TOP 10 Tips for TOEFL Test

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 Introduction to TOEFL:Test of English as a Foreign Language

 Good Research Ideas

March 12, 2010

TOEFL® Test – Tips To Take You To The Top!

The TOEFL Test, is the most widely accepted English-language assessment used at more than
7,300 institutions in 130 countries including the U.K., U.S. and Canada. The test is divided into
four sections – Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.

Here are some pointers and resources to help you get on your way to score well for the test.

1.Find something interesting to read and listen to, then practice speaking and writing about
it.

Listen to Podcasts, recorded lectures – check the website of your favorite University. Go to news
websites such as Ndtv.com, ibnlive.com, timesofindia.com. Read up on your favorite subjects on
popular websites such as wikipedia.org. Tell a friend or family member about what you learned.

2.Work with a speaking partner, preferably with a native speaker of English or try an
online video chat! The more opportunity you have to speak the language, the more familiar you
will become.

3.Take on the role of a great journalist: Take good notes and use them to make summaries.

4.Make vocabulary flash cards and pretend you are a contestant on a vocabulary quiz
show. Carry the flash cards with you often. They are a great way to make a bus ride go by
quickly.
5.Visit TOEFL-TV on YouTube. www.youtube.com/TOEFLtv for great resources and tips
from English language instructors and students that have taken the TOEFL test.

6. Reading Tips

Practice summarizing and paraphrasing texts. Use charts and outlines to organize the ideas in a
text.  Practice speed reading techniques. Practice reading (and answering questions) on a
computer screen. Expand your vocabulary with daily-use vocabulary cards.

7. Listening Tips

i. Listen for basic information – did you comprehend the main idea, major points and important
details?
ii. Listen for “pragmatic” understanding – Can you recognize a speaker’s attitude? What is the
purpose of the speech? What is their role? Are they an authority or are they a passive part of the
conversation?
iii. Listen for connecting and synthesizing – Can you understand the relationship between ideas?
Compare and contrast. Determine the cause and effect.

8. Speaking Tips

Read aloud a short article from a newspaper, campus newspaper, magazine, textbook, or the
Internet. Write down 2 – 3 questions about the article.

With a speaking partner – Answer the questions. Outline the main points of the article. Give a
one-minute oral summary of the article. Express your opinion about it. If there is a problem
discussed, give the solution.

 Speaking Tips – Pronunciation

 Speak in s-l-o-w motion. You could imitate American or British intonation and rhythm
patterns. You could also work on problematic sounds, such as:

[ t ] and [ d ] – uncurl your tongue

[ p ], [ t ], and [ k ] – add some air!
[ p ] and [ b] – close your lips
[ f ] and [ v ] – lower lip to teeth

 Find an accent reduction coach

 Your pronunciation doesn’t have to be perfect, but native speakers should be able to
understand you.

iii. Listen for connecting and synthesizing – Can you understand the relationship between ideas?
Compare and contrast. Determine the cause and effect.
9. Writing Tips

Find a writing buddy who can give you feedback. Read an article and find listening material on
the same topic. Write a summary of each. Explain the ways they are similar and the ways they
are different.

10. Combine all your skills!

Find listening and reading materials on the same topic from the library or Internet (e.g., news
websites such as ndtv.com). Take notes or create outlines on each. Give a one-minute oral
summary of each.

Explain how the two relate in a short written response (150 – 225 words). Take notes or create
outlines on each. Give a one-minute speech about the same.

Use free resources: www.TOEFLGoAnywhere.org, download TOEFL iBT Tipswatch video

clips highlighting study practices, download sample questions, join communities on SMS
GupShup for free updates.

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