TOEFL - A New Dimension

_{TOEFL TO PUT IN PERSPECTIVE}

General Strategies To Strike The Exam:

The very first task of student is to find out which version of the TOEFL would reap benefit as per ones capabilities:
Depending on where and when you appear for the TOEFL test; you will encounter either the Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) or the TOEFL Paper-based Test (TOEFL PBT). Be sure of which format you will use. Your TOEFL score from either test will be accepted by the colleges you choose, but the differences in the test formats will influence some of your TOEFL preparation.

Proper Planning Is ‘SINE Qua Non’:
“Practice makes a man perfect and practice with proper planning will lead to success”. Sink yourself in preparation; spend enough time in TOEFL preparation so that you know where your strengths and weaknesses are. Having this sort of approach can help you decide where to focus your energies as you prepare for the test. If you will be taking the Paper-based Test (PBT), work through some practice tests and then concentrate your TOEFL preparation on any weak areas. Take time to review your strong areas, but invest your time to build up your weaknesses. If your exam will be the Internet-based test (iBT), be sure to visit the TOEFL iBT Web site (www.ets.org/toefl) and examine the information presented there. Moreover, get your trainer’s opinion on where you can best spend your preparation time.

_{Know In's And Out's Of Exam:}
To surge your TOEFL score, be ready for test conditions and be well-rehearsed, in order to plan meticulously you need to know the syllabus section wise analysis.TOEFL is tested.
The TOEFL IBT (Internet Based Test) is an exam of 4 hours duration. It comprises of the following sections:

1. Reading: This part comprises of 3 to 5 passages of approx. 700 words each having 40 to 70 questions distributed among them. The total allotted time for this section is 60-100 minutes. The part which has tests for vocabulary and reading comprehension judges the reading and vocabulary skills of the candidate.

2. Listening: This section of the exam has 4 to 6 lectures and 2-3 conversations with 34-51 questions among them. The candidate is provided with 6 questions per lecture and 5 questions per conversation, to be solved in a time span of 60-90 minutes duration. This section judges the listening capability of the test taker.

3. Speaking: In this section a total of 6 tasks are to be assigned to aspirant who includes 2 questions on expressing the opinion, 4 questions on what one has to read or listen. The total allotted time for this section is only 20 minutes.

4. Writing: This part has a total of two tasks: writing what one has to listen to and one question on writing on the topic assigned to the test taker on the spot. The allotted time is 50 minutes.

Research Toefl Score Requirement:

It’s important to research the minimum requirements for the university or institution you are interested in going to so that you can set your target and subsequently can chase that.

Inculcate Habit Of Reading Academic English:

The very principle of TOEFL is altogether different than other English testing exam used for different purposes. The TOEFL specifically measures your ability how one can survive in an American university or college. You should concentrate on studying language that you would hear and see on campus and in the classroom by reading textbooks, encyclopedias, journals and research articles. This will help you to become familiar with the presentation and language used in academic material.

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 to excel at the university level. We will practice taking notes on the main idea of what you read and hear as well as on the main details. We recommend you 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.

Attempt All Questions:

Never leave a question blank. Eliminate all of the answers you know are wrong and then make an educated guess. Even if you can’t eliminate an answer, you have a huge possibility of getting the correct answer.

Section Wise Approach:
For Reading:

• Familiarize yourself with key academic vocabulary.

• Practice reading without using a dictionary. This will help you improve your reading comprehension without the need to understand every word.

• Concentrate on the areas where key in.  Skim the passage, read the questions, then read again for more details.

• You will usually be asked a main idea question, at least two vocabulary questions, some detailed question and inference questions.

• You will not have the time to re-read a whole passage in detail.

For Writing:

• Memorize phrases from practice tests that show you how to make connections in the first part of the writing section.

• Keep your writing simple and clear.

• Only use vocabulary and punctuation you are sure of.

• Spend time planning your essay before you write it. This will save you time in the long run!

• While practicing for the essay section, find a format you are comfortable with and use that format every time.

• Use lots of supporting examples

• Make your writing easier to read by using transitions (memorize a list of them).

• Leave time at the end to check over your essay.

For Listening:

• Simulate a real testing environment- when practicing for the listening section, only play the CD once. This will train your ears to listen fully the first time.

• During the real exam do not look back at listening questions you have already answered.

• Learn to listen for main ideas, presentation and key details.

For Speaking:

• Fluency with clear ideas is required while giving verbal response; it is okay to hesitate a moment or two before giving your response.

• Sum things up in the end with a short conclusion.

• Try to only use words that you feel comfortable pronouncing- you will lose points for poor pronunciations.

• Do not use vocabulary or idioms that you do not fully understand as you will lose points for their improper use.

Last but not the least is, sink yourself with English academics as end of the day, you need to prove whether you are proficient in English. So you have to strategize this exam to get proficient.