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TOEFL® Preparation & Information

I just completed my TOEFL registration—but how do I prep for my test? Don’t panic; USA Education Guides can point you toward a variety of helpful resources for TOEFL preparation.

First things first: Before you start your TOEFL preparation, be sure to understand what the basic goals of the TOEFL are. The TOEFL test stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language™. It’s administered worldwide by the U.S.-based company ETS (Educational Testing Service). The TOEFL is designed to help schools, colleges, and universities accurately gauge your ESL (English as a second language) skills in terms of four categories:

• Reading
• Listening
• Speaking (iBT only)
• Writing

Referenced above, the iBT (Internet-based test) is the newest and most prevalent version of the TOEFL test. The innovative iBT test is different from the other versions (computer-based “CBT” and paper-based “PBT”) because it incorporates a speaking section into the exam. The speaking section centers on a phone call that lasts approximately 20 minutes. The test begins with reading and listening, and then breaks for ten minutes before the speaking and writing portions. To help with your TOEFL preparation, let’s go into all of the sections of the test in detail right now:

• Reading
  In this section, you read a passage and are then asked to answer multiple-choice questions about the passage.

• Listening
  In this section, you listen to a conversation between two people, and also to a lecture, and then answer multiple-choice questions about each segment.

• Speaking (iBT only)
  In this verbal skills portion, you will listen to brief lectures/passages and also answer three questions. Some questions are based on your own personal experiences, while others refer to the lecture you listened to.

• Writing
  This section requires you to write about the relationship between a lecture that you listen to and then a passage that you read. Answers tend to be 150–225 words long.

TOEFL Preparation Resources from ETS

ETS provides many helpful resources for TOEFL preparation. TOEFL prep is easy with their convenient tools, including free sample tests and online community membership! As a further method of TOEFL preparation, ETS also provides comprehensive, authentic sample tests that feature interactive feedback and “real” questions used in previous tests. Available for a small additional fee (prices vary according to the sample test you select), these comprehensive practice tests are also an excellent way to assist students with TOEFL preparation.

• Free TOEFL Practice Online
  Joining TOEFL Practice Online is a “must” for any student who is seriously invested in their TOEFL preparation. Your TOEFL prep will take off when you join this online community of discussion boards and fellow test takers! Not only will you get advice about TOEFL preparation, but you’ll also be able to share all kinds of details about studying in English-speaking countries. What’s more, when you join TOEFL Practice Online, you’ll also get access to a free TOEFL prep sampler, featuring sample sections from all four portions of the iBT. The reading and listening questions are interactive, and the writing and speaking questions allow you to view sample responses to aid with your preparation.

• ETS Web Site
  The ETS Web site itself also provides free samples from all segments of the iBT for further TOEFL preparation. Note: in order to access this segment of the Web site, you first need to login from your respective country. These brief sample segments are designed to give you a basic idea of what to expect from all areas of the TOEFL test, and are also a helpful TOEFL preparation resource. The ETS Web site likewise provides comprehensive details about every aspect of the TOEFL, from registration information to scoring details.

• Priced TOEFL Practice Online
  Another excellent resource to consider for comprehensive TOEFL preparation is a complete sample TOEFL test from ETS. These tests are available for as little as $5.95 for a basic reading test sample, up to $34.95 for the complete iBT practice test. Quantity discounts are available. These convenient online TOEFL preparation tests provide instant feedback and are considered the best online practice available for the iBT, accurately simulating the real environment of the test for comprehensive preparation.

• Other ETS TOEFL Preparation Products
  ETS provides additional TOEFL preparation products that include audio CD and cassette tape test preparation kits, as well as the Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT. This book includes complete overviews of all four test sections, formats and question types, and information about scores and registration. TOEFL prep tips and students’ frequently asked questions are also included, as well as a companion audio CD with listening passages and spoken responses.