Oct 16, 2023
TOEFL, or the Test of English as a Foreign Language, assesses the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers who want to enrol in higher education programmes in universities or institutions of English-speaking countries. The four fundamental language abilities—reading, listening, speaking, and writing—are evaluated in the test. The TOEFL is evolving to fit the attention span of today's test takers; starting July 26, 2023, the widely accepted English-language proficiency test will include several new enhancements for test takers and institutions. In this blog, we will be discussing all the important strategies for test preparation for TOEFL.
One of the most important tests for English language skills taken by people who want to study or work overseas is the TOEFL. The Education Testing Service (ETA) administers the TOEFL to assess applicants on four criteria, namely their reading, listening, speaking, and writing abilities. This English proficiency test is conducted in both offline (paper-based) and online (internet-based) formats. The exam, which is generally given in the TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) format, assesses a test-taker's proficiency in understanding English-language texts, audio recordings, and intellectual debates, as well as their ability to communicate clearly in both spoken and written English. To get a competitive score that reflects competence for academic courses conducted in English, the preparation strategy includes accessing official ETS materials, polishing grammar and vocabulary, practising with sample questions and managing time efficiently.
Unlike conventional academic courses, the TOEFL has no set syllabus. Instead, it evaluates your overall command of the English language in academic and practical contexts. Your comprehension, proficiency with the language, and ability to successfully communicate in it will all be assessed. Here is an outline of what each section might contain:
It's crucial to remember that the passages, lectures, and prompts on the TOEFL exam cover a wide range of topics, including the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and business. The test is designed to evaluate your capacity for critical thinking and effective English communication in a classroom setting.
Here are some pointers for preparing for the TOEFL online:
Setting a target score for the TOEFL is the first step in starting your preparation. Review the TOEFL exam pattern to become familiar with the format and categories of questions. Take a TOEFL sample test after that to determine which sections you need to work harder on. It is one of the most important steps in developing a successful strategy for preparation.
During the TOEFL tests, audio clips can only be listened to once. Since you cannot playback the audio, you must learn to take effective notes. You can practise taking notes in your native language or English. Therefore, while taking TOEFL online coaching, keep practising this to ensure you are not facing any hurdles during the exam.
Even if you have an excellent grip on the English language, not knowing the test's format could still cause you to make a mistake. Spend time on the TOEFL website to familiarise yourself with the format and gather any required information. The internet-based test, also known as the iBT and the paper-based test are the two ways you can take the test. The former is probably what you'll do because it's currently much more common.
You don't have to focus your preparation solely on TOEFL. Since this is a test of real-world English rather than just grammatical accuracy, you should practise listening and reading English which is not TOEFL-centric. While doing that, you'll discover that you're engaging in a lot of "passive learning" due to exposure to everyday English. Consider reading books or comics, watching films and videos on YouTube, or even listening to music.
The most challenging part about learning a language is speaking it correctly and fluently. It's not technically difficult to speak English correctly. However, if you lack confidence, it can become tough. Make an effort to practise your English speaking skills. Talk to yourself if you don't feel comfortable speaking with someone else. Remember that you will speak into a microphone during the TOEFL iBT, but no one will watch you in real-time. Also, when you are taking TOEFL Coaching in Nagpur or other cities, the institute will help you in this process by instilling confidence.
Create a study schedule by dividing the time you will spend on each section of the TOEFL syllabus, and set aside an hour or two each day or each week to focus on the areas you need to practise more. Making the best study plan for taking the TOEFL online requires effective time management.
Writing with a time limit can be challenging. Setting time restrictions is crucial when you practise writing. You can manage your time more effectively by giving yourself enough time to plan your writing matter and then reviewing it after you're done.
The next step after developing a strategy is to arm yourself with the top study aids and reference materials to ace the TOEFL test. It is essential to thoroughly research the various preparation manuals and online resources because there are many options available for TOEFL preparations. You can buy specialised study materials produced by Cambridge and Oxford. These study tools will undoubtedly help you discover the most effective method for TOEFL online study so you can pass the test with a higher score.
While researching the topic of TOEFL preparation online, it's crucial to take practice exams and mock exams via TOEFL coaching portals. With so much TOEFL study material readily available online, you can download and test your knowledge by taking practice exams. These practice exams will not only help you become accustomed to the format and types of questions but also teach you how to take the test efficiently.
In the field of international education, the TOEFL is one of the most widely accepted English language proficiency exams. Proving the fact that you possess the necessary English language abilities to succeed in courses at international universities is extremely important. We can all agree that the road to success while taking the TOEFL test can be stressful. However, if you are well prepared, you can confidently approach the test and earn your desired TOEFL score. Your TOEFL preparation would benefit from developing a strategic study plan and applying the efficient methods discussed above. You can always talk to the experts at KC Overseas for more assistance and guidance.