TOEFL iBT: things no one told you
I took the TOEFL iBT test a while back, and when I came out I knew I had to make this post. These are all things that either I wish I had known beforehand, or things that you know you know, but you might just need a little reminder on. So no tips on the test questions themselves - I’ll explain below why. I hope they’ll help to make test day a little easier on you!
1.Yes, you really need to study. I recommend getting yourself a TOEFL practice book with cd (or borrow it) and start practicing at least a month before the exam
(I recommend borrowing one of those official TOEFL guides by TOEFL themselves, especially those that come with a cd. I used them and I felt very very well prepared!! They usually go over all the types of questions, process of the test, all kinds of reading techniques etc so that’s why i won’t go over that now!)
2.Practice speaking with headphones on
3.While the sequence of questions is explained, organize your note sheets for more effective note taking.
4.Jot down these things during questions:
Word limits
Goal of the question as stated before
Situation (e.g. “lec. & art.” For an article and lecture question)
5. You won’t be able to drink or eat during the test itself so make sure you eat and drink plenty before and in the ten minute break. Don’t forget to pack lunch if the exam time crosses noon. Otherwise pack an energizing snack.
6.Go to the bathroom beforehand. I don’t care if you just went, just go. Going to the bathroom during the test is going to cost you precious time.
7. Throw. Away. Your. Gum.
8. Learn easy abbreviations for super quick note taking (for example: “s/o” instead of “someone”; an arrow instead of “causes…”)
9. Read the instructions and details of each part of the test carefully, or you might miss crucial information
10. Read. The. Question. Every. Single. Letter.
11. Wear comfortable clothes that won’t distract you
12. Use every single second you have – even if that means revising your answers three times
13. Use your break to actually take a breather. Maybe talk a bit, hydrate, go to the bathroom again and go back.
14. No one is going to laugh at you while you talk in the headset
15. Basically just don’t mind anyone else is what I;m saying
16. Make yourself familiar with the following things beforehand:
EXACT location of the test center
Sequence of the parts of the test and the question types
The different types of questions, what they want from you and how to answer them in general
Hint words in questions
17. Take the time between sections to quickly stretch a little and calm yourself down a bit if youre nervous. You can click continue when you’ve read the instructions or just sit them out; both are fine, just do what feels good
18. Don’t plan too much on test day; 4 hour tests are no joke, they really such the energy out of you. So try to keep the rest of your day calm or take a nap inbetween
19. If you’re anxious about the newness of the test and the process, follow someone else around and don’t be afraid to ask questions to the mediators
20. If you feel like you messed up the test, try to shake it off asap. First of all you won’t know how you did until the results come out. On top of that, it is better for you to just come to terms with it, and…
21. Also if you feel like you didn’t do well, write down what could’ve gone better. Use these points if you need to retake the test
22. Oh and when studying, be realistic. Don’t overestimate yourself but also don’t underestimate yourself. Don’t spend hours practicing reading when you get good scores on each practice test - focus on the stuff you are the least comfortable with!!
Some other stuff on TOEFL (iBT)
@that-trilingual-girl - How To Slay TOEFL
@my-studying-space - TOEFL TIPS
@anastudiess - Academic word list
@toeflbyonwind not a post but an entire blog dedicated to TOEFL
I hope these tips will help a little! Lots of luck!
화이팅~
