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20 TOEFL Tips: 1. Familiarize Yourself With The TOEFL Format
20 TOEFL Tips: 1. Familiarize Yourself With The TOEFL Format
certain subjects, but it will help you to become familiar with the
presentation and language used in academic material. You should also
watch modern television and movies. If you have a friend who goes to
an English university, go to class with him as often as you can. Borrow
his books and hang out with his friends.
5. Find a mentor
A reliable native English teacher who knows a lot about the TOEFL is
one of the best resources a student can have. You will have many
questions that your textbook can't answer for you. Frustrated students
often give up. It is important that you have someone who will answer
your questions and encourage you when you feel down. If you cannot
afford a teacher or a tutor, find a student who has studied for the test
before. Sometimes other students can give you excellent hints and
help you with grammar questions. You might be able to help other
students with their questions too. Teaching another person is a great
way to learn. If you use Twitter, search for "TOEFL". You will find
teachers and students to follow and network with. Join theTOEFL
Group on MyEnglishClub. Provide support to others and share tips on
finding free practice tests.
The TOEFL test takes a long time to write. If you are taking the paper
based test it will take you about 2.5 hours. The iBT is much longer. You
can expect to be at the computer for 4 hours. Many students have an
attention span of about two hours. This is the maximum length of
most classes. After this amount of time performance starts to weaken.
If you keep your study sessions to one or two hours, your brain will
not be prepared to work for four. 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.
7. Arrive prepared
If you arrive at the test centre with all of the things you need, you will
feel calm and ready. When you are nervous, your memory does not
work as well. Make sure you know exactly how to get to the test
centre and where you can park. Bring the correct amount of money for
parking. If you are writing the paper based test, you should have a
number of pencils, a pencil sharpener and a few erasers that don't
smudge. It is also important that your identification looks valid. If you
have had problems with your ID before, make sure to bring a backup
photo. Don't forget any paper work that ETS sends you to prove that
you have registered.
8. Pace yourself
Plan to arrive at the test centre at least 30 minutes ahead of time.
Wear a watch. This is especially important if you are taking the paper
based test. Some exam rooms do not have clocks. The iBT has a clock
on the screen, however, you should still wear a watch to make sure
that you arrive on time! During the exam, watch your time very
closely. Many students do poorly on the TOEFL because they spend too
much time on difficult questions. There is no break between the
Reading and Listening section. You will get a ten minute break after
the first half before the Speaking section. You will only have a short
time to write the essay. Spend some time planning and checking your
writing.
Don't forget that you will have to make connections in the first part of
the Writing section. Memorize phrases from practice tests that show
you how to do this. The most important thing is to keep your writing
simple and clear. You will not have access to a spell check function.
Don't use vocabulary and punctuation that you are unsure of. Spend
some time planning your essay before you write it. Your outline will
save you time in the long run. When you practise for the essay, find a
format that you are comfortable with. Use this format every time. For
example, your thesis might always be in the third sentence of your
introduction. You might always end your conclusion with a question.
Make sure to use lots of examples to support your essay. Transitional
words and phrases will make your writing easier to read. Memorize a
list of these and practise typing them. Always leave time to review
what you have written. Read your essay silently in your head as you
check it. Share your own secrets for the TOEFL Writing section here.
meal before you take the test. Avoid too much caffeine as it will give
you the shakes. Don't consume large amounts of sugar right before
the test. You will get tired very quickly. Make sure that you have had
plenty of water (but not too much as you will not want to waste time in
the washroom).