TOEFL Test Tips

Do you have any TOEFL Tips?

If you are considering taking an MBA then it is likely that you have taken exams before, so we will try and avoid the obvious when we give you tips. However, we are also aware for instance that most of your experience will be with writing papers, not with computer tests, so it is still important you take the advice that you can get.

At the beginning of each test section there are directions, which tell you the number of questions in that section and also the time that you are allowed for the section. You must read the directions carefully as not only do they explain to you what you need to do to answer the question types but also you can look at the timing and work out how long you can have for each question. Pacing yourself is very important. You should make yourself familiar with the sections of the test as well as their instructions.

The TOEFL Information Bulletin will give you writing topics that you can practice on. You get 30 minutes in which to compose the essay that you are assigned so this is the time you should use for practice. Remember that you can hand write or type your essay on a computer.

Taking a computer based test is very different indeed to taking a test on a computer. Even people who work on a computer each day can have trouble taking a computer test due to the discipline required. Therefore, the best piece of advice for preparing for your TOEFL is to practice, then practice again. Oh yes, then you should practice once more!

During the test, you must pace yourself to make sure that you answer all of the questions. Pay close attention to both the number of questions remaining and the time remaining and never spend too much time on one question. Guess if you have to.

You should read the question thoroughly in order to determine the exact question that you are actually being asked. Also read and understand all of the answers, because people that don't do this could miss some important information. The score is partly based on how many questions you actually answer as well as how many you get right - so answer all questions.

For the listening comprehension and structure sections you are taking a computer adaptive test so you can't go back to earlier questions and have to answer the question you are on before you move on. So take the best guess you can. Start off strong on the test as earlier questions have more value than later ones. Later questions only fine tune your score, so you should spend more time on the earlier questions than the later ones.