The Test of English as a Foreign Language Test (commonly known as TOEFL) measures your capacity to comprehend and utilize English at a university level. More than 6,000 colleges, government organizations, and companies accept TOEFL test scores worldwide. The TOEFL Test serves a similar role to other standardized tests (such as SAT and ACT Tests) in that they are utilized by colleges and universities as a factor in admissions. Different universities place varying levels of importance on standardized tests, such as the TOEFL, and utilize them along with other things such as GPA, class rank, community service, recommendations and extracurricular activities.
The TOEFL exam is given in two formats: the TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) and the TOEFL Paper-based Test (PBT). Where you take your examination will dictate the type of TOEFL exam format. There are currently more than 4,300 TOEFL examination facilities worldwide.
There are four areas that the TOEFL iBT concentrates on. These areas (reading, listening, speaking and writing) will test your English aptitude. The TOEFL examination focuses on speech used in an academic, higher-learning environment. You are given four hours to complete the TOEFL iBT test.
The TOEFL iBT test scores range from 0 to 120. The four sections (reading, listening, speaking and writing) are each given scores over a scale from 0 to 30. These sub scores are then added together for the overall score. The computer exam for the reading and listening components are automatically graded. Each of the six tasks in the speaking segment has an opening score of 0 to 4 which is then modified to the 0 to 30 scale. Certified examination scorers will assess your answers based on how well you expand your topic and convey your response in English. Similarly, both writing section tasks each have an initial score of 0 to 5 which is then changed to the 0 to 30 scale. The trained test graders assess your answers based on organization, grammar, vocabulary and general quality.
The TOEFL test scores on the Paper-based (PBT) test vary from 310 to 677. Test scores will go from 31 to 68 for both the listening comprehension and the structure/written expression parts. The reading comprehension portion is graded on a range of 31 to 67. The raw scores for each portion are then changed to the TOEFL examination scale range of 310 to 677.
To do well on the TOEFL Examination, it is vital that you study smart – not hard! To study smart, it is best to:
- Study when you’re the most alert
- Determine the specific areas that are covered on the TOEFL exam
- Give attention to the material that you don’t know
- Utilize a flexible study schedule
Among the best ways to study smart for the TOEFL Examination is to use TOEFL Practice Tests. TOEFL test preparation is about practice. To make the most out of TOEFL practice tests, try some of these approaches:
– Understand your score report so that you know what questions you got incorrect
- Take exams with self-imposed time constraints – this will likely help you insure that you comprehend the material
- Make sure to tackle a single part of the exam at a time
To start, you should use free TOEFL practice tests to see if you are prepared for the real examination.
Find out more about free TOEFL practice tests at www.Test-Guide.com. Visit Scott Mansfield’s site to understand more about free study guides for CDL, EMT, Postal exams and more.
