Understanding What is the TOEFL Test & its Importance
The TOEFL Exam (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an English proficiency exam designed to assess the language skills of non-native speakers. Universities and institutions require TOEFL scores to ensure students can understand and succeed in their academic programs. Among the different TOEFL test formats, the TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) is the most widely recognized. This blog focuses on the TOEFL iBT, particularly the TOEFL Reading and TOEFL Writing sections, providing smart tips for these crucial skills.
TOEFL Test and TOEFL iBT
The TOEFL Test evaluates English comprehension and is a popular choice for many students, especially the TOEFL iBT, which is an online version of the TOEFL Test. Compared to IELTS, the TOEFL iBT is often considered more challenging due to its academic content, which is designed for individuals with above-average English skills. As a result, preparing for the TOEFL Test requires more practice and expertise. However, achieving high TOEFL Scores can lead to greater recognition and confidence.
One of the conveniences of the TOEFL iBT is its flexibility—you can even take the TOEFL iBT Home Edition. Available 24 hours a day, 4 days a week, the TOEFL iBT Home Edition allows you to choose a time and day that suits you best.
Proven Strategies for Achieving High TOEFL Reading and Writing Scores
TOEFL Scores are given out of 30 for each skill, with a total score ranging from 0 to 120. Each skill—Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening—has its own level of proficiency. Typically, scoring between 20 and 30 is considered High-Intermediate to Advanced. You can check out what your TOEFL Scores mean here for more detailed information.
This blog will guide you through the best strategies for achieving advanced TOEFL Reading and TOEFL Writing scores.
PRACTICE- the key to success
Success in the TOEFL Test comes down to one thing: PRACTICE. The TOEFL is a fast-paced exam, leaving little time to apply strategies on the spot. Therefore, it's essential to build your comprehension skills through consistent practice before test day. Regular practice will significantly improve your agility and fluency in understanding English and completing writing tasks.
3 Strategies for TOEFL Reading Practice
Effective reading relies on strong note-taking skills. It is the ability to:
Skim: Read the passage first to grasp the theme, main points, and tone.
Scan: Read the questions first, then scan the passage for keywords to find relevant answers.
Pay Attention to detail: Focus on understanding the tone of both the passage and the questions to answer accurately.
1. Ace your TOEFL reading test with these 3 strategies.
To enhance these skills, start by enhancing your reading habits. Follow up your reading with exercises like summary writing and identifying the central idea of texts. Speed Reading is an excellent technique to improve reading pace and comprehension, allowing you to manage the time constraints of the TOEFL.
HOW TO SPEED READ?
Previewing: Scan the text to identify titles and main headings, and look for bold texts for additional insights.
Read Silently: Reading without sound saves energy and time, improving understanding.
Use a Pointer: Guide your eyes through the text with a pencil or pen.
Test Yourself: Regular practice and speed tests are essential.
Take Speed Reading Course: Enroll in a course to boost your educational and professional success.
BENEFITS OF SPEED READING
Time-Saving
Increases comprehension
Enhances work efficiency
Increases brain’s processing speed
Improves productivity
Boosts confidence
Expands knowledge
Reduces eye fatigue
While speed reading is useful, it’s equally important to grasp the central idea of a passage. Another essential aspect of comprehension is recognizing the main message behind the text, which can be learned over time.
NOTE-TAKING | THE ART OF EXTRACTING KEY POINTS
To sharpen your ability to catch the theme of a text, you can use the following techniques:
MIND MAPPING
Mind Mapping is a powerful tool that helps you capture important points from the text and convert them into fun visuals. Initially, it may take some time to dissect a passage and extract the most important points, but with practice, you'll be able to quickly scan passages and summarize them effectively. Mind Mapping has many other benefits for students as well.
CONCEPT MAPPING
Concept Mapping is another effective organizing tool that summarizes your text and arranges it in a logical order. It allows you to see the main concept and its sub-concepts at a glance, highlighting the connections between different ideas. Practicing Concept Mapping with your notes will help you differentiate between various ideas in a reading passage and understand their hierarchy.
3 Strategies for TOEFL Writing Practice
TOEFL Writing Practice requires mastering the structure of your responses. This includes organizing information effectively, using appropriate vocabulary, and minimizing errors.
Key skills for better writing include:
Scan: Identify keywords in the question to provide accurate answers. For example, if the examiner asks for your opinion on a statement, make sure you provide your thoughts rather than just factual information.
Brainstorm: Select the best ideas, facts, and opinions to include in your response.
Plan your structure: Make sure your writing is well-organized and balanced by planning your response before writing it down. This is a crucial step in TOEFL Writing Practice.
Writing requires careful planning and execution. There are many ways to hone your writing prowess, and the best of them is through READING! The following techniques are great for polishing your writing talent.
As shared above, Speed Reading can help you absorb an enormous amount of books within much less time.
2. Ace your TOEFL Writing test with these 3 strategies.
The more you study, the better you’ll be at writing because the writing style of the authors will impact you. So choose books from distinguished and celebrated authors or classical writers. You must also read answers and passages from TOEFL past papers and sample papers. Avoid reading poor literature as it can negatively shape your writing style.
HOW TO BRAINSTORM & PLAN YOUR ESSAY
Search for a sample answer to your chosen question.
Extract key points from the sample answer into a mind map.
Use your ideas to create a concept map following the sample answer’s structure.
Analyze your answer and highlight weak areas.
Attempt the same question again using feedback from the sample answer’s structure.
Keep practicing until your answers match the quality and layout of the sample answers.
Quick Tips for TOEFL Test Preparation
Preparing for the TOEFL Test requires strong English comprehension skills. The complexity of TOEFL questions, especially compared to IELTS, demands advanced preparation. Two key skills—note-taking and planning—are crucial for succeeding in TOEFL Reading and TOEFL Writing. By building a reading habit and using tools like Mind Mapping, you can develop these essential talents.
FAQs About TOEFL Exam
What is ETS?
A: ETS, or Educational Testing Service, is the authorized organization that conducts the TOEFL Exam.
What is the difference between TOEFL and IELTS?
A: The TOEFL Test is generally more challenging, with college-level English and a shorter duration. It can also be taken at home with the TOEFL iBT Home Edition.
What are good TOEFL Scores?
A: Scores above 20 in each skill are considered good. Overall, good TOEFL Scores range between 80 and 120.
Tips for TOEFL Reading Practice?
A: Consistency is key. Utilize Speed Reading techniques to excel at skimming, and Mind Mapping to visually organize information, saving you valuable time.
Tips for TOEFL Writing Practice?
A: Regular practice is essential. Use Mind Mapping to structure your answers and improve your vocabulary while saving time.
Can I take the TOEFL iBT Test at home?
A: Yes, the TOEFL iBT Home Edition allows you to take the test from the comfort of your home.
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