What is the current structure of the TOEFL test?

The TOEFL iBT exam is graded out of 120 points, with each section receiving equal score of 0 – 30 and the duration of the test is 2 hours.

Where TOEFL scores are accepted?

TOEFL iBT scores are accepted by 11,000 universities across the globe and higher education institutions in more than 150 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and countries throughout Europe and Asia. Primarily, most of universities and the institutions in the United States accept TOEFL. It is significant that 9 out of 10 universities in the United States prefer TOEFL over other English-Language Eligibility tests such as IELTS, PTE. To add on, in Canada, more than 80% of graduate accreditation institutions prefer the TOEFL test over other English-Language Eligibility tests. Furthermore, Australia and New Zealand universities also accept TOEFL wholeheartedly.

How much does the TOEFL IBT examination cost?

The test fee is around USD $200 (subjected to change as per the currency fluctuations). This includes your registration fee, score report, and the four score reports sent to institutions of your choice. However, late registration, rescheduling of test, and cancelling test incur additional fees.

TOEFL Listening Question Types

There are seven (7) question patterns being followed in TOEFL test. They are the following;

Questions about Specifics

Attitude Inference Questions

Function Concerns

Questions about the Gist of the Content

Questions with a Purpose

Content-Related Questions

Connecting content Questions

Reading Types of questions

The reading test consists eleven (11) different question patterns. The aim of each category is to assess the capability of candidates in various aspects.

Inference Question

Vocabulary Question

Reference Question

Purpose Question

Detail (Factual Information)

Negative Factual

Information Question

Essential Information (Sentence Simplification) Question

Sentence Insertion (Insert Text) Question

Complete the Summary (Prose Summary) Question

Complete the Table (Fill in a Table) Question

Speaking Types of Questions

There are six (6) different types of question pattern making the speaking test efficient. The speaking test assess thought process and oral fluency along with closely relevant answer to the question. Hence, to ensure efficiency in speaking the following six question pattern is administered

Agree or Disagree

Preference

If / Imaginary

Three Choices

Description or Explanation

Advantage and Disadvantage

Speaking Types of Questions

There are two writing formats followed in writing test:

Integrated essay

Independent essay

What is the format for TOEFL writing questions?

As there are two tasks in it, the TOEFL suggests 350 to 400 words in an independent writing task. Candidate is expected to write four paragraphs in this task: introduction, 2 body paragraphs and conclusion. The introduction should have 5 sentences, the body paragraphs with 12 to 15 sentences each and the conclusion with 4 to 5 sentences. Total time duration is 50 minutes which is classified as 20- minute segment for the integrated writing task and a 30-minute block for an independent writing task.

How is the TOEFL writing evaluated?

TOEFL writing task cautions the candidate that generating ideas for the task is not alone sufficient but to pay special attention on punctuation and spacing turns to be important feature in a sentence. Appropriate usage of punctuation at the correct meaningful chunk in a sentence credits the band score. TOEFL exam does not have auto spell-check, hence administering correct spelling is must. Thus, proof-reading for at least 2 to 3 minutes at the end of the task becomes not just a task but a responsibility to attain higher band in writing task.

Perks with enrolling with THE IMMACULATE for TOEFL Prep

As soon as the candidate enrolls, these Complete Sample Practice questions and topics are given which include writing, reading, speaking and lecture. They closely resemble the real TOEFL Test which helps students ace the exam with confidence and excellent scores.

Protecting Peregrine Falcons

Paradox of Choice

Colonizing Asteriods

Bronze Age Collapse

The Phoenicians

Living on the Moon

Quick Decline Syndrome

Machu Pichchu

The Cave of the Hands

REM Sleep

Moal of Easter Island

New Light Bulbs

Volcanic Building Materials

The second TOEFL writing question pattern is the ‘Writing for an Academic Discussion’ task.

Some of these looks like questions posted to a university discussion group or on a message board. The candidate will read a question posted by a professor, and then read two responses posted by students. The job is to read everything and then answer the question. The student should write about 120 words and will have 10 minutes.

Each answer below should include a complete sample question and two possible responses

Social Media

Targeted Advertising

Taxing Unhealthy Products

Grading Students

AI

City Spending

Longevity

Economic Growth vs The Environment

Work From Home

Online Classes

Learning styles

Corporate Impact

Smart Phones

Influencers

Space Exploration

Starting a business

Website reliability

Price controls

Some More Integrated Essays

The essays below are based on questions from famous books.

Four-day Workweek

Portrait of an Elderly Woman in a White Bonnet (ETS Official)

Endotherms (from ETS Official Collection)

Buying a Franchise (from ETS Official Collection)

Online Encyclopedias (from ETS Official Collection)

The Chevalier (from TOEFL Sample Test)

Wave Farms (from Hackers Actual Test)

The Anasazi (from Hackers Actual Test)

The Usefulness of Coal (casting doubt)

Monarch Butterflies (casting doubt)

Large Animals (casting doubt)

Wheat and Beer (from Princeton Review)

Forest Fires (from Princeton Review)

Great Houses (from ETS Official Collection)

Television Appearances by University Professors (ETS Official)

Smart Cars (from ETS Official Collection)

Eco-Friendly Wood (from ETS Website)

Incan Fortress of Sacsayhuaman (casting doubt)

Iron Fertilization - solution and problem

Going to Mars - Problem and Solution

TOEFL Reading Sample topics

Here are some of the very popular topics for TOEFL Reading Practice:

Biology

Environmental Science

History

Geology

Psychology

Ecology

Archaeology

Astronomy

Education

Art

Topics for TOEFL Listening

Solar energy / Current happenings from journals, magazines and newspapers / Light, sound, and radiation / Music and theory / Planets, astronomy, and cosmology / Photography / Hardware technology / Architecture and design / History / Maths / Anthropology / Chemistry of inorganic things / Education / Seismology / Leadership / Linguistics / Anthropology / Computer science / Seasonal Migration / Evolution theory / Medical techniques / Communication / Child development and pedagogy / Fishery science / Physiology / History of Film / The Internet and the music industry / Bacteria and Viruses / Business management

Books recommended for TOEFL Preparation

TOEFL Prep Books

The following books are some of the best TOEFL Prep Books candidates taking the test.

TOEFL iBT Prep Plus – by Kaplan Test Prep

The Official Guide to the TOEFL Test from the ETS

Barron's TOEFL iBT with Online Tests by Pamela J. Sharpe Ph.D.

The Complete Guide to the TOEFL Test: iBT Edition by Bruce Rogers

Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL Test by Jolene Gear and Robert Gear

TOEFL iBT Interactive by Kaplan Test Prep

Delta's Key to the TOEFL iBT: An Advanced Skill Practice by Nancy Gallagher

McGraw-Hill Education: Essential TOEFL Vocabulary by Diane Engelhardt.

21 Tips & Tricks for cracking the TOEFL Exam

1. Staying Familiar with the TOEFL format

Make sure you find out which test you will be taking before you start studying for the TOEFL, whether it is the TOEFL iBT Internet based test or the PBT Paper Based Test. Prevent stress on exam day by studying the format of the test in detail. ETS has devised clear standards about the format of the TOEFL test and hence it is called a ‘standardized’ test.

2. Avoid exam stress.

Stay relaxed and the key to score well is practice. Students experience exam stress because of lack of preparation of practice tests. Usually students end up not knowing what to expect before they take the test if they have not had sufficient practice which in turn results in exam stress.

3. Conduct a Research on TOEFL score requirements

The TOEFL score is required for any candidate who wants to apply to universities in English Speaking countries, particularly the United States of America, Germany and Korea. Non-native English students who want to go for undergraduate and post-graduate education in the United States. Before you start studying for the exam, you have to make sure to find out the requirements for the schools you are interested in applying to pursue your course. The scores for the Paper - Based test are very different from that of the scores for the iBT. In the iBT, the score looked at is out of 30. Candidates are expected to achieve higher writing skills in the test than in the speaking skills.

4. Learn Academic English for higher scores

The purpose of the TOEFL unlike other ESL tests are to measure your ability to succeed in securing admissions to American universities or colleges. Other English-speaking countries also require TOEFL scores to secure admission and the smooth grant of the visa. You should concentrate on learning the English language which you would listen to and hear on a foreign country campus and in the classrooms. That is to say, you should read journals, textbooks, encyclopedias and research articles. Preparing and learning the background information of many subjects will help you to become familiar with the correct presentation and language used in academic matter. You should also watch contemporary television programs and movies. Hanging out with friends who are also going to an English university, will add to you learning English skills for academic purpose.

5. Use practice tests

The best way to prepare for the exam is to practise by regularly taking the tests. While taking a TOEFL class at THE IMMACULATE, your teacher will provide you with plenty of learning materials. If you are studying for the TOEFL all by yourself, you will have to purchase a few key resources. You will be provided with textbooks that has exercises, vocabulary, soft copies of practice tests listening audios, and explanatory answers. You may not need to work out all the exercises from the beginning to end of the last passages of the book. You may work on the sections that you find most challenging and pay extra attention to the same. Don't just rely on one book to help you clear the test. You might stumble on a book that is much easier than the official TOEFL. Looking up for free samples on the Internet to supplement your textbook is always recommended. Make sure the question types are up to date.

6. Strengthening all the 4 skills

The most important perspective is perhaps to make your reading, writing and listening skills are ready. Ensure your speaking skills need to be continually practiced. If you perform poorly in one section of the test, you will have to retake the entire test once again. You will not be able to redo any one section. Make sure that you are ready to take the entire test when you register. Some people make the biggest mistake of sitting the test too soon.

7. Some useful tips for the Reading Section

The exam does not test grammar separately but you will still need to prove that you have a good knowledge of grammar in the speaking and writing sections. It is helpful to make yourself conversant with key academic vocabulary with the textbooks mentioned above. The important tip that you have to keep in mind is that you don't need to know each and every word in a reading passage to answer the questions correctly. Practise reading passages without the help of a dictionary. While answering the questions, concentrate on the areas that the questions pertain to. Skimming through the passage, reading the questions once, and then reading for more detail will help. You will be asked a minimum of two vocabulary questions from each reading passage. You will also be asked detailed questions and some inference questions in reading. Managing time to reread a whole passage is key. The readings in the passage have a main idea question and the questions usually appear in the order that they are in the passage. Expect the type of questions you will be asked in this section.

8. Some useful tips for the Speaking section

It is not a big mistake to hesitate for a few moments before you can respond. However, it is best to fill out and make the best use of your time as much as possible with your responses. Spending time carefully to sum up things in a short conclusion would aid in better scores. Give importance to mastering pronunciation, so that you do not lose marks in this area. Avoid using big words that you are not familiar with. Make sure you do not lose marks for inappropriate use of expressions, idioms and vocabulary.

9. Some useful tips for the Listening section

While practising the listening sections, do not play the recording more than once. During the real test you will hear everything only once. You have to train yourself to listen fully for the first time. Do not look back at a listening question after you have decided on an answer as you cannot change the answer. Always learn to listen for main ideas, compare or contrast, presentation and the key details.

10. Some useful tips for the Writing section

Give importance to a format that you are comfortable with when you practice the essay. You will have to combine ideas in the first part of the Writing section where you need to retain phrases and write them simple and clear. You will not be able to do a spell check. Therefore, use vocabulary and punctuation that you are familiar with. Spend few minutes to plan your essay before you write it out in order to save time in the writing task. Your writing practice sessions should have specific formats which you follow from the beginning. Always have sufficient time to review what you have written. Reading your essay silently in your head as you check it will help you to make necessary corrections.

11. Finding a mentor

One of the best resources a student appearing for the exam can do is to find a knowledgeable and reliable native English teacher who has adequate knowledge about the TOEFL test. You will have many questions that your textbook may not get you all the answers. And this should never be a reason for you to give up on your preparation and the test. It is a great opportunity when you have someone who will be answering your questions and keep encouraging you when you feel very down. If you cannot afford to have a teacher or a tutor, find a student who has studied for the test recently. Many a time, other students may give you excellent hints and tips for you with grammar questions and answers. Exchanging ideas with other students for their questions and teaching another person is a great way to learn. If you use Twitter, search and look up for ‘TOEFL’ you will find teachers and students to follow and network with.

12. Build up your stamina

The TOEFL test takes a long time to complete. If you are taking the paper-based test it will take you more than 2 hours. The iBT is much longer. You can expect to be at the computer for 3 hours. Many students may have an attention span of around two hours which is the maximum length of most classes. After this, performance starts to weaken among the students. When you fix your study sessions to one or two hours, your brain will not be prepared to work for four hours. Students should start off with short study sessions, and then continue to work up to longer ones. It is absolutely necessary that you sleep well to succeed with good scores, which we at THE IMMACULATE advocate to students from the very beginning. You cannot afford to be tired.

13. Arrive well prepared

You need to arrive at the test centre with all of the things you require, you will feel calm and ready. While remaining calm, you can avoid nervousness, so that your memory works well. Make sure you know the correct address and location of how to exactly get to the test centre and where you can park. Always carry the correct amount of money for parking. If you are writing the paper-based test, you should have the number of pencils needed, also carry a pencil sharpener and a few erasers that do not smudge. Take care to see that your identification looks valid. If you have had problems with your Identification Card earlier, ensure to bring a backup photo to be presented. You need to bring all communication from ETS for you to prove that you have registered.

14. Managing your time well

Wearing a watch to the test centre will help the students, as some exam rooms do not have clocks. This will be very useful if you are taking the paper-based test, whereas for the iBT, there is a clock on the screen. You will need to arrive at the test centre at least 30 minutes before time which is very important to avoid stress too. During the exam, monitor your time very closely. Be careful to not spend too much time on difficult questions. Students need to understand that there will be no breaks between the Reading and Listening section and you will only get a ten minute break after the first half before the Speaking section. Therefore you will only have a short time to write the essay. Spend time planning and checking your writing.

15. How about Improving your typing skills

You will have to fill the answers on to your computer and the essays have to be typed. The need to use your fingers confidently on the letters in the computer and for this you need to practice proper hand placement. This will be helpful with your fingers learning the placement of your fingers on the keyboard and automatically improving your typing skills. Before taking the TOEFL, you need to ensure that you are confident typing on a QWERTY keyboard. And if you do not know the keyboard structure of letters, search for typing practice drills online. Suppose your typing skills are strong, then try doing practice tests on other computers. Many times, a few students are used to using their own computers and might get nervous when they are given a new keyboard or even use a different mouse on the test day.

16. Become an expert at taking notes

While you prepare for the test, master the art of taking notes in the TOEFL exam and when you learn this important skill, it will be helpful for taking notes in university or college courses. Doing this throughout your day while listening to news reports, reading websites, and watching TV, you can target better scores. Creating your own shorthand for frequently used words and phrases will add to your preparation. As you take notes on the main idea of what you read and hear on the main details, you can put them down on paper to understand better. When you are able to take notes in each section of the test while taking the TOEFL iBT practice tests, you master expertise in each of the skills.

17. Answer every question

Never try to leave any questions blank. You need to eliminate all of the answers you know are wrong and then make a logical guess. You will have 25% chances of getting the correct answers. As you complete a section or a question, try to keep it out of your mind. While you are reading, listening, or answering a question, it is important to concentrate on the task you are at hand.

18 Eat well before the test

You will need three hours to complete the test. You are not allowed to carry any food items or drinks into the test room. Eat a reasonable amount for a meal before you go for the test . Avoid too much sugar and caffeine so that you do not get tired quickly. Drink plenty of water at the same time, not too much as you should not waste time in the rest room.

19. Dressing up in comfortable clothing

Wearing your favourite shirt or dress on the test day will help your perform much better in your exam. Choosing a comfortable outfit will help stay confident. Avoid tight fitting clothes and make sure you look your best on the test day. This will help with a ‘feel good vibe’ reminding you to dress for success.

20. Refer to the official TOEFL website

Candidates are recommended to visit the official TOEFL website which has a number of helpful information that you can download for free. It is very helpful and you will find all the information needed for preparation of essays. Updates on test dates, test centres, test updates and resources.

21. Review, Reflect and Reward yourself

After you complete practice test, give yourself a thumbs for having done well or poor. Write your plans to celebrate, going for dinner or a day out after you finish your exam. You will automatically be putting in more effort to give your best.

You have made a wise decision to enroll Online / Classroom for the TOEFL Prep at THE IMMACULATE. Our students’ scores who have enrolled with us –

David Jonathan – 111/120

Shriram N – 112/120

Deepa R – 112/120

Joshua Immanuel 110/120