This article describes how you should prepare for reading, listening, writing and speaking section of TOEFL. Ideally, you should take TOEFL after taking GRE so that preparation for Reading, listening and Writing section is already covered during GRE preparation. This article will provide you with details of preparation techniques for all the sections of TOEFL. Also covered are some of the precautions to be taken during TOEFL in India.
Before reading the tips for various sections of TOEFL, it is very essential that you are extremely aware of the format of TOEFL. To make you familiar with the TOEFL format read this article which explains the TOEFL format in detail: What is the format of TOEFL?
Important tips for reading section of TOEFL
This section contains 4-5 reading comprehension passages and questions are based on these passages. If you have already taken your GRE, this section will be very easy for you as most of your preparation is already complete
Time allotted for this section is very high. You will get more than 1 hour. So, carefully read the passage and understand the central idea of the passage before going to the questions.
The passages are taken from scientific journals or articles published in various fields of engineering, science and technology or social issues. Even if you are not familiar with the topic or field of study, you will be in a position to answer the questions. So, don't be afraid if you see a topic which you do not have any knowledge about.
Many passages will have very difficult words and you have to have a strong vocabulary if you are to understand the context of the words used. Hence try to build your vocabulary as part of your TOEFL preparation
Make sure you are not spending too much time on one passage. Do not give more than 10 minutes for one passage. Always keep track of the time you are spending on a single paragraph
Almost all reading comprehension questions contain a question asking the central idea of the passage. So, while reading make sure you understand the main summary or main point which the author wants to convey.
Important tips for listening section of TOEFL
You need to have a lot of patience for this section as there are almost 10 recordings that you need to hear and answer questions based on the recordings. All questions are pretty simple and straightforward but it requires a lot of patience to listen through so many recordings. By the time this section ends, you are totally exhausted.
You have the facility of jotting down notes and notes are particularly helpful for the listening section. Make notes of all the proper nouns including names, places and addresses. Some of the numerical data is also very important and you must write down such data.
The recordings and tapes are generally lectures and student discussions on academic life on campus. So, you will come across a lot of dates which are very important as the questions are asked where they might ask the dates
The lecture or the conversations are usually 2-5 minutes in length. Try to understand the central idea of the recording and intention and purpose of all the speakers. Majority of the questions are based on the central idea and speaker intentions
During the lecture, some students ask questions to the professor or the professor might ask some student to express his opinion regarding the on-going topic. Concentrate on the answer given by the student and response given by the professor to his question or answer. Question will be asked explaining the students response.
Important tips for speaking section of TOEFL
Analyse the format of the speaking section extremely thoroughly. Time allotted for every task for giving answer=45 seconds. Hence, you have to speak only for 45 seconds. There are a total of 6 tasks and you have to give 6 answers each of 45 seconds.
After the question, you are given just 15 seconds for preparation and then immediately you have to speak. So, you get very little time to prepare your answer. Just roughly jot down a few important words that you are surely going to use in this time.
For practice of speaking section, record your answers and hear your own recordings to find out any mistakes. This will be extremely beneficial to analyse your own voice and understand your shortcomings and problems. Make sure you do not repeat the same mistakes.
Practice the speaking questions in front of your family and friends. Speaking section will simply test whether you can frame the answer and confidently speak in the given 45 seconds. If you constantly practice speaking in English with your friends and family, you will naturally feel confident while speaking during the exam.
The TOEFL examiners check the recording for proper construction of the answer. It is advisable to frame your answer as follows – introduction, body and conclusion. During practice, prepare in such a way that you frame and cover all the three sections in the 45 seconds time allotted to you.
No need to use uncommon and unheard words which nobody uses in their day to day usage. Proper usage of words is much more important that using the words. If inappropriately used words are heard in your recording, you will surely lose marks.
Important precautions to be taken while taking TOEFL in India
All the TOEFL test centres in India are either school or college computer labs or computer classrooms. There will be a lot of disturbance from your fellow test takers as well as surroundings. So, be prepared for such disturbances and do not get distracted by them. Concentrate on your exam as the timer once started will not stop.
5 out of 10 times, you will face some technical issues regarding microphone, headset and TOEFL software. If you face any such technical issues, bring it to the notice of the invigilators as soon as possible, preferably before the commencement of the exam. You will be given practice testing questions wherein you can test all the accessories. If the exam has started, any such issue solving will only waste your own time.
In the exam hall when the speaking section timing begins, a lot of students will be shouting into the microphone with a very high volume. If you have adjusted your microphone settings properly, there is absolutely no need to shout. Speaking at your natural volume is all that is required during the speaking section.
Length of TOEFL is about 4 and a half hours. Use techniques which will keep your energy and concentration levels high throughout the entire duration of the exam. Some of the techniques involve meditation and simple hand yoga techniques
During TOEFL, you are allowed to take notes. Utilise this facility for reading and listening sections. It will be extremely beneficial. Do not hesitate to ask more paper if required.
