How can I prevent myself from going off topic in the expression exams for TOEFL?

The TOEFL or the Test of English as a Foreign Language has four different sections. Two of these sections are challenging as one needs to give responses in verbal and written forms: the speaking and writing sections. In both of these exams, candidates have to express their ideas through making oral responses and writing essays. These may look easy; however, one problem most candidates have to face in these sections is avoiding going off topic in their responses.

source: englishharmony.com

The content of the responses in both speaking and writing in the TOEFL are very important. It is with these that the candidate is evaluated on how well he or she can express himself or herself in oral or written English. Topics are given of which the candidate has to answer. However, due to some reasons, some candidates go off topic losing points on their scores. How can one possible avoid going off the topic? Here is how:


TOEFL Speaking


 In the independent task, be sure to understand the task or the question given. For example, if the question asks about why you like your favourite restaurant, give responses that show reasons to why you fancy this particular restaurant. Do not describe the services but how you like the services.

 Give at least two reasons for your responses in Questions 1 and 2. Details in these responses should be related. Do not give out reasons that you have trouble providing strong supporting sentences or examples.

 In the integrated speaking part, follow a structure in your response. For example, in Question 5, start your response with what the problem is about, the choices or solutions given and your choice together with your reasons. Base your reasons to the details given in the conversation for easier organization of ideas.

 In the integrated part, do not include your own idea on the topic. This may result in going off the topic making your response irrelevant.


TOEFL Writing


 Does the lecture cast doubt or support the idea in the reading? Once you are sure about this, you will be able to outline your points showing clearly the connection between the reading and lecture.

 Have a clear introduction, body and conclusion for both integrated and independent tasks.

 In the independent writing, always create an outline of your essay. This will serve as the backbone of your essay. Fill in ideas that you think will be best in supporting your claim. Group ideas according to importance.

 Use transition words to show the flow of the content. Transition words help in guiding you on adding information or making a contradicting statement to a given idea.


Going off the topic can be avoided with practice. TOEFL review centers provide mock exams for both speaking and writing that will make TOEFL examinees become consistent and fluent in their responses.

For more TOEFL Tips toeflreview.blogspot.com.

Does Pronunciation Really Matter in the TOEFL Exam?

The Test of English as a Foreign Language is an English proficiency examination taken by different people as a requirement for people applying for a study visa or work in English speaking countries. Like any other English proficiency examination, it has four sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The speaking exam mostly puts a lot of pressure to candidates as a score of 26 is usually required for their applications. Some people think that having good pronunciation can get you a good score in the TOEFL test while some believe that the delivery matters most. Does pronunciation really matter in the TOEFL exam?

source: http://www.express-english.net/english-pronunciation-lesson-uh-vs-ooh/

Filipinos are good English speakers. They have been using the language since they are kids in school until they finish college and get work. English is practically embedded in their daily conversations. Being exposed to such, it is expected that Filipinos are very natural in speaking the language. Though this might be true to some, some have difficulties pronouncing words, and as a result, it affects their communication skills. However, in the TOEFL test, one’s accent cannot really have a great effect on the scoring of the response.

Clarity is important in the responses. You do not have to sound like a native speaker to get a very high score in the TOEFL speaking test. A TOEFL test examinee should bank more on the fluency of his or her response. Fluency refers to how one sounds in the delivery of the answer. It is best to speak in your normal tone of voice and accent during the test.  Try to avoid long pauses when giving your response. Set an outline to your response to avoid pauses and for a smooth flow of ideas.

Aside from clarity, the content of the answer is the most important. What is good pronunciation when the content lacks strength. The candidates for the TOEFL test need to understand that the TOEFL speaking is not about how good you are at speaking but on how well you understood the tasks that are presented. Further, being confident in your answer plays a huge role in the response. When you trust yourself on your answer, you can speak very fluently and without pauses.

To have fluency in the TOEFL speaking test, practice is recommended. Speaking coaches for the TOEFL are available in TOEFL review centers. They practice their students organization of ideas and even fix their pronunciation to have a better and much clearer responses on the six tasks of the TOEFL Speaking test. 

For more TOEFL Tips toeflreview.blogspot.com.