Having TOEFL test practice has several advantages: it can help you figure the best study plan, it can give you a last-minute check before the official TOEFL exam, and it can familiarize you with the structure of the TOEFL iBT.
TOEFL Test Practice: Stop taking the TOEFL exam if you are not ready!
Too many students (and maybe even you!) have taken the TOEFL exam without adequate preparation. As a result, they do not reach their desired overall and subtotal scores on the exam. Then they register to re-take the exam because they need their required scores quickly. Once again, they do not score high enough on the exam. So far, these underprepared students have wasted $400 taking the exam. How long will they continue this madness? I know of students who have taken the TOEFL exam more than 20 times. Put another way, they are spending $4,000 to take a test they are not even prepared to take. Yet, students who repeatedly take the TOEFL exam often do not invest any money at all preparing for the exam.
TOEFL Test Practice: Take a full-length practice test to find your level.
Before you get too deep into your TOEFL preparation study, make sure you know what score you need, including subtotal scores. For example, UCLA MA Program in Film Production requires international students to have 105/120 on the TOEFL exam. Once you know your subtotal score, you should take a full-length four hour TOEFL practice test. Many of these practice tests costs between 25-45 dollars. Make sure that your practice test includes scoring of all six speaking and both writing practice tests. These speaking and writing tasks should be scored by qualified TOEFL speaking and writing specialists.
Giving an accurate score on a TOEFL practice test will provide a benchmark so you can see where you are right now. Email me at mbuckhoff@aol.com if you are unsure of which web site has the most accurate and realistic practice tests. I use a partner web site for my Online TOEFL Course. This web site offers realistic full-length TOEFL practice tests.
TOEFL Test Practice: Get a study plan.
Once you have taken a TOEFL practice test, you need to get a study plan. It is very easy to determine how long you will have to study if you have TOEFL test practice or if you have taken the official TOEFL iBT.
- You can expect about 5-10 points of improvement monthly in your overall TOEFL score.
- Making these improvements are likely if you are getting the right practice for 2-3 hours daily.
- The closer the get to 100, the more difficult it is to improve.
- Furthermore, scoring higher than 100+ is difficult and in some cases impossible.
Hence, if your current score or practice test score is 60/120 and you want to score 80/120, it will take you 2-4 months. During this time period, you should be doing the following:
- Spending at least 2-3 hours daily improving your vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
- Submitting 3-5 independent and integrated speaking practice tests weekly and getting audio or video feedback from a qualified TOEFL speaking specialist.
- Submitting 2-4 independent and integrated writing practice tests weekly and getting feedback from a qualified TOEFL writing specialist.
If you know how long you will need to study to prepare for the TOEFL, CLICK HERE.
If you are unsure about what you need to do to prepare for the TOEFL exam, e-mail me. I will create a personalized TOEFL path to help you meet your target scores.
TOEFL Test Practice: One last check!
Taking a practice test before you take the official TOEFL exam will help you to see whether or not you are ready. If your practice test score is at or higher than your target score, then it is time to register to take the big exam. For example, if your target score is 100 and if your practice test score is 101/120, then you are ready to take the TOEFL exam.
TOEFL Test Practice: Get to know the format of the test
Of course, having TOEFL test practice helps you get to know the format of reading, listening, speaking, and writing sections of the TOEFL exam. That way you will not be surprised when it is time for you to take the real test.
In addition, taking a full-length four hour TOEFL practice test will help you learn the stamina and concentration needed. You will get practice recording six speaking tasks and writing two tasks just like on the TOEFL exam. This type of TOEFL test practice will give you valuable experience. Then you can make a few adjustments to help you score higher when you decide the take the real test. Also, by taking a TOEFL practice test, it will be less likely that you will have to waste money re-taking the official exam.
Good luck!
Michael Buckhoff, mbuckhoff@aol.com