Table of Contents - How To Prepare For TOEFL in 2024
TOEFL reading section
Following changes implemented in 2023, this section features two academic passages, each including 10 questions, totaling 20 questions in all. There are a few things to focus on while preparing for the reading section. First of all, familiarizing yourself with the various question types in TOEFL reading is crucial, since each question type will require a specific strategy and will have its own pitfalls.
Next, it is important to continuously improve your vocabulary. While memorization and use of new words is pretty efficient, it is not the end all be all. The reason for this is that TOEFL passages often delve into obscure topics with vocabulary even native speakers might find unfamiliar. The key is to decipher word meanings from contextual clues within the text. This brings us to the next step - consistent reading practice. You should read newspapers, magazines or books every single day to improve your concentration and reading comprehension. Sometimes it is great to use a dictionary to look up and write down unfamiliar words, while other times you should rely on contextual clues to infer meanings. Engaging actively in understanding new words aids retention.
When reading, don't try reading slowly or memorizing details, since there is not much time. Instead, try two different approaches. Option one involves quickly going through the whole passage and then getting back to specific parts to locate and verify relevant information. Option two implies that you read the first paragraph of the passage and answer the first question, then the second paragraph and the second question, and so on.
When answering questions, make sure that you pay close attention to the way answer options are worded as they are often deliberately misleading and their meaning is distorted. Finally, if a question turns out to be difficult, don't waste time on it. Eliminate known incorrect answers and select from the remaining choices, even if uncertain. There's no penalty for incorrect answers, so this is a good option if you are running out of time.
TOEFL listening section
This section comprises 28 questions distributed across various listening segments, including conversations and academic lectures. As with the reading section, familiarize yourself with the test structure and devise a strategy to employ during practice tests.
Diversify your listening practice methods to prepare effectively. Given the assortment of British and American accents on the TOEFL test, podcasts, TV shows and audiobooks serve as an excellent resource for adapting to different voices. Tune in to academic topics or news broadcasts to expose yourself to a range of vocabulary. Additionally, listen to topics that interest you and that you know to improve your overall comprehension. Even though you might not learn a lot of new words this way, honing your ability to extract details and understand complex ideas is very useful.
By the way, when encountering unfamiliar words, focus on figuring out the overall message rather than fixating on individual terms. If you focus on specific collocations too much during the test you might miss a lot of important information.
Additionally, you can try taking notes during the listening section. It works great for some people, so if you are one of those, you will really benefit from this. If not, don't worry, because you can still answer questions correctly without notes if your memory is good and you stay laser-focused during this section.
Finally, make sure to turn up the volume. This helps many people better understand speakers and minimizes the risk of missing crucial words.
TOEFL writing section
TOEFL writing section consists of two tasks: integrated writing and academic discussion. Integrated writing combines information from a passage and a lecture, requiring a formal essay summarizing and contrasting these sources. Conversely, the academic discussion task prompts a response similar to an online class discussion.
To tackle these tasks effectively, consider using a template. A template allows you to write in a simple, yet elegant way. If you memorize it beforehand you won't have to waste time trying to come up with a good introduction, transition or conclusion. This approach proves invaluable during the stress of the TOEFL, where there is little time, and every second counts. Templates not only save time but also enhance your vocabulary, thus improving your overall score. Feel free to use templates from this article.
While it is great to use advanced vocabulary and complex grammar, make sure you know what you are doing. If you are unsure whether the word you have just typed is correct or whether your grammar makes sense, replace them with something you are totally confident in.
Just like with listening, you can try taking notes. This is not mandatory though, so if you want to skip the note-taking part since it doesn't work for you, that's totally fine.
TOEFL speaking section
The speaking section includes four questions. In the first question, you're tasked with expressing your opinion on a given topic, while for the subsequent questions, you're expected to summarize information from provided sources. To get a high score, it's vital to remain focused and ensure that your answer is comprehensive and directly addresses the question. Pay close attention to the instructions; for instance, if asked to summarize, refrain from adding personal opinions to avoid scoring deductions.
Students are pretty often overwhelmed with excessive information and make mistakes in TOEFL speaking. Given the little time allotted, our recommendation echoes that of TOEFL writing: use a template. Prior to the test, practice with the template extensively to familiarize yourself with different structures and vocabulary. Use a timer during practice sessions to get used to the time constraints for each response. During the test, maintain eye contact, look straight into the camera, speak loudly and clearly and avoid showing any signs of nervousness. The more confident you are, the easier it will be for you to speak and the better your response will sound.
Another thing to keep in mind that you shouldn't worry about providing a unique answer; focus instead on articulating your ideas effectively. It's acceptable to adopt a common viewpoint, as you're graded based on the presentation of your idea rather than its uniqueness. Given the limited preparation time, concentrate on outlining your main points and avoid overly complex arguments. Choose an opinion and explain it clearly, even if you don't believe in what you are saying. Your goal is to provide a great response, so you don't have to be a real proponent of any issue.