Here are some
really helpful tips that will go a long way in making your preparation for the
TOEFL easy and effective. Whether you plan on preparing for the TOEFL on your
own or by joining a training institute do not ignore these tips.
Know the Format of the Test first
This works just
the way anything else works. For instance, you are the part of your school’s
soccer team and you have to play the finals on unexplored territory, say, on
the ground of the rival team’s school. What is the first thing that you will
need to know and be prepared for? Of course, it is the game but isn’t that
something you have been preparing for years? Well, in this case, the first
thing that you’ll need to know thoroughly will be the new play ground.
Similarly,
before you start preparing for the real test, get familiar with the exam format
and pattern first. Check if the centre where you’re planning to take the test
offers the Internet based exam, iBT, or the paper based version, PBT. At
present, most countries/centres offer iBT but certain countries/centres offer
the PBT also. Check out the country where you’re planning to take the test. It
can be really unsettling to prepare for the PBT only to find out that the test
is not administered in you country nor in its vicinity!!
Check the TOEFL
Score requirements in the colleges/universities you want to apply to.
TOEFL is an
application requirement for all students whose native language is not English.
Contrary to common myth that only the US universities require this score, most
universities round the world ask applicants for “proof of language proficiency”
by submitting a TOEFL or IELTS score. In many universities, it is just a
formality and you simply need to have it done with fairly decent scores.
However, there are certain colleges that value a high score, especially when
you’re applying for subjects that require more interaction in English or more than
usual communication or writing skills. Do a bit of research and be sure that
you get the score that the college or university of your choice will require
you to secure.
The validity for
your scores is two years. Each section carries equal marks- 30 points – and
schools even stipulate what their minimum requirement in each section is. Check
which sections are more preferable for the college of your choice and give
extra time preparing for those sections. For instance, many journalism based
courses require you to write splendidly well and thus, such colleges expect you
to score your best in the writing skills section.
Get Preparatory Help from trainers and wherever
possible
There are
numerous TOEFL institutes in Dubai scattered in different locations and so it
will not be a task finding one close to where you are based. But always zero
down on a place that focuses on your performance and works hard to make you do
your best. Select judiciously. Exercise the choice intelligently and only go
for the best even if that involves commuting a bit.
Once you join
the preparatory classes, participate diligently in the preparation process to
be ready to face the test well. At the same time prepare on your own. In the process you may be faced with doubts
and problems. Do not hesitate to share your learning issues with your trainer.
It is best to discuss your doubts and get instant help from this quarter. Read
all kinds or literature available to you apart from the books that you have
bought or the ones that your TOEFL coaching class has provided you with. In
short, widen the platform of interaction with the test and seek whatever help
and assistance you need from good sources.
Prepare each of the Sections Well
Give specific
time to each of the sections separately. Be confident and practice well. Make
sure you don’t skip preparing any of the sections even if you find them easy. You
have been delivering speeches at school; that’s great but don’t stop preparing
for the speaking section just because you have been doing well in it. Again, if
you have been a regular contributor of your school/college magazine or have
always got A+ in composition, it is not reason enough for you to be over
confident. Instead keep preparing as this will help you secure the best. The
best way to prepare is to keep taking mock tests from time to time. With
constant tests, you’ll build up your speed and accuracy and this will ensure a
satisfying outcome.
