Introduction
Are you dreaming of studying or working abroad, but your English level is only A2+? Do you want to ace the TOEFL test and get a score above 80? If yes, then this article is for you. In this article, I will guide you through the steps to prepare for the TOEFL test, from assessing your current level to taking the test and reviewing your results. I will also share with you some tips and resources to improve your English proficiency and test-taking skills. By following this article, you will be able to transform your A2+ level into a solid TOEFL preparation strategy.
- Assess Your Current Level
Before you start preparing for the TOEFL test, you need to know where you stand. What are your strengths and weaknesses in English? How much do you need to improve to reach your target score? To answer these questions, you need to take some English proficiency tests that can measure your skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing. These tests will give you a baseline of your current level and help you set realistic goals for your TOEFL preparation.
Some examples of English proficiency tests are:
- TOEFL iBT Practice Test: This is a free online test that simulates the real TOEFL iBT test. It consists of four sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. You can take the test anytime and get instant feedback on your performance.
- EF SET: This is another free online test that assesses your English level according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). It has two versions: a 50-minute test that covers reading and listening skills, and a 15-minute test that covers grammar and vocabulary.
- IELTS Indicator: This is an online test that reflects the format and content of the IELTS Academic test. It also evaluates your skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing. However, unlike the TOEFL iBT Practice Test and the EF SET, this test is not free. You have to pay a fee to take the test and receive a score report.
- Building Foundations for TOEFL
After you have assessed your current level, you need to work on building your foundations for the TOEFL test. This means strengthening your basic English skills, such as grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. Without a solid foundation, you will not be able to perform well on the TOEFL test, no matter how many strategies or practice tests you use.
Some ways to build your foundations for the TOEFL are:
- Reviewing grammar rules and doing grammar exercises. You can use online resources such as Grammarly, English Grammar Online, or Grammar Monster to learn and practice grammar.
- Expanding your vocabulary and learning how to use words in context. You can use online tools such as Quizlet, Memrise, or Vocabulary.com to create flashcards and quizzes for vocabulary learning.
- Improving your comprehension skills by reading and listening to various texts and audio materials. You can use online platforms such as Newsela, TED Talks, or BBC Learning English to access authentic and engaging materials for reading and listening practice.
- TOEFL iBT Overview
Once you have built your foundations for the TOEFL test, you need to familiarize yourself with the format and structure of the test. The TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) is a standardized test that measures your ability to use and understand English at the university level. It consists of four sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Each section has its own tasks, time limit, and scoring criteria.
The following table summarizes the main features of each section:
| Section | Tasks | Time | Score | | Reading | 3-4 passages with 10 questions each | 54-72 minutes | 0-30 | | Listening | 3-4 lectures with 6 questions each; 2-3 conversations with 5 questions each | 41-57 minutes | 0-30 | | Speaking | 4 tasks: 1 independent; 3 integrated | 17 minutes | 0-30 | | Writing | 2 tasks: 1 integrated; 1 independent | 50 minutes | 0-30 |
The total score of the TOEFL iBT is the sum of the scores of each section, ranging from 0 to 120.
For more information about the TOEFL iBT format, sections, and scoring criteria, you can visit the official website of the test or download the test and score data summary.
- Set Your Target Score
After you have learned about the TOEFL iBT overview, you need to set your target score. Your target score is the minimum score that you need to achieve your academic or professional goals. For example, if you want to apply to a university that requires a TOEFL score of 80 or higher, then your target score should be at least 80. If you want to work in a company that requires a TOEFL score of 90 or higher, then your target score should be at least 90.
To set your target score, you need to consider the following factors:
- Your current level: How far are you from your target score? If you are close to your target score, you may need less time and effort to prepare for the test. If you are far from your target score, you may need more time and effort to prepare for the test.
- Your desired date: When do you plan to take the test? How much time do you have to prepare for the test? If you have a lot of time, you may be able to aim for a higher target score. If you have a limited time, you may have to settle for a lower target score.
- Your specific requirements: What are the specific requirements of the institutions or organizations that you want to apply to? Do they have a minimum score for each section or a total score? Do they have any preferences or expectations for your performance on the test?
To find out the specific requirements of the institutions or organizations that you want to apply to, you can visit their websites or contact them directly.
- Create a Study Schedule
After you have set your target score, you need to create a study schedule. A study schedule is a plan that outlines how much time and what activities you will devote to preparing for the TOEFL test. A study schedule can help you organize your time, prioritize your tasks, monitor your progress, and stay motivated.
To create a study schedule, you need to follow these steps:
- Estimate how much time you need to prepare for the test. This depends on your current level, your target score, and your desired date. A general rule of thumb is that you need about 10 hours of study per week for every 10 points of improvement on the TOEFL iBT scale.
- Divide your time into daily or weekly sessions. Each session should last about 2-3 hours and include different activities such as reviewing grammar and vocabulary, practicing reading and listening skills, doing speaking and writing tasks, taking practice tests, etc.
- Allocate your time according to your strengths and weaknesses. You should spend more time on the sections or skills that you need to improve the most and less time on the sections or skills that you are already good at.
- Adjust your schedule as needed. You should review your schedule regularly and make changes according to your performance and feedback. You should also leave some buffer time for unexpected events or emergencies.
- English Proficiency Enhancement
After you have created a study schedule, you need to focus on enhancing your English proficiency. This means improving your overall language skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing. These skills are essential for succeeding on the TOEFL test and beyond.
Some ways to enhance your English proficiency are:
- Reading extensively and intensively. You should read a variety of texts on different topics and genres, such as academic articles, newspapers, magazines, novels, etc. You should also read carefully and critically, paying attention to the main ideas, details, vocabulary, grammar, structure, tone, etc.
- Listening actively and attentively. You should listen to a variety of audio materials on different topics and formats, such as lectures, podcasts, radio shows, documentaries, etc. You should also listen carefully and critically, paying attention to the main points, details, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, intonation, etc.
- Speaking fluently and confidently. You should speak as much as possible in English with different people and situations, such as classmates, teachers, friends, family members, strangers, etc. You should also speak clearly and coherently, paying attention to the content, organization, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, intonation, etc.
- Writing accurately and effectively. You should write as much as possible in English on different topics and purposes, such as essays, reports, emails, letters, diaries, etc. You should also write correctly and coherently, paying attention to the content, organization, vocabulary, grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.
- TOEFL-Specific Strategies
After you have enhanced your English proficiency, you need to learn some TOEFL-specific strategies. These are techniques that can help you deal with the specific tasks, questions, and challenges of the TOEFL test.
TOEFL-Specific Strategies
The TOEFL is a standardized test that measures your ability to use and understand English in academic settings. It is widely accepted by universities and colleges around the world as a proof of English proficiency. If you are planning to take the TOEFL, you may be wondering how to prepare for it and what strategies to use on the test day. Here are some tips and resources that can help you ace the TOEFL:
- Get familiar with the test format and question types. The TOEFL has four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section has its own format, timing, and scoring system. You should know what to expect on each section and how to answer different types of questions. You can use official TOEFL materials or online guides to learn more about the test structure and question types123.
- Practice your English skills regularly. The best way to improve your English proficiency is to practice it as much as possible. You can read academic texts, listen to lectures and podcasts, watch videos and movies, speak with native speakers, and write essays on various topics. You can also use online tools or apps to check your grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and spelling.
- Take practice tests and review your mistakes. Taking practice tests can help you measure your progress, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and familiarize yourself with the test environment. You can use official TOEFL practice tests or online platforms that simulate the real test. After taking a practice test, you should review your answers and analyze your mistakes. You should also learn from the feedback and tips provided by the test materials or online platforms.
- Develop test-taking strategies for each section. Besides having good English skills, you also need to have effective test-taking strategies for each section of the TOEFL. For example, you should learn how to skim and scan reading passages, take notes while listening, organize your thoughts before speaking or writing, manage your time wisely, and eliminate wrong answer choices. You can find more specific strategies for each section in online guides or books123.
- Prepare for the test day. To ensure that you perform well on the test day, you should prepare yourself physically and mentally. You should get enough sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, dress comfortably, and bring all the necessary materials. You should also arrive at the test center early, follow the instructions carefully, and stay calm and confident during the test.
These are some of the TOEFL-specific strategies that can help you achieve your desired score. Remember that preparing for the TOEFL takes time and effort, so you should start as early as possible and follow a realistic study plan. Good luck!
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