Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standardized test to measure the English Language ability of non-native speakers wishing to enroll in English-speaking 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, apart from IELTS. TOEFL is a trademark of the education testing services (ETS), a private non-profit organization, which designs and administers the tests. ETS issues official score reports, sent independently to institutions, for two years following the test. In order ti hit the final nail in coffin one needs to make strategy or a proper planning. There are tips which will definitely clear your understanding.
- Gets the nerves of the content and requirements - Most countries now offer the Internet based TOEFL (IBT). A few offer only the paper-based test (PBT). Make sure you find out which test you will be taking before you start studying for the TOEFL. You cannot choose to take the paper based test if your country offers the IBT. One reason people experience exam stress is because they don't know what to expect before a test. Prevent stress on exam day by studying the format of the test in detail. ETS has very clear standards about the format of their test. This is why it is called a "standardized" test.
- Learn academic English - TOEFL is used for a different purpose than other ESL tests. The TOEFL measures your ability to succeed in an American university or college. Other English-speaking countries also require TOEFL scores as a prerequisite for admission. Instead, you should concentrate on studying language that you would hear and see on campus and in the classroom. In other words, you should read textbooks, encyclopaedia, journals and research articles rather than advertisements and resumes. You won't need to know any background information about certain subjects, but it will help you to become familiar with the presentation and language used in academic material. You should also watch modern television and movies. If you have a friend who goes to an English university, go to class with him as often as you can. Borrow his books and hang out with his friends.
- Lots of practice with course correction - The best way to prepare for the TOEFL is to practice doing the tests. If you are taking a TOEFL class, your teacher will provide you with plenty of material. If you are studying for the TOEFL on your own, you will have to purchase a few key resources. Find a textbook that has exercises, vocabulary, practice tests, CDs, and explanatory answers. You might not want to work through a book from front to back. Work on the sections that you find most challenging. Don't just rely on one book. You might have a book that is much easier than the official TOEFL. Look for free samples on the Internet to supplement your textbook. Make sure the question types are up to date.
- Record your own statement - Try and inculcate habit of recording your statements for this you can take help or guidance of any mentor. Which will definitely will clear your approach in speaking.
- Habit of Note- Making - Start making habit of note preparation while doing listening and reading. Not only this will help you here it will help you further also. You will be able to take notes in each section as you take the TOEFL IBT. Note taking is allowed because it is an important skill you need for taking university or college courses. As you study, practice taking notes on the main idea of what you read and hear as well as on the main details. Do this throughout your day as you listen to news reports, read websites, and watch TV. Create your own shorthand for frequently used words and phrases.
- Practice in timed-fashion- Whenever you do practice, take help of the clock.
- Improve your typing skills - You will have to write out your answers on the computer and type your essay. If you rely on a few fingers to type, consider improving your typing skills before taking the TOEFL. Make sure that you are confident typing on a QWERTY keyboard. If you aren't, search for typing practice drills online. Even if your typing skills are strong, try doing practice tests on other computers. Some students get so used to their own computer that they get nervous when they have to type on a new keyboard or use a different mouse on test day.
- Coherent study needed - In principle this exam measures all of the four skills- Listening, writing, reading and speaking. So one need to focus on all the section if you determined hit the final nail in to the coffin.
TOEFL is the exam, based on pillars of all of the four skills of English language. It actually, need well planned and meticulously designed strategy in order to get high score.