practice complex passages of history, science, philosophy, etc. Along with this, get familiar with some multifaceted words and their meanings too.
Listening Section – this is yet another problematic section but with an alert mind and writing accurate notes will be of great help. During this section, two types of lectures will be given –
- Recording of conversation and
- Recording of lectures.
Each of the above will be followed up by six questions but remember none of the clip will play twice. The questions asked are mostly how, why and what.
To pass out this section quickly, you must spend some reasonable amount of time listening to lectures, YouTube tutorials, American TV shows and English movies and so on. Give equal importance to various styles of English that are both American and British. Add this task to your daily routine.
Speaking Section – TOEFL testhas an independent speaking set of task. It is different as no one will be there to take this test in the role of interviewer or examiner. Here you have to answer to a microphone. In this section total, six questions will be asked about your opinion or a discussion. Further, the applicant will be given a task to read or clip to hear followed with questions.
To pass this section, practice on your speaking skills, make sure you are neither too slow nor too fast.
Writing Section – This is the final task and it includes the following:
- Integrated writing – an essay based writing will be given based on listening or reading materials.
- Independent writing – opinion on a topic has to be written.
This section is well capable of judging your overall capabilities so give enough time for practicing essays, opinion writing, use of words and phrases.
How to Get the Score of TOEFL?
After 15 business days of the examination, the scores will be delivered via email. The best part of the scoring sheet is that it will be categorized as per the sections and skills along with performance feedback. The aspirant will also get advice for further improvements.
What is the Validity of TOEFL Results?
If you have passed out TOEFL examination, then the validity of the same will be for two years.
Some Tips to Pass TOEFL Test
TOEFL is a severe test and there is no doubt about it, but with the continuous endeavor, anyone can succeed with it.
- One should start preparing for the test minimum five to six months before.
- Give equal importance to each section so the examination.
- In case you lack in any of the parts spend some extra time working on it.
- Reach out to the previous pass-out to know their strategy.
- Do your registration in advance.
Why Practice Tests Are So Important for TOEFL?
Practice tests are a vital solution that can lead you to success in TOEFL test. If you solve at least a few practice tests, you will get used to the exam pattern, enhance your test-taking and time-management skills and eliminate the weak spots in your preparation. Practice tests will also help you to reduce the anxiety which students are often exposed to before the exam. Practice tests can be found on various online platforms for free or at a reasonable price.
If you want to learn more about TOEFL practice test, visit ETS website.
Other Admission Tests
Now, after we discussed everything you need to know about TOEFL test and learned how important are practice tests for your preparation, let’s take a look at other in-demand admission tests you may encounter.
GMAT Test
GMAT or Graduate Management Admission Test is intended for the future students of the managementand businessschools and is used for admission. All MBA programsrequire GMAT scores.So, if you want to build a career in the sphere of management and business, then GMAT admission test is a perfect choice for you.
If you want to find more details about GMAT practice test, visit MBA website.
ASVAB Test
ASVAB or Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test that is designed to check whether the candidate has a qualificationto become a member of United States Armed Forces.
To get more information about ASVAB practice test, go to Military website.
GEDTest
GED or General Education Development (General Education Diploma) is a test that is intended to evaluate the level of knowledge you gained in the high schoolby the time of graduation.
Read more about GED practice test on GED website.
SAT Test
SAT or Scholastic Aptitude Test is designed to evaluate the readiness of the students for college. The test is held byUnited StatesCollege Board.
Learn more about SAT practice test on Collegeboard website.
PARCC Test
PARCCor Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers test is intended for the students who want to know what career path to choose and which college to enter to be successful.
Find more information about PARCC practice test on PARCC-Assessment website.
ACT Test
ACTor American College Testing is a standard admission test held in the colleges in the United States.
To learn more about ACT practice test, go to ACT website.
HESI A2 Test
HESI A2or Health Education Systems Incorporated is an entrance test that is held for the candidates who want to enter nursing schools.
To read more about HESI A2 practice test, go to HESIA2PracticeTest website.
LSAT Test
LSAT or Law School Admission Test is anecessarytest that is held for the candidates who want to enter law schools in the United States, Canada anda number of other countries.
More information about LSAT practice test can be found on ISAC website.
Conclusion
So, now you are familiar with the main testing options that you can encounter during and after school. While preparing for your admission tests, don’t forget to take practice tests. Also, note that all preparation materials should be taken only from reliable websites. Good luck with your exams!
