Obtaining a good TOEFL score without attending any class

Certification: English Test Preparation TOEFL - Test of English as Foreign Language


TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a regulated exam that tests the candidate in his proficiency in the language of English. It is mainly done by students who are will to enrol to the U.S universities who are non-native English speakers. The paper is both internet based and paper based. TOEFL is accepted by various professional and academic institutions. The Test is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which is a non-profit organisation. The scores that one gets on the TOEFL are usually valid for two years, after that they are no longer available for reporting. The exam a crucial English language test, which will help many applicants get into some of the great universities. For one to do so, they need to obtain a high score. To do the TOEFL test, you do not need to be in class or going to school. One can easily prepare at home and be able to perform well. The test is known to be a difficult one, but with the right kind of preparation and study guideline, one can be able to get the highest score possible.

There are several tips that one can utilise to be able to comprehend and understand what is being assessed in the TOEFL test. If you are working or staying at home, the following tips can help you get a good score, and be able to fulfil your dream of going to an English speaking University:

Get to know about TOEFL

By understanding what the exam is all about, one can be able to know what they are required of. The exam mainly assesses and measures one's English reading, speaking, listening and writing skills. To get a detailed analysis of the TOEFL, make sure to get well-oriented with the structure. Summary of the structure of the TOEFL is as follows:

  • One Reading section - The time limit I this section is 60 to 80 minutes, whereby one, has to answer 36 to 56 questions. In this section, one is required to read passages and answer the questions.
  • One Listening section-This section is allocated 60 to 90 minutes and has 34 to 51 questions. One is require to listen to lectures, conversations and classroom discussion, the answer the questions.
  • One Speaking section-This part is awarded 20 minutes and has six tasks. The applicant is required to express an opinion a familiar topic.
  • One Writing section-In this section time allocated is 50 minutes, and the candidate has two tasks. One is supposed to write an essay based on reading and listening tasks.

By understanding the structure, one can plan well and prepare for the test adequately.

Allocate enough time for preparation

Time is a key factor when preparing for the TOEFL test. It is recommended that one should give themselves six month to one year to adequately prepare, especially if you have never done the exam before or have no experience. Get enough study material and training tools that will enable you to be fully ready. There are several material that one can rely on in the market to guide them in preparation for the TOEFL.

Read and Listen to Everything

Since the TOEFL test on the English skills, one needs to practice on reading and listening. This will build your vocabulary and also grammar. The TOEFL test requires the candidate to read passages or listen to lecture on various topics such as astronomy, biology, American history and psychology. So to be prepared, make sure to read as much material as possible so as gradually to improve in all your English skills.

Practice on your pronunciation

On the TOEFL, one is required to speak in English, so you need to ensure that you pronunciation is as clear as possible. You can still have an accent but make sure that your words are audible and clear. The speaking section in the TOEFL, usually measures three things: Grammar and vocabulary use, how one sounds and also how one well answers the questions and completes the task. There are several ways in which applicants can improve their pronunciation especially if it is not good.

Improve on your Typing

If you are not well oriented with the QWERTY keyboard, make sure to practice. Go for classes that will improve on your typing. The TOEFL has a section where the candidate is required to write. In the last section of the TOEFL test, one is required to type in responses into the computer. Get to practice on how to improve on your speed of typing and also being able to type without looking at the keyboard.

Teach yourself on how to write an English essay

Practice on how to write an excellent essay as much as possible. This will gradually improve your English writing skills. Get to understand the essay format that is required of you in the TOEFL. This will enable you to write a perfect essay with no errors at all.

The following are some of the important ways of preparing for the TOEFL without attending classes. You do not need to go to class to prepare for the TOEFL. With the right study material, one can easily prepare from home. One you have done preparation, make sure to do as much practice of the TOEFL test. Get past papers and questions which will give you a rough idea of how the paper is. With an efficient study schedule and guide, you will be more than ready for the TOEFL exam. On the exam, day make sure to relax, and if you do not perform your level best on the first attempt, one can re-seat the exam. No one will ever know your TOEFL score unless you inform them.


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