TOEFL preparation

There are four sections in TOEFL:

1. Reading

2. Listening

3. Speaking

4. Writing

The typical test day consists of this :

Reading :

Time limit : 54-72 minutes

No. of questions : 30-40

Task : Read 3 or 4 passages from academic texts and answer questions.

Listening :

Time Limit : 41-57 minutes

No. of questions : 28-39

Task : Listen to lectures, classroom discussions and conversations, then answer questions.

**********************************10 minute break *************************************

Speaking :

Time Limit : 17 minutes

No. of questions : 4 Tasks

Task : Express an opinion on a familiar topic; speak based on reading and listening tasks.

Writing :

Time Limit : 50 minutes

No.of questions : 2 tasks

Task : Write essay responses based on reading and listening tasks; support an opinion in writing.

The test you take may include extra questions in the or Listening section that do not count toward your score.

Scoring :

The TOEFL is scored this way

For the TOEFL iBT® test, administered via the internet, you will receive 4 scaled section scores and a total score:

• Reading Section (Score of: 0–30)

• Listening Section (Score of: 0–30)

• Speaking Section (Score of: 0–30)

• Writing Section (Score of: 0–30)

• Total Score (0–120)

Validity :

Your score is valid for 2 years. Because language proficiency can change considerably in a relatively short period of time, scores more than 2 years old cannot be reported or verified.

Who scores the test ?

Both human and AI scorers score the test. Both have their own advantages respectively.

February 19, 2022

1. Do the quiz: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1PCNX7lqBxq0xLTHXRnoqc9caHgZce15KNUNwNSwcLfM/edit?usp=sharing

2. Watch the video and take notes:

The New TOEFL Explained in 6 Minutes 

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-ps78L_QDM

3.TOEFL Reading quiz: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/14ysFwWlCapwLU-bCMuLz7PUoB_iS9huSiejuyFQTIjk/edit?usp=sharing

4. Reading tips and practice: https://tstprep.com/articles/toefl/100-reading-questions-for-the-toefl-test-pdf-included/

5. Practice: Vocabulary Questions: https://tstprep.com/lessons/toefl-reading-practice-questions-sample/

6. Homework: https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/prepare/tests

1) Do the test and fill in the scores

2) Record the speaking sections separately (voice rec) and submit

3) Submit writing sections with tasks (copy paste)

7. Resources: 

1) https://tstprep.com/free-resources/

2) https://collegedunia.com/exams/toefl/practice-papers

3) https://www.examword.com/toefl-practice/writing-question

4) https://toefl.magoosh.com/free-lessons

5) https://jason-toefl-class.blogspot.com/2019/06/toefl-reading-test-40-with-answers.html

8. Rubrics

1) Speaking: https://www.ets.org/s/toefl/pdf/toefl_speaking_rubrics.pdf

2) https://www.testden.com/toefl/writing.htm

3) https://www.ets.org/s/toefl/pdf/toefl_writing_rubrics.pdf

9. Apps 

1) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.milinix.toeflspeaking

2) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.elearning.toefl&hl=en&gl=RU

3) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.magoosh.prep.toefl&hl=en&gl=RU 

TOEFL overview video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BGS0-OONfk

http://bettertoeflscores.com/toefl-essay-topics-to-help-you-score-high/10370/

For myself - how to score!!! http://bettertoeflscores.com/the-perfect-toefl-speaking-response/12507/

Lesson 1: Make a study plan

6 months

https://www.bestmytest.com/blog/toefl/six-months-study-plan-toefl

https://www.oxfordonlineenglish.com/make-ielts-study-plan 

https://collegedunia.com/exams/toefl/toefl-8-weeks-study-plan

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.milinix.toeflspeaking

Resources:

All parts: https://collegedunia.com/exams/toefl/practice-papers

1) Reading 100 tasks (download): https://tstprep.com/articles/toefl/100-reading-questions-for-the-toefl-test-pdf-included/

2) Reading tasks different types (online free): https://tstprep.com/lessons/toefl-reading-practice-questions-sample/

For homework - (send results print screen)

3) Listening: https://tstprep.com/articles/toefl/100-free-questions-for-the-listening-section-of-the-toefl-test-pdf-included/

4) Writing https://www.examword.com/toefl-practice/writing-test

Lesson 2:

TOEFL Writing templates

https://www.bestmytest.com/blog/toefl/toefl-writing-template

https://www.bestmytest.com/blog/toefl/toefl-writing-template

1.

The reading and the lecture are both about ______. Whereas the author of the reading states that _______, the lecturer suggests that ________. The lecturer casts doubt on the main points made in the reading by providing two/three reasons.

First of all, according to the reading, _____________ .However, the lecturer disputes this point. He/She says that _________. Furthermore, he/she mentions that ___________

Secondly, the reading states that _______. Nevertheless, the lecturer refutes this argument. He/She argues that __________. In addition, he/she points out ________.

Finally, the reading claims that _________. On the other hand, the lecturer believe that _____. He/She thinks that _______. Moreover, he/she feels that ________

In conclusion, although the reading and the lecture are both about _______, the two/three main points made in the reading are effectively challenged by the lecturer. 

2. 

The reading and the lecture are both about _____________. The reading states that ____________. The lecture builds upon those same ideas to give a more comprehensive picture with two/three examples.

First of all, according to the reading, _________. Supporting this idea, the lecturer explains that _________. Furthermore, he/she mentions that __________.

Secondly, the reading states that_______. The lecturer then goes on to explain that ________. In addition, he/she points out ________.

Finally, the reading claims that _______. In support of this idea, the lecturer brings up the point that ________. (Optional) Moreover, he/she feels that _________.

In conclusion, although the reading and the lecture both discuss __________, the two/three main points made in the reading are effectively supported by the lecturer. 

3. https://www.examword.com/toefl-practice/writing-question

TOEFL Speaking Overview

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Fs952PySUA

1) TASK 1: 

1. PERSONAL CHOICE

You may get a personal choice task.

WHAT IT’S ABOUT

There are three different formats of Personal Choice: Paired choice, Multiple choice, Agree/Disagree. You can use the Personal Choice Template for all three formats.

YOUR TASK

Paired choice: You are given two options, you choose one and explain your reasons.

Multiple choice: You are given several options and you choose one and explain your reasons.

Agree/Disagree: There is a statement and you must explain whether and why you agree with it or not.

2. ADVANTAGE/DISADVANTAGE

Alternatively, you can get an advantage/disadvantage task.

WHAT IT’S ABOUT

You are given a statement. Yep, that’s it, nothing else!

YOUR TASK

You must explain an advantage and a disadvantage of the topic the statement is talking about. Sometimes you also need to explain whether the advantage outweighs the disadvantage or not.

2) TASK 2: CAMPUS ANNOUNCEMENT

WHAT IT’S ABOUT

You read a campus announcement, article, or letter in a campus newspaper that talks about a change. The reading either explains two reasons for that change or gives reasons for or against the change. After that you listen to a conversation between two students. One student talks about his opinion and provides two reasons why he thinks like that. 

YOUR TASK

Your task is to summarize the announcement, state the student’s opinion and explain his two reasons.

3) TASK 3: GENERAL TO SPECIFIC

WHAT IT’S ABOUT

First, you read a short academic text. The passage explains an abstract concept or a theory. After that you listen to an academic lecture. The lecture elaborates this concept/theory by providing concrete details. This means that both the reading and the listening talk about the same topic but they do it in a different way. 

YOUR TASK

You are asked a question about the lecture. In your answer you must summarize both passages and combine information from both.

4) TASK 4: ACADEMIC LECTURE

WHAT IT’S ABOUT

You listen to an academic lecture about an academic concept or term. First, the lecturer will introduce the topic and define the concept or term. After that he will provide examples.

YOUR TASK

You must explain the topic of the lecture, define the concept or term and give examples. Be careful, this task can be really hard! There are tons of details, so make sure you take notes.