The TOEFL, or Test of English as a Foreign Language, is the access route for non-native speakers to an English-speaking university. The test may also be accepted as proof of English knowledge when applying to live and work in another country. It may be offered in a paper format, but is more commonly taken via the internet. Scoring high marks in the test is important, as your university place depends on a satisfactory result. So the pressure is on, and adequate preparation is essential. But what can you do to improve your chances of doing well?
Start well in advance
Leaving it to the last minute to revise never works well. Begin preparing for the test months in advance; some people advise starting as far as a year ahead.
Use online resources
You can find plenty of material online to help you with the test. There is lots of useful information on the official TOEFL website, including tips on how to pass the exam. Make use of all the resources available there, such as webinars and test questions.
Check what score is required
Each university or institution will have its own requirements regarding scores. It may be an overall score, or a minimum level in each of the sections.
Get a good textbook
A good textbook may not help you pass on its own, but it will be an invaluable resource in your studies. Look for one that contains practice questions and tests; this will give you an idea of what to expect when you take the real test.
Practice your weak points
The TOEFL covers reading, listening, speaking, and writing. If you know that one of these is your weak point, then spend more time working on that aspect. For example, if you are less confident in speaking, find a native speaker to practice with. In fact, it is a wise idea to book lessons with an English teacher so that they can teach you correct pronunciation and assess your progress.
Get used to speaking
Speaking out loud is often the greatest challenge for language learners. Get yourself accustomed to speaking English by repeating lines from films, videos and news clips, and reading out texts. You can also record yourself and try to improve your pronunciation.
Expand your vocabulary
You could be given material on any subject during the test. So take every opportunity to add to your vocabulary. There are plenty of ways of increasing your vocabulary in addition to using textbooks; read any material in English you can find, watch video clips on news sites like the BBC, and look for books in English in the library. You can even listen to audio books and podcasts. Be sure to write down words you aren't familiar with, so that you can look them up and memorize them.
Learn to take effective notes
One of the skills you'll be assessed on is listening, which requires you to quickly note down important points and answer questions on what you've heard. Refine your listening skills by learning to pick out the main information and summarize it briefly. Don't try to write down everything, as you will miss some of the important info.
Work fast
There are a lot of questions to get through in a short time, so learn to work fast. In the written section, begin with the questions you know, so that you can spend the remaining time on the questions you're not sure about. Otherwise you will waste time and panic.
Take practice tests
Any exam is made somewhat easier if you are familiar with the kind of questions you'll be asked and the structure of the test. You can find practice tests online, in your textbook, or at your language center.
Answer all the questions
If you're running out of time, or you're not sure of an answer, have a guess. You could get the right answer. But if you leave questions blank, you'll definitely lose marks.
Advise ETS if you have disabilities or health-related needs
If you have a health problem or disability that means you need extra consideration, get in touch with ETS (who administer the test) well in advance. They will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
Have confidence
Martine Autry, who now works for Essayontime, credits this tactic with helping her pass. "I tend to panic in exams and tests, so I messed up the test the first time I took it. But when I tried a second time, I told myself that I could do this - and I passed. I really think it made a difference having some faith in myself."
So preparation and practice are key to success in the TOEFL. It's a tough test, so you need to put plenty of effort into it. Work hard, study for several months, keep your cool in the test, and that university place should be yours.
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