TOEFL iBT tips and strategies

Writing Planning for a few minutes before writing will help you to write a more focused and organized essay. It is important to develop your ideas and express them clearly, using examples to back them up. Although the essay doesn't need to be grammatically perfect, try to make as few errors as possible. Always save a few minutes at the end to proofread. You will have 30 minutes to organize and write on your topic.

 Note taking Just like in a college classroom, you will be allowed to take notes on what you hear and read during the test and then use your notes when answering the questions. Writing On the iBT, the Writing test is 50 minutes and consists of two tasks. For one task, you write independently for 30 minutes to support an opinion on a topic. For the other task, you write for 20 minutes in response to things you hear and read. You need to be able to type on a keyboard to enter your written responses.

 Listening During the Listening test, which runs from 60 to 90 minutes, you answer sets of 5 or 6 questions that are based on lectures and conversations, each of which lasts from three to five minutes. You will hear more than one native English accent. 

Speaking During the Speaking test, you will spend 20 minutes responding to six tasks. With each task, you will have a short time to organize your thoughts before responding. Two tasks will require you to talk about a familiar topic. Four other tasks will be "integrated," asking you to speak in response to things you have heard and read. Reading You will receive a glossary that will define certain key words in the Reading test. The test lasts for 60 to 100 minutes. You will be presented with three, four, or five passages from academic books and will answer 12 to 14 questions that are based on each of the passages.

 Make your TOEFL preparation pay off Make the most of the time you have to prepare for your TOEFL test. Whether you take the Paper-based Test or the TOEFL iBT, careful and thoughtful preparation will be reflected in the TOEFL score you receive. Make the most of your opportunity and show your chosen college how well you can use and understand the English language.