TIPS FOR THE TOEFL IBT
1.
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.
2.
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.
3.
Improve your typing skills
You will have to fill out your answers on the computer and type your essay.
If you rely on a few fingers to type, consider improving your typing skills
before taking the TOEFL. Make sure that you are confident typing on a QWERTY
keyboard (English alphabet keyboard). If you aren't, search for typing practice
drills online. Even if your typing skills are strong, try doing practice tests
on other computers. Some students get so used to their own computer that they
get nervous when they have to type on a new keyboard or use a different mouse
on test day.
4.
Become an expert note taker
You will be able to take notes in each section as you take the TOEFL iBT.
Note taking is allowed because it is an important skill you need for taking
university or college courses. As you study, practise taking notes on the main
idea of what you read and hear as well as on the main details. Do this
throughout your day as you listen to news reports, read websites, and watch TV.
Create your own shorthand for frequently used words and phrases.
5.
Answer every question
Never leave a question blank. Eliminate all of the answers you know are
wrong and then make an educated guess. You have a 25% chance of getting the
correct answer. When you finish a section or question, try to put it out of
your mind. Whether you are reading, listening, or answering a question, put all
of your concentration on the task at hand.
6.
Secrets for the Reading section
The iBT does not test grammar separately as previous TOEFL tests did. You
will still need to prove that you have a strong grasp of grammar in the
speaking and writing sections. It is helpful to familiarize yourself with key
academic vocabulary. There are helpful textbooks for this purpose. Keep in mind
that you don't need to know every word in a reading passage to answer the
questions. Practise reading without a dictionary close by. When it comes to the
questions, concentrate on the areas that the questions pertain to. Skim through
the passage, read the questions, then read for more detail. The questions
usually come in the order they appear in the passage. Anticipate the type of
questions you will be asked in this section. Many of the readings have a main
idea question. You will be asked at least two vocabulary questions from each
reading. You will also be asked some detailed questions and some inference
questions. You will not have time to reread a whole passage. Share your own
secrets for the TOEFL Reading section here.
7.
Secrets for the Listening
section
When you are practising for the listening sections, don't play the tape or
CD more than once. On the real test you will only hear everything once. You
have to train your ears to listen fully the first time. During the real exam,
don't look back at a listening question after you have decided on an answer.
You cannot change it. The clock will not start running until you start the
answers. Learn to listen for main ideas, presentation (compare/contrast etc.),
and key details. Share your own secrets for TOEFL listening section here.
8.
Secrets for the Speaking
section
It is okay to hesitate for a moment or two when it is time to respond.
However, it is best to fill as much of the time as possible with your response.
If you have a few extra seconds you can sum things up in a short conclusion.
You will lose marks for poor pronunciation, so don't try to use big words that
you can't say properly. You will also lose marks for improper use of vocabulary
and idioms. Make sure you know how to use an expression properly before you try
to use it on the exam. Share your own secrets for the TOEFL Speaking section
here.
9.
Secrets for the Writing section
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.
10.
Strengthen all 4 skills
Some people make the mistake of taking the test too soon. Perhaps your
reading, listening, and writing skills are ready, but your speaking skills
still need work. If you do very poorly on one section of the test, you will
have to retake the entire test. You can't redo one section. Make sure that you
are ready to take the whole test when you register.
11.
Dress in comfortable clothing
Dress in comfortable layers on test day. You never know whether or not the
test room will be cold or warm. Wear your favourite shirt. When you feel
comfortable you perform better! Don't wear tight clothing. You have to sit in
one place for a long time. Though you want to be comfortable, do take time to
look your best on test day. In other words, dress for success.
12.
Make sure to eat before the
test
Four hours is a long time to go without a snack. You will not be allowed to
bring any food or drinks into the test room with you. Eat a sensible 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).
