Test preparation tips

This is an adaptation of some test preparation tips from ETS...

Step 1: View the Test for Free

Anyone can tour the parts of the test or view a complete sample test for free online at www.ets.org/toefl /nextgen. See the online tour.

In addition, anyone can join TOEFL’s online practice community, called TOEFL Practice Online, at www.ets.org/toeflpractice for free.

Members have access to

• sample Speaking questions and responses

• Reading and Listening questions

• discussion boards where learners and teachers can exchange ideas

• daily study tips


Step 2: Take an Online Practice Test

• In addition to these materials, members have access to next generation TOEFL iBT practice tests on the TOEFL Practice Online Web site (www.ets.org/toeflpractice). These practice tests are created by ETS, the maker of the TOEFL iBT test. Students can access the practice tests themselves, but teachers or advisors can also access them in bulk quantities for students.

• A practice test can be used one time only. When members take a practice test, they receive instantscores and feedback on the Reading, Listening, and Writing sections.

• As of mid-2005, members can access a TOEFL iBT online practice test with or without the Speakingsection. The Speaking practice will be available at an extra fee. Speaking scores will be availablewithin five business days.

• Members have the option of taking a practice test under timed or untimed conditions. It is important to progress to practicing under timed conditions so students can become familiar with the pace of theofficial TOEFL iBT test. They should also use headphones and become familiar with the directions so they know what to expect on the official test.

• Once members complete a practice test, they receive a score report with their skill scores and performance feedback analysis so they understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Note: The official TOEFL iBT score reports will look different from the practice test score reports.


Step 3: Practice More on Weakest Skills

Use the practice test score report and performance feedback analysis to determine which skills are your weakest. After working on skill-building, try the additional test practice available on TOEFL Practice Online:

• Listening practice questions—access to 151 listening questions for 90 days
• Reading practice questions—access to 165 reading questions for 90 days
• ScoreItNow!TM writing practice—get instant scores and feedback for two independent writing essays


Step 4: Use Good Test-Taking Strategies

Once you've built your skills and practiced for the test, you're ready to take the test. Here are some good test-taking strategies recommended by ETS.

• Carefully follow the directions in each section to avoid wasting time.

• Click Help to review the directions only when absolutely necessary because the test clock will not stopwhen the Help function is being used.

• Do not panic. Concentrate on the current question only, and do not think about how you answered other questions. This is a habit that can be learned through practice.

• Avoid spending too much time on any one question. If you have given the question some thought and you still don’t know the answer to a question, eliminate as many answer choices as possible and then select the best choice. You can review your responses in the Reading section by clicking View. However, it is best to do this only after all the questions have been answered so you can stay focused and save time.

• Pace yourself so you have enough time to answer every question. Be aware of the time limit for each section and task and budget enough time for each question/task so you do not have to rush at the end.You can hide the time clock if you wish, but it is a good idea to check the clock periodically to monitor progress. The clock will automatically alert you when five minutes remain in the Listening and Reading sections, as well as the independent and integrated tasks in the Writing section.