Essentials of Taking the TOEFL in UAE

TOEFL is an acronym for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is designed to test your reading, verbal, written, and comprehension skills as a non-native English speaker.

You will most likely have to take the TOEFL examination if you wish to study in country where English is the native language, for example the US, UK, Canada, Australia or New Zealand.  More than 9000 academic institutions in over 130 countries accept TOEFL as a standard of English language ability.

TOEFL Format

Globally, TOEFL is available in two formats, internet based test (iBT) and the paper based test (PBT). The structure of the two papers varies vastly.

However, the TOFEL PBT has been phased out in many countries, including the UAE.

TOEFL iBT has the following examination structure –

• Listening comprehension – You will listen to 4-6 lectures and 2-3 conversations and answer 6 questions on each lecture and 5 questions on each conversation. The listening session takes about 60-90 minutes.

• Written expression – You will get two tasks. One is to write from your own experience and the other where you have to either read or listen and then write. This section is for 50 minutes.

• Reading comprehension – You are given 3-5 passages of about 700 words each. You have to answer 12-14 questions per passage in 60-100 minutes.

• Speaking skills – You have to respond to 2 tasks basis your experiences and 4 tasks where you will use a combinations of skills (such as listening and reading) to respond.

While your success at admission depends on several factors, most international academic institutions require that you score in the intermediate to high range in your TOEFL.

TOEFL Validity, Cost, and Centres

You can take TOEFL at any age. The score is valid for two years, so make sure to consider that in your application plans.  If you are unhappy with the score, you can retake the test as many times as you wish once every 12 days. However, you may want to keep the cost of taking the test in mind.

The TOEFL iBT in UAE costs $240 (approximately 880 AED). The fee covers the cost of sending up to four official score TOEFL reports to the academic institutions you selected before the test. You can register for TOEFL online. The test centres are at Umm AL Quwain, Sharjah, Dubai, Ajman, Abu Dhabi, and AL Ain

Exceptions to TOEFL

If you are a non-native English speaker above 11the grade, applying for an academic programme in an English speaking country, then you will most likely be required to present the TOEFL score as part of the application.

However, there may be some exceptions. For example, if you are a non-native speaker holding an academic degree from institutions in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, or Ireland, you may not be asked for a TOEFL score.

You need to check with your prospective institutions for exact admission requirements. Use the TOEFL Destination Search to check if the international institution you are interested in requires a TOEFL report.

Incidentally, some immigration departments use TOEFL to issue residential and work visas.

11 Tips to Help You Succeed in TOEFL

Given the high cost of taking TOEFL and the importance of the score for your academic future, it is important to be well prepared for the exam. Also, if you do poorly in one section of the test, you have to retake the whole test.

Here are 11 tips to help you prepare for TOEFL –

1. Prep material: Download free as well as paid TOEFL preparation material from the ETF TOEFL site. These include sample TOEFL tests to simulate the real test experience, guides on improving your written and spoken English, and Test Prep Planner to help create an 8-week prep plan for the test.

2. Get help: If you feel that you could do with some personal guidance, enrol with a TOEFL training institute or instructor. You will have many questions that cannot be answered through the training material. A mentor can guide your preparation, clarify doubts, and encourage you when you feel down. If you cannot afford professional training help, seek advice from people who have successfully cleared TOEFL.

3. Scoring system: Understand the TOEFL scoring system. The different colleges you apply to may give higher priority to your scores in different sections. Find out the TOEFL scoring requirements for the schools you are interested in.

4. Read, watch, and speak English – If English in not your strongest point, now is the time to work at it. Read international English newspapers, magazines, websites, and journals. Watch modern TV shows and movies to get a grasp on spoken English.

5. Build your focus – The TOEFL exam takes several hours and you need to be well prepared.  Start with shorter durations of study, gradually building up the time you spend at the computer without taking a break. Practising sample tests is one way of developing your ability to focus.

6. Pace yourself – As you take the practise tests, decide how much time you will spend on each section.  This will help you pace yourself during the actual exam, especially if you get a few difficult questions that take longer than you anticipated. Aim to answer all questions in the exam.

7. Practise taking notes – You are allowed to take notes during the TOEFL iBT. Practise the skill of noting down the main points of a passage or conversation as part of your preparation.  This will help you draft answers quickly and accurately.

8. Listening focus – In the real test, you will hear a conversation once before having to answer the questions.  Follow the same method when rehearsing your tests.

9. Keep it simple – In your zeal to score big, don’t use words or phrases you are unsure of. Speak and write simple but coherent words. Ensure that your grammar, spellings, and punctuations are correct.

10. Focus on all 4 skills – Ensure that you are well prepared for scoring well in all sections before you enrol for TOEFL.

11. Day of the test – You need to carry a valid ID with your name, recent photo and signature, and your registration confirmation. No mobile devices or other personal items are allowed in the testing room. Ensure that you get a good night’s sleep the day before the exam. Have a sensible meal before you take the test.

Have you taken the TOEFL recently or helped students prepare for TOEFL?  If so, please share your experience in preparing for the test.