TOEFL: Three Weeks Study Plan
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If English is not your first language, you will require extra evidence of your language ability and give a Basic English test which is fulfilled by candidates by giving the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) . Other similar exams are Cambridge Certificates, IELTS or PTE.
Here are some of the reasons which state that it is good to appear for TOEFL as compared to other exams because:
- It is accepted by the world՚s top reputed universities.
- It is among the easiest of the lot, which means you can schedule less study time for this test and focus on other dimensions of your application.
- TOEFL testing center is probably not too far because of its reputation in higher education institutions.
- Most of the examination centers provide a wide range of dates you can choose from to fit your application plan.
- The results will be send to you in around 2 weeks.
Format of Taking TOEFL
The TOEFL can be taken in 2 formats: Internet-based test (iBT) or paper-based test (PBT) . The internet-based format emerged in the year 2005 and has eventually replaced other forms.
In TOEFL, if you score above a certain cutoff value (varies from school to school) , then how much higher you score above cutoff does not make a difference to your candidacy. Most schools accept score above 100 (out of 120) , only the most competitive and highly ranked business schools request for a score of above 110 (like-Harvard Business School) .
Initial Three Days
Understand how the TOEFL works and what is expected of you.
TOEFL comprises of four sections i.e. … Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing and each section is graded on a scale of 1 to 30. The aggregate score can be avail by simply combining together all section scores.
Use the ets. Org site to register for the test. It is suggested to choose the schools you are sending scores to right now, since you are not allowed to do this on your test day (similar to GMAT) .
Order the Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT and do reasonable amount of practice. Official Guide does not supply grammar rules or vocabulary exercises. Its contents are devised to be sufficient, if you need to make yourself aware with the structure of the test and not aim to learn English from basic.
Days 4 to 7: Reading
Aim to do reading in next four days-to test your understanding of the text and knowledge of vocabulary. These questions are relatively easier as compared to the GMAT. The fact that the questions are also ordered to the flow of the passage makes it even easier for you to choose the right answer.
Read and practice with the corresponding section in the Official Guide. It is also highly recommended to read texts in English. Most of the media outlets and science magazines are useful sources of such material are a helpful resource.
Days 8 to 11: Listening
Use the samples given in the Official Guide to understand what you needed to do. You will hear a few passages, lectures or discussions and will be asked to answer some questions on what you՚ve heard.
Along with practicing the TOEFL-specific material, it՚s also advisable to watch some televised shows in English or to browse the online library of sites such as cnn. Com for high quality debates or presentations.
Days 12 to 15: Speaking
There can be voice fluctuations that can cause disturbance as your are speaking on microphone and there are other students who are doing the same.
Your preparation time and effective speaking time are quite limited. It is difficult to generate a logical answer in just around 15 seconds and to deliver it within 45 seconds.
Start practicing with a timer at home. Go through with the instructions in the Official Guide carefully. Have someone with a relatively strong knowledge of English listen to you while you speak and ask for their view-point on your performance. Try to record yourself and do a self-examination on your accent and pronunciation of words.
Try to use as much as connectors in your answer as possible. For every question, be sure to insert words such as “first” “second” “as a result” or “to conclude”
Days 16 to 19: Writing
Official Guide contains a few samples, without any clear pointers on the appropriate layout for an answer.
Try to devise your answers using much of the same connectors as in the Speaking section.
Cover core ideas in a separate paragraph, with a well-structured plan that focuses on the connecting link between various parts of your reasoning.
The Day Before Test: Relax and be Calm
Do not spend your day by going through any challenging or difficult study material
Simply do light reading in English or watch a few news information.
You can also carry some snacks and water with you meanwhile the test to charge up your energy level during the interval gap between Listening and Speaking.
Be confident in forming your view-points either spoken or written and to double check any answers.