TOEFL is not as scary as many people think. Take some time preparing for the test and the result is great scores. First of all, let us find out more about the test in order to understand it better.
Test of English as a second Language, Shortened as TOEFL, is an admission requirement for non native English speakers at many English-speaking colleges and universities. So, if you would like to study in the United States, Canada or in other English-speaking countries and to receive scholarship for your education you need to sit for TOEFL. There are three types of the test: paper based, internet- based and computer based. However, the computer-based variant of the test is discontinued since 2005 and the scores of it are not longer accepted. So, if you have two options between paper-based and internet-based tests right now. If you know the difference between these two types of the test and take one that the one you feel you are good at, of course, you will boost your scores. That’s why just continue reading this article.
As a whole Toefl evaluates your knowledge of the English language and how you can effectively use the language in an academic setting. In order to do so, testing committee has designed such sections as Listening (50 questions based on talks and conversations), Reading (50 questions after texts), Writing (topic is given and you write your opinions about it), Grammar (40 questions that check your knowledge of English Grammar and is used only in paper-based version) and Speaking (only in internet-based version). Apparently if you do not like Grammar rues and concepts, take the internet-based one because you will have to speak in English instead of Structure or Grammar. Check out Barron’s TOEFL book from the Center for American Studies and the Soros Resourceful to understand the contents of the test.
Boumairam Ismailova Ismailovna is an expert of TEST Prep and a director at the “Education for All Center”. We asked some questions regarding the TOEFL test.
- Good morning, lately TOEFL test center has been opened in Osh, and students can take the test at the “Education for All Center” instead of going to Bishkek or Almaty. Congratulations! Can students send their official test scores to any colleges and universities abroad?
- First of all, opening the test center in Osh is a big occasion for everybody. Now students can sit for the test twice a year: in March and May and use their scores for two years after taking the test. Our center is responsible for sending scores to whatever college or university students want and, also people can get advice about study abroad programs.
- When is the next TOEFL exam? How should students register for it? What about the price?
-The next exam will be offered at the “Education for All” Center in the Osh Regional Library on May 8th, 2010. Registration deadline is April 5th. You may register and pay online ($ 160) at: www.ets.org/toefl.
- Boumairam Ismailovna, could you give any suggestions to students wishing to prepare for TOEFL?
-It is important to study for the test every day at least a half an hour. Our center also offers test prep books with cassettes and students can check them out. If the test contest seems too hard, it is essential to work on English skills first. Good luck to everybody wanting to sit for the test!
If you need help with your test prep then you can also join free TOEFL practice courses held at the Osh State University (Main building, 2nd floor) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 16:00 till 18:00.
Here are some suggestions from students who really boosted their scores in a short time.
- To improve your Listening comprehension, attend English discussions held by Peace Corps volunteers at the American and Soros Center. Also you can check out disks with American movies and shows from the CAS or watch American and British channels on satellite dish.
- To improve your Reading comprehension, read articles in magazines and newspapers, literature books may be found at the Center for American Studies. Try to read from various resources because passages at the TOEFL test may range from history to science and from art to technology; however, you do not need to have knowledge in a specific area to have more scores.
-To prepare for Structure or the Grammar Section, use advanced level grammar books or attend any courses or private teachers who can explain grammar rules thoroughly.
-To speak better try to make American friends and be as nice as possible to them.
Good luck with your TOEFL!
Posted on April 20, 2010
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