TOEFL preparation

Today we are publishing the next article in the TOEFL test series . Recall that in the previous article we talked about the structure of the TOEFL test, about the features of each section, and also gave tips on working effectively on all sections of the exam. In this article we will discuss all the options for preparing for the test, the strengths and weaknesses of each of them, as well as give a list of useful online services.

The TOEFL Test , also known as the Foreign Language Test, is a unified exam for testing English. Its delivery is necessary for all non-English speaking applicants entering colleges and universities in the USA and Canada, and the results can be requested by employers from these countries.
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In order to successfully complete TOEFL tasks, fluency in the language and competent written language are required. Successful preparation for the test for 4-8 weeks is possible if the applicant speaks English at a level not lower than Intermediate. Options differ not only in terms of time and intensity, TOEFL training is divided into three main forms:
• specialized courses ;
• classes with a tutor;
• self-training.
Of course, it is impossible to unequivocally say which form of training is preferred. The effectiveness of a particular type of occupation largely depends on the applicant, his level of knowledge and character.

Specialized courses

Training in courses is the best option for those who want to systematically prepare the exam and make sure that his knowledge of the sections Speaking and Writing are at the proper level. Preparation takes place in a group under the supervision of a specialist, who can be individually consulted for clarification and advice. The teacher will share his experience and tell about some features of the exam tactics. It is better that an experienced teacher, who has experience in passing the test and who can share personal secrets and unobvious nuances, prepare you for TOEFL.
Interacting with other participants in courses will help you to see your strengths and weaknesses, and also devote a sufficient amount of time to the Speaking section.

Tutoring

This method is the most expensive, but at the same time the most effective. Usually it is chosen by employed applicants who cannot fit into the schedule of group classes. It would also be wise to use it on an emergency basis, if instead of 4-8 weeks set aside for training, there are 2-3 remaining. Often the tutor is chosen by people whose English level is below Intermediate, so that they can quickly “catch up” with the program. TOEFL preparation under the guidance of a tutor has objective advantages: a personal approach, an individual program, convenient class time, the possibility of a detailed analysis of obscure topics and aspects.



Self-training

You should know that self-preparation for TOEFL is the most risky way. Here all responsibility falls on the shoulders of the dealer. Answers to all vague questions will have to look for yourself in textbooks or the Internet. If you are not sure that you can do well with TOEFL without help, then it is better to choose one of the above methods.
How to understand whether this way for you? First of all, self-study is suitable for applicants with a high level of proficiency in the language, and for people with excellent self-organization and discipline. Preparing yourself, you have to show your moral and volitional qualities and perseverance. Especially for this, there are a large number of manuals, methods and Internet resources offering ready-made training programs.

TOEFL preparation tips

• Examine the requirements for each task thoroughly. Poorly oriented in the TOEFL structure , even a person with an Advanced level may not pass the exam.
• Simulate real test conditions: try to complete tasks in a fixed time; when performing a task Listening use headphones.
• Before answering, read all the suggested options, even if you are sure of your answer.
• Become familiar with possible topics for written assignments.
• Answering questions from the Reading section, it is advisable to work with excerpts separately, rather than “jumping” from one to another.
• If you can communicate or consult with a native speaker, use it.



TOEFL Tutorials

Whatever method of preparation you choose, you cannot do without TOEFL textbooks that will help you organize your time correctly. The TOEFL preparation toolkits cover all four sections of the exam: Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. At the same time, there are specialized manuals to prepare for individual parts of the exam. They can be especially useful if you have already passed the TOEFL and wish to improve your result for certain types of tasks.

Pay attention to these benefits:

1. The Official Guide to the TOEFL Test (4th edition)

The manual was developed by the creators of the TOEFL exam, ETS ( www.ets.org ), therefore it is considered mandatory and key in preparing for the TOEFL. The textbook contains:

• hundreds of real assignments from the test and examples of essay topics;
• 3 full test (on CD-Rom);
• valuable tips, exercises, for all sections of the test;
• theory of the exam, the process of passing and knowledge assessment system;
• Handbook for writing an essay.

2. Kaplan TOEFL iBT

This tutorial is released by Kaplan, which specializes in test preparation programs. A CD with diagnostic tests is attached to the textbook and not only:

• trial tests, close to the actual TOEFL tests;
• training tasks for individual sections of the exam;
• audio recordings to prepare for Listening (transcripts of conversations and monologues can be found in the textbook);
• useful advice from teachers, students.

3. Barron's Essential Words for the TOEFL (6th edition) - an excellent guide that helps you gain the necessary vocabulary that will be useful for taking the TOEFL.

But the choice of TOEFL preparation manuals is very wide, and here are some more examples of good books:

4. Oxford Preparation Course for the TOEFL iBT exam .

5. Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL Test .

6. Longman Preparation Course for the TOEFL test .

Virtually every TOEFL preparation textbook today includes a CD of interactive tasks or online tests that will help you immerse yourself in the exam atmosphere and learn how to perform complex tasks in a limited time.

You need to choose the literature accordingly: there are books for both beginners and those who are fluent in the language and just want to familiarize themselves with the format of the exam.



Online TOEFL Preparation Materials

There are many sites on the Internet where you can find video lectures on how to prepare for the TOEFL. The recording of lectures is usually done by an experienced teacher-tutor. Also, a lot of TOEFL Online Practice Test is posted on the network. Most often, they are aimed at improving the skills of Reading and Listening, since in automatic mode it is quite difficult to check Writing and Speaking. In addition, we advise you to pay attention to the sites where there are news, useful materials for preparing for the exam.
Below you will find a list of useful resources on the theory and practice of TOEFL.

Examples of TOEFL online resources:

• ets.org/toefl - the official site of the exam developers, where the TOEFL theory is collected, textbooks and TOEFL Online Sample Questions are presented. In addition, from the pages of the site you can learn about the dates of the next exam, the location of test centers in your city. Registration for the TOEFL is also on the site.
• toeflgoanywhere.org - a website from the ETS company, which contains useful training tips, sample assignments, video lectures, etc.
• toeflblog.com - a simple but informative blog about the TOEFL test with videos and recommendations.
Trial tests TOEFL:
• examenglish.com/TOEFL - brief information about the test and several practical tests for each section of the exam.
• graduateshotline.com/sampletoefl.html - 8 practice tests, 2 tests for Listening, tips on passing the Listening section, a list of the 10 best books on TOEFL.
• testpreppractice.net/TOEFL/Free-Online-TOEFL-Practice-Tests.aspx - 5 Reading tests, 5 Sentence Correction tests and 5 Sentence Completion tests.
• stuff.co.uk/english.htm - 4 practical tests, 1 test at Reading Comprehension, 2 quiz for vocabulary, 4 exercises for grammar.
• learn4good.com/languages/spec_english_toefl.htm - 11 blocks of 25 questions in a test format, TOEFL Vocabluary, lessons and exercises for them, the theory of grammar.

Video lectures:

• engvid.com - on this resource you can find a selection of videos on the preparation for the TOEFL.
• youtube.com/user/TOEFLtv - lectures on the preparation for the TOEFL, the analysis of specific examples of the test, tips, tips, interviews with those who have already passed the test.
• youtube.com/user/RebeccaESL/about - video lectures by renowned TOEFL teacher Rebecca, brief lessons are devoted to a separate small topic, the explanation is accessible and understandable.

In the next article we will tell you about registering for the TOEFL test.

The author of the article is Vyacheslav Davidenko, founder of MBA Consult