Taking the TOEFL? Preparation and scoring

Part I: TOEFL: Introduction, format and registration details

Yesterday, we took a look at what teh TOEFL is all about, its format and how you can appear for it. Today, in the second part of the series, we look at how you can prepare yourself for the test and other relevant details you should know.

How to prepare for the TOEFL

• Research TOEFL score requirements: Before you begin studying, find out what the requirements are for the college/ university you are interested in attending. The average minimum score required is approximately 70 for iBT, but prestigious universities have higher expectations.
• Learn academic English: When preparing, you should concentrate on studying language that you would hear on campus and in the classroom in the US. Read textbooks, encyclopaedias, journals and research articles that will familiarise you with this type of English.
• Use practice tests: Practice makes perfect! There are many textbooks available in the market with exercises, vocabulary, practice tests, CDs and explanatory answers. You can also look for free samples on the internet to supplement your textbooks.
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• Build up your stamina: You can expect to be at the computer for 4 hours for TOEFL iBT. Most students have an attention span of about 2 hours, which is the maximum length of most classes, and after this, performance starts to weaken. Aim at working up to longer practice test sessions. You must get a good night's sleep before the test and you cannot afford to be tired! You must also learn to pace yourself and watch your time very closely.
• Listening tips: In the TOEFL iBT you are allowed to take notes during the listening section. When practising, don't replay the CD more than once. On the real test you will only hear everything once, as you cannot replay the passage. You have to train your ears to listen right the first time.
• Reading tips: Skim through the passage, read the questions, then read the passage for details to answer the questions. The questions usually come in the order they appear in the passage. Train your mind to anticipate the type of questions you will be asked by taking several practice tests. Always review your answers before going to the next section.
• Writing tips: Keep your writing simple and clear. Don't use vocabulary and punctuation that you're not sure of. Make sure to use lots of examples to support your essay. Transitional words and phrases will make your essay read smoothly. Always leave time to review what you have written.
• Speaking tips: Learn to make a list of topics that are familiar, and practice speaking about them, or describing a familiar place, or recount a personal experience and practice giving one-minute responses to topics.

Test score reporting & cancellation
~ Score reporting
The overall score for TOEFL iBT is expressed on a scale from 0 to 120. The score report shows the scores obtained by the student in the four skills: Listening (0-30), Reading (0-30), Speaking (0-30), Writing (0-30).The scores are available online on the ETS website 15 working days after the test date. The printed score report will be mailed by ETS to you after another 15 working days.

You can choose up to four colleges/ universities to which you'd like to report your TOEFL iBT scores, this option is available free of cost prior to taking the test. You can visit www.ets.org for 4 free online score reporting, by using your login and password, up to 24 hours in advance of your actual test time. For every additional report, you will be charged $17 per university, which can be done after taking the actual test.

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Your TOEFL scores to these institutions will be sent electronically by ETS. Since all universities will require such an official electronic report, it is wise to identify the universities of your choice well in advance of your test date.

~ Score cancellation
At the end of the TOEFL iBT test session, you will be given the option to cancel your scores. Consider very carefully before canceling your scores as these scores will be reported to colleges/ universities only at your request. If you cancel your scores, they will NOT be reported to you or any institutions, and no refund will be made.

However, if you cancel your scores, you can reinstate them, if you send a request to ETS within 10 days of your test date. This request can be sent by phone, fax or mail and a $20 fee is charged by ETS for this.

Part I: TOEFL: Introduction, format and registration details