If you dream of studying in the States, TOEFL could be your ticket to success. As with any exam, good exam technique is as important as your English ability and could make the difference between getting the score you need to study in the States and missing out. This is especially important for the internet-based TOEFL test. Make sure you get the score you deserve with these terrific tips for tackling the TOEFL test.
How to get a good TOEFL score
1. Improve your computer skills
The iBT is now the most common format for TOEFL, and poor computer skills can make you nervous, careless and slow. Improve your chance of success by being familiar with a computer and by making full use of the pre-test computer tutorial. Learning the section instructions ahead of time is also a must, so that you don’t get confused and save time during the exam.
2. Learn how the questions work
It sounds obvious, but read each question and answer choice carefully, and be cautious of distracting choices – ones that may look correct at first glance, but are wrong. Finally, be sure to double-check your selection before clicking to confirm your answer and move on.
3. Build your memory skills
You can take notes or during the Listening section, but it’s still important practice listening to longer conversations and remembering key details. The entire listening section takes 40 to 60 minutes, which can be tiring if you haven’t practiced for that long. Practice at home under actual test-taking conditions to maximize your chance of success in the exam.
4. Ace your essay
In the iBT, you have to write an essay on an assigned topic. Remember that idea content and organization are just as important as correct English in your essay, if not more. Practice not only writing short 30-minute essays, but also developing supporting ideas for a topic and creating quick and effective outlines. For further practice, make use of [English writing classes]({{ metadata.url }}), where teachers give you fast feedback on your essays and help you sharpen your skills.
5. Manage your time
Many questions trap you into wasting time, so avoid this by setting yourself a careful limit for each question before you start the section. Also practice speed-reading techniques like skimming and scanning. You can’t lose points for incorrect answers, so take a guess even if you aren’t sure.
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