Preparation for TOEFL Exam

The TOEFL questions are intended to assess your understanding of terms and phrases regularly used in academic and non-academic situations. Each vocabulary item consists of a sentence with one highlighted word or phrase. To answer this question without reading the passage, you’ll need a strong and expanded vocabulary. In the following guide, you will go through a simple process of familiarizing yourself with the TOEFL vocabulary so that you can easily and quickly identify the sentence elements on test day.

Read all the words in each sentence carefully. In this way, you will “unlock” the main idea – or topic of the passage.

There is no new vocabulary, but there are unfamiliar words in each sentence. The answers to these questions are always based on contextual usage (i.e., usage within the context of a particular passage).

The TOEFL is primarily designed for students who want to study at an English-speaking university or graduate school. However, the TOEFL can be used for a variety of objectives. Many students use the TOEFL for:

In addition, the TOEFL is used by many scholars, scientists and professionals worldwide. The TOEFL is also widely used by government agencies and businesses. You’ll find that the tests are appropriate for most students and adults, regardless of their level of English. In fact, each year more than 2 million people take TOEFL-based courses in the United States.

The test has two parts:

The computer-based test (CBT) is offered at most locations throughout the world. The paper-based test (PBT) is only given at a few locations, though you can request it through an ETS approved testing center, regardless of location.

On the TOEFL, you’ll get points for each correct answer (or prompt) you choose, and you’ll get zero points for incorrect replies. There is no penalty for guessing on the TOEFL, so if you don’t know the answer, guess!

The TOEFL contains four different types of tasks: reading, listening, speaking and writing. Each part of the test is scored on a scale from 0 to 30, with a passing score set at 75 overall and 25 for each section. You’ll know exactly how you performed in each section when you receive your scores.

On the TOEFL Speaking Test, you’ll respond to questions in an interview format. This part of the test is used by thousands of colleges and universities around the world as a measure of English-language proficiency.

If you want your scores sent directly to the institution you are applying to, they should send you a form that includes their TOEFL Institution Code. You must enter this code into the appropriate box on your application form in order for your scores to be sent automatically. Check with the institution if you have any questions about this code, or about how your scores will be sent.

You can register for the TOEFL test in one of three ways, according to the ETS. In order to get a slot for the exam, the ETS recommended that test-takers register three to four months before their chosen test date.

Those who register on-line will get a confirmation code by email. Those who register by phone will receive an enrollment form and instructions to print out. Those who take the PBT can request an official TOEFL score report after they return their answer sheets to the test center.

Understanding a standardized test such as the TOEFL (called the Test of English as a Foreign Language) is half the battle. Whether you’re just getting started studying for the TOEFL or taking it for the tenth time, the more you know about the test, the better prepared you’ll be. Best of luck!