Advanced English: TOEFL Information (part one of four)

Introductory Questions: What does TOEFL stand for? Why is it an important English test? What kinds of tests will be on the TOEFL? What kind of scoring is on the TOEFL? Can you take the TOEFL over the internet, on a computer or must you take a written exam?

Answers TOEFL stands for “Test of English as a Foreign Language.” It is an admission requirement for non-native English speakers for many English-speaking universities. There are three different ways to take the TOEFL: The iBT (Internet-Based Test), The PBT (Paper-Based Test), and The CBT (Computer-Based Test). Each test is about 4 hours long.

Answers (continued) The iBT, since 2005, has been the most popular format for TOEFL, including the following: Reading – 3 passages and 39 questions or 5 passages and 70 questions (60-100 minutes). Listening – 6 passages and 34 questions (50 minutes). Speaking – 6 tasks and 6 questions (20 minutes). Writing – 2 tasks and 2 questions (55 minutes). The scoring for the iBT is from 0-120 (with each section worth 30 points).

Answers (continued) The CBT is similar to the iBT in structure, although the names of each section are different as well as the scoring. Listening. Structure/Writing (combined). Reading. The CBT scoring is like the iBT, although it gauges the scores of each 30 point section into an overall 0-300 point final score, while the writing section is scaled from 1-6.

Answers (continued) The PBT is the least-commonly used test in the TOEFL, and it has some differences from the iBT and CBT tests: Listening. Structure. Reading. The Test of Written English. Scoring for the PBT is split into two parts. The first part is grouped into 3 subscores of the Listening, Structure and Reading sections, each ranging from 310-677 points, while the Test of Written English is scored separately, ranging from 1-6.

Video and Questions: Watch the video and answer the following questions: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVMwb5lDzPw&feature=related What information does Steve give for younger students taking the TOEFL “Speaking” portion of the test? What is Steve’s second tip for the TOEFL “Speaking” section? Why do you think he gives this advice? Do you think Steve’s third tip is useful for TOEFL test-takers? Why or why not?

Test Tips: Written The Written part of the TOEFL is ranged from 1-6 points (1 being the lowest). Here are some basic tips to follow while preparing for the Written section: Make sure that you clearly understand what it is that you need to write before starting to write.

Test Tips: Written (continued) You should have at least 3 paragraphs in your essay: the introduction, the development, and the conclusion. All three of these sections must be clearly developed. In order to get a high score, you MUST have a good understanding of English grammar and punctuation.

Test Tips: Written (continued) Clarity is more important than faking “good” English. Never begin sentences with conjunctions (and, but, for, with, because, etc.). Use different kinds of grammatical structures (passive voice, conditional and complex sentences, etc.). Use specific examples and reasons to support your evidence.

Sample Written Questions Here are a few sample questions similar to the questions on TOEFL tests. Read them and just think about how you would respond to them:

Sample Written Questions If you could change one thing about your country, what would it be? Support your answers. Do you think art has an important impact on the lives of people? Why or why not?

Sample Written Questions (continued) If you could travel back in time, which period would you choose? Why? What do you think is more important in a person’s development: friends or family? Support your answers. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: technology has helped the world improve the quality of life. Support your answers.