How to prepare for TOEFL iBT Test (1)

Introduction

TOEFL, known as The Test of English as a Foreign Language, is a standardized test of English language proficiency for non-native English language speakers wishing to enroll in U.S. universities. The test is accepted by many English-speaking academic and professional institutions. TOEFL is one of the two major English-language tests in the world, the other being the IELTS.

The TOEFL® test is the most widely respected English-language test in the world, recognized by more than 9,000 colleges, universities and agencies in more than 130 countries, including Australia, Canada, the U.K. and the United States. Wherever you want to study, the TOEFL test can help you get there.

More information about TOEFL: https://www.ets.org/toefl/ 

Test Preparation

First of all, you need to make sure that the TOEFL iBT® test is offered in your location. To find out, go to https://www.ets.org/bin/getprogram.cgi?test=toefl As soon as you learn that the TOEFL iBT® test is offered in your country, you can start to register.

Registration

If it is the first time you have ever taken TOEFL, you need to register a NEEA user ID online at http://toefl.etest.net.cn/en After you sign up as a user, providing all the necessary information such as your name, address, email and etc., you are ready for next step.

Seat For The Test

Login with your NEEA user ID on the same website (http://toefl.etest.net.cn/en). You are able to see the information about the test. Before you can take the test, you need to select a date, time and center. Usually the TOEFL tests are held on weekends, both Saturday and Sunday, 2-3 times per month.

The seats for the test will be released at different times, and a few months ahead at a time. (Ex. seats for January and February would be released at the same time) It is very competitive since there are always more test takers than available seats, at least it’s true in China. So that you probably want to check on the website daily a few days before the seats are released in order not to be left behind. Also, you may want to register for two or more at a time, and the interval between two tests around a month would be good.

After you have registered and paid for TOEFL iBT, you will receive a Free TOEFL iBT Sampler, consisting of sample questions in each of the four skill sections. Note that it will only be available to you after you paid for TOEFL iBT test. Guide on how to register for TOEFL. Step-by-step: http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/TOEFL/pdf/4677_TOEFL_Reg_Guide.pdf

Task Preparation

The total score for the TOEFL iBT® test is 120, divided in four parts and each values 30.

TOEFL iBT Test Sections

Section

Reading*

Listening

Break

Speaking

Writing

Time Limit

60–80 minutes

60–90 minutes

10 minutes

20 minutes

50 minutes

Questions

36–56 questions

34–51 questions

—

6 tasks

2 tasks

Tasks

Read 3 or 4 passages from academic texts and answer questions.

Listen to lectures, classroom discussions and conversations, then answer questions.

—

Express an opinion on a familiar topic; speak based on reading and listening tasks.

Write essay responses based on reading and listening tasks; support an opinion in writing.

Preparation Resources

Official Guide (OG) ---- The Official Guide (OG) to the TOEFL offers some material that can be useful to prepare. There are three full practice tests. The OG is the best source for realistic practice tests. It is helpful for students who are unfamiliar with the test but do not expect to need a lot of preparation.

TOEFL® Practice Online (TPO) ----TPO Contains previously administered TOEFL iBT test questions. It is a mock test for TOEFL, which helps test takers to be more familiar with the test and operations. You can buy or download TPO from the internet. It is a huge help when prepare for the test.

New Oriental New Oriental Dayu English Books: TOEFL vocabulary root + Associative Memory (45 days break version) by Yu Min Hong (俞敏洪，托福红宝书) ----For Chinese only.

There are many other practices and books to help you prepare the TOEFL. Find books that help you most rather than the ‘most popular’ ones.

Finally remember, ‘practice makes perfect.’ Good Luck!

*Above points of view are only derived from personal experiences. Anyone is welcomed to comment and offer new advice.