Want to Study in the U.S? Prepare for TOEFL

What is TOEFL?

TOEFL is an acronym for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is designed to test how well a person from a non-English speaking country can speak, read, write, and comprehend American English.

If you aspire to study or work in an English-speaking nation, especially the U.S, you must ace the TOEFL. No other English proficiency test is as widely accepted as the TOEFL.

TOEFL as a test of English language proficiency is accepted in over 9000 universities and educational institutions in 130 countries across the world, as well as by the highly ranked colleges in top study destinations such as the US, UK, Canada and Australia. Including a TOEFL score as part of the overall college admission details submitted to a U.S university will give you a higher chance of success vis-a-vis a person who has not taken the TOEFL.

TOEFL can be given as an internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) or a paper-based test (TOEFL iBT). The TOEFL iBT is the more popular version; the TOEFL iBT is mostly used in locations that don’t have the paper-based test.

TOEFL Format

The first thing to know when preparing for TOEFL is the format of the exam. The TOEFL paper is designed to measure four skills English language skills – reading, speaking, writing, and listening.

The reading section is for 60 to 80 minutes and has 35 to 56 questions. You will read and answer questions based on the passages provided.

The listening section is for 60 to 90 minutes and has 35 to 51 questions. In this section, you will hear recorded conversations and answer questions based on those conversations.

Then you are given a 10-minute break.

The speaking section which lasts for 20 minutes follows next. Here you are asked to speak into the microphone about general topics, as well as answer a few questions on the passages you read/ heard in the previous sections. This section contains six tasks. The responses in speaking section are evaluated by three to six examiners to ensure fairness in marking.

The writing section is 50 minutes and contains two tasks. You have to read and listen to passages and then write the answers. This section evaluates your ability to express an opinion in U.S English.

The recorded passages you hear during the TOEFL paper will have a mixture of North American, British, Australian, and New Zealander accents. The different accents are included to reflect the native English accents you will hear on-campus as an international student.

TOEFL Score

Each of the four section has a maximum score of 30, which means you can score a total of 120 for the entire test. The minimum TOEFL score required for admission depends on the individual college and university.

The TOEFL score is valid for two years. You can retake the paper as many times as you like, with a gap of 12 days. However, given the high cost of registration, give it your best shot on the first try.

Registering for TOEFL in UAE

The early bird gets the worm. We couldn’t help but use this famous simile.

To get a TOEFL test centre at a convenient location, register early. Registrations begin three to four months before the exam date. In the UAE, you have a choice of six locations – Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Duba, Dubai, Ras AL Khaimah, and Sharjah. The fee for registration is USD 240.

TOEFL Preparation Tips

Even if you speak, read, write English very well, it’s important that you make a study plan for TOEFL preparation. The test results are important for your academic future at a foreign university, and why to prepare for TOEFL twice when you can ace it in the first attempt!

It’s advisable to start your TOEFL preparations at least two months before the TOEFL date. The best way to prepare for TOEFL is to use the English language in your everyday life.

• Communicate and read in U.S English every chance that you get.

• Improve your U.S English vocabulary by learning a few words every day.

• Watch American television shows, movies, and news channels

• Read popular American websites such as CNN, New York Times, and Boston Globe

• Surf YouTube videos of famous American comedians to become familiar with American slang words and cultural references.

• Speak oftener in English; try to articulate every thought you have during the day in English.

On the day of your TOEFL test, plan to arrive at the test centre at least 30 minutes ahead of the scheduled time. Carry your registration number as well a valid photo identity documents. The photo identification should have a recent photo, your signature, and your name as mentioned on your TOEFL registration form. It’s advisable to carry two photo I. D’s, just in case the first one is not accepted.

Time management is crucial during the exam; as you try to attempt all questions, don’t get stuck with figuring out the answer to any single question. If you are unsure, pick the option that seems right, and move on.

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