How to Prepare for the TOEFL Test the Right Way

The Toefl test is designed to measure the English skills of non-English speaking people by testing their writing, reading, listening and speaking abilities.

1. Get to Know the Format of the TOEFL Test

If you want to take the TOEFL, it is very important to first get familiar with the TOEFL format.

Check out the official TOEFL website to find information on the test format, find answers to your questions and to locate your testing centers.

Understand the TOEFL content. No matter which format you take, the TOEFL always has three parts: reading, listening and writing. The Internet-based TOEFL also includes a speaking section.

Internet-based test

The Internet-based test (iBT) looks like this:

• Reading section: 60-80 minutes | 36-56 questions
• Listening section: 60-90 minutes | 34-51 questions
• Short break: 10 minutes
• Speaking section: 20 minutes | 6 tasks
• Writing section: 50 minutes | 2 essays

Paper-based test

The paper-based test looks like this:

• Listening section: 30-40 minutes| 50 questions
• Writing section: 25 minutes | 40 questions
• Reading section: 55 minutes | 50 questions
• TWE test: 30 minutes | write one essay

Decide which format you want to take. Note that nowadays the test is usually taken via the Internet. The paper-based test is becoming less and less popular.

Take a look at some examples of some TOEFL test questions. This will help you gain further understanding of the types of questions to expect. Read the questions carefully. Try to answer them and then check the answers.

2. Know Why You Are Taking the TOEFL Test

More than 9,000 colleges, universities, agencies and institutions accept and require the TOEFL TEST in over 130 countries. To be well prepared, it’s important to know your reasons for taking the test.

For example, you might be taking the test:

• To find out your level of English with an official exam
• To apply to a university
• For a course or job
• For your immigration requirement

Make sure you know why you’re taking the TOEFL. Then, you can use this information to help you better focus your study time. For example, if you’re taking the test for a job where you’ll be talking on the phone a lot, it will be important to do well on the speaking and listening parts.

3. Create Three Ideal Study Spaces

A good study environment is important to achieve the score you want. Use these tips to create your own study space:

• Find your top three ideal study locations. It may be your room, the library, a cafe, your office, your living room or anywhere else. But it’s important that you feel comfortable in the spaces. Why three? If you feel unmotivated in your room one day, then you can always more to the library or your favorite coffee place, for example.
• Create a quiet zone. When choosing your study locations, create a space without distractions. Let your family and friends know that you are studying so they won’t disturb you. Turn off your phone and log off social media.
• Keep your study space clean and organized. Clear off your desk and organize your files. Use a system that works for you. Make sure that your pencils are sharpened and your pens are working. Maybe you could get a new, clean notebook just for the TOEFL test.

Voice training and Research Institute is a Pan India Partner for Ets (Educational Testing Service), Toefl and Toeic Usa. It serves as an active country partner for India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Nepal.