Strategies You Need to Know for the TOEFL Test

Find out which version of the TOEFL you will take Depending on where and when you take the TOEFL test, you will encounter either the Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) or the TOEFL Paper-based Test (TOEFL PBT). Be sure of which format you will use. Your TOEFL score from either test will be accepted by the colleges you choose, but the differences in the test formats will influence some of your TOEFL preparation.

Approach the TOEFL test with a plan Spend enough time in TOEFL preparation so that you know where your strengths and weaknesses lie. Having this kind of understanding can help you decide where to focus your energies as you prepare for the test. If you will be taking the Paper-based Test (PBT), work through some practice tests and then concentrate your TOEFL preparation on any weak areas. Take time to review your strong areas, but invest your time to build up your weaknesses. If your exam will be the Internet-based test (iBT), examine the information presented there. In addition, get your teacher's opinion on where you can best spend your preparation time. ETS provides sample questions for both the PBT and iBT on its Web site.

To maximize your TOEFL score, be ready for test conditions and be well-rehearsed Practice makes permanence! If you set aside time in a quiet place to take some practice exams, you'll be ready for the rigors of sitting in a chair and focusing on the TOEFL test material. The PBT is a 3-and-a-half hour test, and the iBT takes about 4-and-a-half hours. It's a good idea to dress in layers and bring a sweater or sweatshirt because the temperature in the testing room may be warmer or colder than you anticipated. You want to be able to show everything you know on the test. English-language tests can be hard enough on their own—you don't need to be dealing with hot or cold temperatures during the test too.

Become familiar with the directions and questions before the TOEFL test Each of the test sections has a time limit, and you want to make the most of the time you are given. Use a portion of your preparation to become familiar with the directions for each section and how the questions are set up. Then you can use all you time in answering the questions instead of reviewing the directions.

Paper-based TOEFL tips and strategies
Reading Comprehension Skim the passage first to get a sense of the main idea. You can always go back and look up specifics. Answer the questions that ask about vocabulary words and details first. Then work on questions that ask you about the main idea or require you to make inferences. You will answer 50 questions in 55 minutes.

Structure and Written Expression Think about the simplest, clearest way to express an idea. If an answer choice sounds awkward or overly complicated, chances are good that it's wrong. Brush up on your English grammar for this part of the test. You will have 25 minutes to complete 40 questions.

Listening Comprehension Become as familiar with the English language as you can, including learning vocabulary words and idioms. Practice working with the language in everyday life; this will help you become more comfortable with it and understand it better. These 50 questions will take 30 to 40 minutes to complete.