How can I pass the TOEFL exam with a high grade?
One reason people experience exam stress is that they haven’t prepared sufficiently and don’t know what to expect before a test. One way to prevent stress on exam day is by studying the format of the test in detail.
Yes, the good news here is that everyone else taking the exam is probably feeling exactly the same way. You can make a great difference in your score by maximizing your potential before and during the exam.
There’s no way around it, the more you practice, the higher you will score!
Choosing between the paper-based and the Internet-based TOEFL is one big decision you’ll have to make, and you can learn more about the two test formats on the ETS website.
It’s also important to know how to approach each section of the exam. Keep these tips in mind as you prepare for the TOEFL, and to make sure you pass the TOEFL on test day:
Tips for the Reading Section
- Identify important words first — Vocabulary knowledge will be important, and you’ll need to recognize important words in the passages. Look for the main idea in each passage and make a note of it to help you answer some of the questions.
- Read questions first — Look at the questions that will be asked about a passage, then look for the details in the passage that could help you to answer them.
- Practice. Practice. Practice. — Use a practice exam to build up your skills early in looking for important vocabulary terms, the main idea and inferences.
Tips for the Listening Section
- Practice conversing in English only — The easier it is to have a conversation using only English, the easier it will be to understand the taped material on the exam. Choose a variety of topics and use videos of speeches on the internet to hone your listening skills.
- Listen carefully — Since you will only hear the taped material once on the exam, remove all distractions and concentrate on what’s being said on the test. Using practice tests, get accustomed to concentrating and retaining what you hear within a short space of time.
- Listen for the most important information — You won’t be able to change your answers, so decide on an answer and move on as quickly as possible. Focus on listening for both main ideas and details, as both kinds of questions will be asked.
Tips for the Speaking Section
- Take your time before you start speaking — It’s important in this section to respond as quickly as possible without taking long pauses. It is also recommended that you take all of the time you’re allowed to give a thorough response.
- Learn the correct pronunciations of words before the test — Points will be deducted if you mispronounce words, so make an effort to practice the correct pronunciation beforehand.
- Keep the language you use familiar — Use expressions and words that you’re familiar with so that you can give confident and well-framed responses.
Tips for the Writing Section
- Learn spelling and grammar rules — Keep in mind that you won’t be able to use software to check your spelling, so you’ll have to be sure of the correct spelling of the words you use.
- Develop an outline for your essay first — Plan your essay before you start writing and leave time in the end to review your work.
- Use language knows well — Try to write in simple terms and include examples to support the points you make. To be sure that you can recall everything you need to answer the questions, memorize phrases for making connections and transitions before the exam when completing practice tests.
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