Every year tens of thousands of students appear for the TOEFL. Most of these students study on their own, while a small percentage of them take coaching classes and tutorials. Here are some tips for studying for TOEFL.

Familiarize yourself with the three TOEFL formats
TOEFL has three formats: paper based, computer based and internet based. Make sure you find out which test you will be taking before you start studying for the TOEFL. If your country uses the iBT you have to take this test.

Research TOEFL score requirements
TOEFL is a source of anxiety for most international students who are not educated in English. But remember that it is almost unavoidable. Required TOEFL scores vary by institution, usually, the more prestigious the university, the higher the required TOEFL score. So contact your selected university or college to determine their score requirements. On the TOEFL Web site at www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/codelists.html you’ll find a list of 6,000 institutions that accept TOEFL scores. You can also view a list of score requirements for some representative universities.

Remember that the scores for the paper based test are different than the scores for the CBT and iBT. The average minimum score required is approximately 550 (paper test) or 215 (CBT) or 70 (iBT). Some schools will look at your scores from different sections. Many universities expect you to have better writing skills than speaking skills. TOEFL scores are only valid for two years.

Learn academic English
The TOEFL measures your ability to succeed in an American university or college. So your focus must be on studying language that you would hear on campus and terms that you would hear in the classroom. Read textbooks, newspapers, encyclopedias, journals and research articles.

Use practice tests
Take practice tests. If you attend a TOEFL class, your teacher should be able to provide you with plenty of study material. If you are studying for the TOEFL on your own, you will have to purchase a few key resources. Find a textbook that has grammar exercises, vocabulary, practice tests, and explanatory answers. Work on the sections that you find most challenging. Don't just rely on one book. Also make good use of the ESL resources available online.

Find a mentor
You will have many questions that your textbook can't answer for you. It is, therefore, important that you have someone who will answer your questions and encourage you when you feel down. If you cannot afford a tutor, find a student who has studied for the test before.

Build up your stamina
The TOEFL test takes a long time to write. If you are appearing for the iBT or CBT, you can expect to be at the computer for 4 hours. Therefore, students who have a short attention span must work on building up their stamina. Start off with short study sessions, and work up to longer ones. It is absolutely necessary that you get a good night's sleep before this test. You cannot afford to be tired.

Page 1 of 2 :: First | Last :: Prev | 1 2 | Next