Tips And Strategies You Must Know To Ace The TOEFL Test

Devi Bhuvanesh 7 years ago

Finding it difficult to get a good score in TOEFL to enter into the best possible university in your field? Well, TOEFL (Test of English as a foreign language) score is one of the most important selection criteria in several universities abroad. The total test is graded out of 120 and each module is scored out of 30. This score is valid for a period of 2 years.

Here is a brief overview of each section and the useful tips and strategies you must know to score well in TOEFL:

1. Reading Section

The reading section checks the ability to read, understand, and comprehend the passages while answering questions based on the same. It consists of 3 – 4 passages, each passage consisting of 13 – 15 questions.

Duration – Approximately 60 – 80 minutes

Tips and Strategies - 

  • Highlight the key facts by scanning each passage such as dates, numbers, terms, and other important information.
  • Do not choose an answer just because it seems important or true
  • The correct answer is usually inferred from the passage.
  • Look at the logic and structure of the sentence.

2. Listening Section

The listening section tests an individual ability to understand spoken English that deals with interactions in an academic environment. It mostly comprises of talks and lectures of American speakers. There are two formats:

  1. Short Listening – It comprises of 6 talks of which 3 are conversations and 3 are lectures.

         Duration – Approximately 45 – 55 minutes

  1. Long Listening – This section has 9 talks of which 3 are conversations and 6 are lectures.

         Duration – Approximately 70 – 80 minutes

Either one of the formats will appear in the test.

Tips and Strategies - 

  • Go through the questions before you start listening to the recording
  • Take down notes while you listen but do not try to write down every detail
  • Pay careful attention to new words/concepts introduced by the speaker
  • Listening questions MUST be answered in order. You cannot go back to the question and change your answer
  • Focus on the content and flow of material

3. Writing Section

This section tests a candidates’ ability to write and communicate clearly without any grammar mistake. It comprises of two task.

  1. Integrated Writing – A technical essay has to be written based on reading a passage and listening to a lecture.

         Duration - 20 minutes.

  1. Independent Essay – A general essay on a common topic that is given has to be written.

         Duration - 30 minutes

Tips and Strategies - 

Integrated Writing Task

  • Look out for the main idea of the reading passage and make notes.  
  • Listen to examples or explanations that make points in the reading passage seem less convincing or even untrue
  • Remember that you are not being asked for your opinion. You are being asked to list the points of opposition between the reading and the lecture

Independent Writing Task

  • Respond to the topic clearly and to the point
  • There is no maximum word limit
  • Keep track of your time; try to finish writing your essay 4 to 5 minutes prior
  • Check your work and make final changes if any

4. Speaking Section

To test the candidates’ ability to converse in English fluently, speaking test is conducted. This section has 6 question which includes both, independent and integrated speaking questions. The time limit per question in speaking is approximately 45 seconds to 1 minute.

Duration - 20 minutes.

Tips and Strategies - 

  • Do not begin speaking until you are told to do so
  • Make sure you are audible and clear when you are speaking
  • Maintain a constant pace and do NOT be in a hurry to speak

Start preparing well in advance and if you need a help from an expert, approach professional TOEFL Coaching. All the best!


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