One final answer: What is the best way to get a high TOEFL score?

A Quoran asked this question at https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-best-way-to-get-a-high-score-on-TOEFL. However, the moderator deleted my answer for reasons unknown to me. Therefore, I will post my answer here.

Since the question is a bit unclear, I will define a high score as being over 100/120, with minimum subtotals of 25-26 in the reading, listening, speaking, and writing sections.

Have a Clear Target Score in Mind

You should research to determine exactly what overall score and specific subtotal scores in the reading, listening, speaking, and writing sections you will need so that you can set a specific goal. Just wanting to get a high score is not a specific enough target because many universities and professional credentials programs such as nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy differ in terms of what scores you will need to achieve.

Complete a TOEFL Practice Test

Once you have a clear target score and subtotal scores in mind, you now need to see how close or far you are from that goal by taking a full-length TOEFL iBT four hour practice test. These practice tests cost around $40 on the Internet, and you will be able to submit your speaking and writing tasks and have them scored by a TOEFL iBT speaking and writing specialist. Do not under any condition try to estimate your speaking and writing scores! Your goal by taking a practice test is to have it independently scored by someone you do not know who can accurately evaluate your reading, listening, speaking, and writing proficiency. After taking an authentic, realistic practice test, you will get an overall score plus reading, listening, speaking, and writing subtotal scores.

Another more expensive option if you have money to burn is that you register to take the official TOEFL iBT exam. You will get the same results as if you had taken a practice test, but in this case you would have spent $160 extra.

Find a Course Plan

Now that you have an overall TOEFL score and subtotal scores, you have all the information you need to find a course plan that best fits your situation. Go to http://onlinetoeflcourse.com/about/ and find a TOEFL course that best fits you situation. Here are some tips in helping you get the most out of the TOEFL course that you choose:

1. In order to meet your goal, you must complete the practice exercises and lessons in your course plan for the recommended period of time.

2. You must complete the pronunciation and speaking practice exercises and e-mail your practice to your TOEFL iBT speaking specialist. Really listen to the audio and video feedback that you get and use that feedback to help you improve.

3. Similarly, as boring as it is, you must complete your writing practice exercises and e-mail your responses to your TOEFL writing specialist who will provide written and video feedback to help you get better.

4. The more that you practice the lessons in your specific course over an extended period of time, the better your overall TOEFL score will get.

Check your Progress

At the end of your TOEFL course, take a full-length TOEFL iBT practice test so you can get an overall score and subtotal scores in the reading, listening, speaking, and writing sections. Discuss the results with your TOEFL specialist, so you can decide whether you or not you should register to take the official TOEFL exam.

And this is the best way to get a high TOEFL score!

Michael Buckhoff, mbuckhoff@aol.com

http://onlinetoeflcourse.com