Tips on How to Increase TOEFL IBT Score
Familiarity With TOEFL Materials Guarantees Improved Score
Dec 14, 2009 Frances Suselo
improve TOEFL score -Kaplan TOEFL iBT
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Second Language) IBT (Internet-Based Test) is an internationally accepted standardized test for non-native English speakers to take in order to prove their English fluency. A high TOEFL score paints a student in a better light and can even exempt a student from taking a no-credit basic English class in a university (thus saving precious time and money).
It is understandable that some might feel intimidated by the 4-hour standardized test. However, being familiar with TOEFL's materials and form should lower the anxiety level.
The Four Sections of the TOEFL Test
The TOEFL test is divided into four sections: reading, listening, writing and speaking.
In the reading section, test takers are given three reading passages and then there will be multiple-choice questions to check comprehension levels. The topic of each reading passage varies; it could be history, politics, social science, psychology, astronomy, biology, and so on. This is actually another advantage of doing many practice tests of the TOEFL reading section: one gets to acquire to much knowledge because TOEFL reading passages often mention useful and interesting topics, such as possible explanations for the Moai statues in Easter Island, the origins of the term "tumbleweeds", and tactics for training homing pigeons.
In the listening section, the test taker has to listen to some conversations and lectures, and then there will be multiply-choice questions to gauge the listener's comprehension. Again, the topic of each listening passage varies. The conversations are always about campus situations, such as a student asking some advice from a teacher, or two students discussing their class notes.
The writing section of the TOEFL test is divided into two parts: the independent essay and the integrated essay. In the independent essay, the test-taker is given a question which he or she has to answer in the essay. The question is always about the test-taker's opinion, such as "Do you agree with the statement that the television has contributed to the deterioration of communication between family members?" The test-taker then has 30 minutes to answer this question using supporting details from his or her own experience or observation. The other part of the TOEFL writing section is called the integrated essay, where the test-taker has to read a short passage, then listen to a lecture related to the passage, and finally he or she has to answer a question in essay form. For this essay part, the test-taker's opinion is not being solicited.
The speaking section of the TOEFL tests the test-taker's fluency in spoken English. The test-taker has to intelligibly and effectively answer some questions, both regarding his or her own opinion as well as some given topics.
How to Get Familiar With the TOEFL Reading Section
A test-taker who can anticipate the kinds of questions which will come out in the TOEFL reading section will benefit greatly. These are the question types that usually appear:
Factual/negative factual: the answer to this type of question is written clearly in the passage; the trick is to simply find it. The negative factual question is a little trickier, since the reader will have to eliminate each possible answer until he or she arrives in the correct answer choice.
Vocabulary: this question asks, "What is the meaning of the word x in the passage?" Because some words have multiple meanings and nuances when used differently, the reader has to pay attention to context in order to answer this type of question correctly.
Inference: this type of question is less straightforward as the reader must sort of "guess" why the writer mentions certain things in the reading passage.
Purpose: this question asks the purpose of the reading passage – is it to inform? Argue or debate? Entertain?
Method: this question asks how the passage writer present the information - is it by presenting the evolution of the topic by chronology? Is it by comparing and contrasting two or more things? Is it by giving a detailed description of a phenomenon?
Opinion: this question wants to find out if the test-taker can distinguish between facts and opinion.
Sentence restatement: the test-taker must choose a sentence which retains the same meaning as a highlighted sentence within the reading passage.
Sentence addition: this question tests the organization skill of the test-taker; he or she must insert a new sentence into a paragraph within the reading passage.
Completing summaries and charts: the test-taker must be able to recognize the main points and ideas of the reading passage.
How to Get Familiar With the TOEFL Listening Section
Like the TOEFL reading section, the listening section contains similar question types:
Main idea: the question asks the listener what is the main idea of each passage.
Supporting details: this question asks the listener to identify proof or details which support the main idea.
Inference: the listener is supposed to "guess" why the speaker(s) in the passage mentioned something.
Purpose: this question asks the listener the purpose of each listening passage - is it to inform? Argue or debate? Entertain?
Method: the listener has to identify how the passage present its information – chronological order? Compare and contrast?
Attitude: the listener must be able to identify the attitude of the speaker(s) in each passage – is s/he doubtful? Excited? Upset?
Relationships: the listener has to know how the important points in each listening passage is related (cause/effect, comparison/contrast, chronological order, etc.)
How intonation affects meaning: the listener must be able to identify the meaning behind a speaker's way of speaking (for example, tone of voice, or use of idiom).
Completing summaries and charts: like in the reading passage, the listener is also asked to complete a chart or summarize each passage's main points and ideas.
How to Get Familiar With the TOEFL Writing Section
The independent essay question always asks either two types of questions:
The open question: the test-taker is given one question asking his/her opinion on a familiar topic, such as "If you could change one thing about your hometown, what would it be, and why?" or "Would you rather be a leader of a group or a member of a group?" The test-taker must answer the question and provide reasons and specific examples to support his/her answer.
The integrated question: for this essay question, the test-taker must read a short passage, then listen to a lecture relating to the reading passage. Then the test-taker is given a question which s/he must answer in essay format. In order to answer the question accurately and efficiently, the test-taker must understand the relationship between the reading passage and listening passage: do they support each other? Contradict each other? Does one add more information to the other?
How to Get Familiar With the TOEFL Speaking Section
The speaking section of the TOEFL has six questions:
Open question: the speaker must answer a question about a familiar topic, like "Describe your home town" or "What is your favorite holiday and why".
Choice question: the speaker must pick one out of two choices, such as "Do you prefer to eat at home or in a restaurant? Why" or "Would you rather study alone or in a group? Why?
Integrated question 1: the test-taker must read a short passage, then listen to a conversation related to the passage, then answer the question by speaking.
Integrated question 2: this question is similar to the previous section, except the test-taker must listen to a lecture (instead of a conversation) related to the reading passage, then speak effectively to answer the question.
Problem and solution question: here, the test-taker has to listen to two people talking about a problem and its possible solutions. The speaker must identify what the problem is, what are the possible solutions and what s/he thinks should be done.
Lecture question: the test-taker must listen to a professor giving a lecture, usually on an unfamiliar topic, then s/he has to summarize the lecture.
Familiarity With the TOEFL IBT Breeds Ease
Once test-takers are familiar with all the four sections of the TOEFL, they must practice doing them again and again until they becomes so familiar with the directions that those directions can simply be skipped, thus saving precious time. Over time, taking the TOEFL IBT will become second nature. Once this level is reached, the test-taker can then truly concentrate on the content of the passages instead of the format of the test, thus improving the TOEFL score.
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Verb to Complement
1. The teacher decided (to accept) the paper.
2. They appreciate (having) this information.
3. His father doesn’t approve of his (going) to Europe.
4. We found it very difficult (to reach) a decision.
5. Donna is interrested in (opening) a bar.
6. George has intention of (leaving) the city now.
7. We are cager (to return) to school in the fall.
8. You would be better off (buying) the car.
9. She refused (to accept) the gift.
10. Mary regrets (being) teh one to have to tell him.
11. George pretended (to be) sick yesterday.
12. Carles hopes (to finish) his thesis this year.
13. They agreed (to leave) early.
14. Helen was Anxious (to tell) her family about her promotion.
15. We are not ready (to stop) this reearch at this time.
16. Henry shouldn’t risk (driving) so fast.
17. We demands (to know) what is going on.
18. She is looking forwaard to (returning) to her country.
19. There is no excuse for (leaving) the room in this condition.
20. Gerald returned to his home after (leaving) the game.
Verb Agreement
1. Neither Bill nor Marry (is) going to the play tonight.
2. Anything (is) better than going to another movie tonight.
3. Skating (are) becoming more popular every day.
4. A number of reporters (was) at the conference yesterday.
5. Everybody who (has) a fever must go home immediately.
6. Your glasses (were) on the bureau last night.
7. There (were) some poeple at the meeting last night.
8. The committe (has) already reached a decision.
9. A pair of jeans (were) in the washing machine in this morning.
10. Each student (has) answered the first three question.
11. Either John or his wife (makes) breakfast each morning.
12. After she had perused the material, the secretary decided that everything (was) in order.
13. The crowd at the basketball game (was) wild with excitement.
14. A pack of wild dogs (have) frightened all the ducks away.
15. The jury (is) trying to reach a decision.
16. The army (has) eliminated this section of the training tet.
17. The number of students who have withdrawn from class this quarter (are) appaling.
18. There (have) been too many interruptions in this class.
19. Every elementary school teacher (has) to take this examination.
20. Neither Jill nor her parents (have) seen this movie before.
Present Perfect
1. Mr. Harris has taught Enghlish at this school for five years.
2. I have written three or four letters to that company.
3. The student in the class have done those two lesson already.
4. I have knew Professor Moore for more than twelve years.
5. Richard has took three course in Enghlish at this school.
6. Those steps are dangerous. I have fell on them several times.
7. Mr. Kramer have been in the United States for three years.
8. The janitor has already shut to the back door.
9. The students have read all of the stories in that book.
10. Marjorie has chosssen ad pretty dress in the party.
11. I have spoke to my boss about the problem several times.
12. Tat tree has grown at least five feet since last year.
13. Miss King has spent over eighteen hundred dollar since May.
14. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have bought a new house in the North Plains.
15. The real estate agent have sold the Smith’s old house.
16. Charles has had a bad cold for a whole week.
17. I’m sorry, I have forgot for that name book.
18. We have already heard that new song several times.
19. Mr. Wilson insn’t here. He has gone out of town for the weekend.
20. Mr. Kennedy has wore his blue suit to the office only twice.
21. I have sat in this same seat since the first day of classes.
22. The money in isn’t in this drawer. Someone have stolen it!
23. Up to now, I have understood every lesson in the book.
24. We have had absolutely no trouble with our car so far.
25. No one have found that’s girls purse and gloves yet.
26. The weather have been very warm ever since last Thursday.
27. Mr. Anderson and Mr. Brown have had lunch already.
28. I have seen the EmpireState Building hundreds of times.
29. We have already spoke to the director and has given him the messages.
30. Grandmother has never flown in an airplane before.
31. You have tore your shirt! There’s a hole in the left sleeve.
32. I have already read the costumer’s letter and have written a reply for him.
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