How to Pass to TOEFL in One Take

The TOEFL is an exam of English proficiency, required by academic and professional institutions and by licensing agencies from those who are non-native communicators of English. The TOEFL would really test your mettle when it comes to English. The examination is a four-hour long computer test of comprehension and expression. It has four subtests: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The TOEFL is not like other English test – it would require you to actually merge these four skills. For instance, in the Writing Test, you will have to read an article, listen to a lecture and then write about what you have read and heard. The same thing is true for the Speaking test.

Long story short: the TOEFL is not easy.

For candidates to not waste time and money on the TOEFL, candidates should not simply prepare haphazardly, but prepare smartly. Here are some tips test takers may want to consider.

1.       Introduce yourself to the basics of the test. This means being familiar with the test format, the test question types, and the method of answering the exam (through the computer). Having knowledge of what test is inside out would give you the advantage of knowing which strategies to use.

2.       Verify what you need. You must have a baseline score that you need to aim for. This would vary depending on what you need the TOEFL for, so make sure you consult with whomever or whatever is requiring you to sit the test.

3.       Be smart about investing. Whether we like it or not, preparation for anything would entail time and money. Of course, when you do invest time and money, one thing we need to make sure is that it is worth it. This means investing smartly. If you plan on reviewing (whether at home or in a review center), how much time per week can you commit solely for studying? Will you be able to sustain this number of hours? If you plan on going into a review center, which review center will you go to? Is the program good? Does it address your needs? What is their program’s track record?

4.       Test yourself. Do practice examinations to determine your improvement. When you have consistently scored what is required in at least three full practice test , consider yourself ready to take the exam.

5.       Aim higher. It does not hurt to aim for a higher score. This makes you over prepare which is almost always better than being underprepared.

6.       Get help. There are people who are experts in this. If you plan to prepare wisely and willing to invest smartly, one of the best thing you can do is to get someone who knows the TOEFL inside out to walk you through it, to assist you in improving, and to give you an honest and accurate analysis of your preparedness.

Good luck!