As many of you know, I've been teaching the TOEFL test for fifteen years. I've worked with thousands of students and many of them make the same mistakes over and over. Whether you are a brand-new TOEFL student or have taken the test many times, this blog is for you.
I’m going to give you a REALISTIC and TRUTHFUL way to obtain your score. This is not "magic" or a quick way to get your score. I do not believe in that sort of thing. Here is the real truth. If you follow these five steps, it will make a big difference.
5. Understand the test format deeply.
Many people do not even know what to expect on test day. You must know the test very well. Nothing on the test should be a surprise to you. A surprise birthday party is fun. Surprises are NOT fun on the TOEFL. You should buy ETS’s most recent guide on Amazon and read it. You should also read the TOEFL rubrics to know how you are scored.
4. Give yourself time.
This is not a rush test. You should give yourself months to prepare for this test. This is especially true if you are a pharmacist. Students who prepare for a week or two are just wasting money. I think three months is a good rule of thumb for preparation. Do not underestimate this test. It is an extraordinary test.
3. Study grammar.
So many students think they can just talk or write and hope for the best. However, the TOEFL test really does test your grammar. Please do not ignore grammar.
2. PRACTICE.
Okay, this one is obvious. But what do I mean? The #1 thing you should do is TAKE OLD TESTS. Studies have shown that OLD tests which DUPLICATE the real test are tremendously helpful in test-taking. I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT WEBSITES that IMITATE the test. I am talking about the REAL test. You can find many samples online. Contact me if you need a website recommendation.
I also mean speaking English at all times. Many people only study English during their study time and return to their mother tongue during the evening or weekends. Your entire life should be in English --- at least until you clear the TOEFL. You need to do what native speakers do: immerse yourself in English. This may not be comfortable. This may be very difficult. Remember, you can go back to your native language on your free time AFTER you get your score. This is only a temporary inconvenience, and it will pay off.
1. Get help if you need it.
So many test-takers are afraid to make purchases that they spend much more money in the long run. This is ironic, but it’s true. Taking some tutoring classes, buying books, and paying for practice tests is not going to hurt you. It’s going to help you, and you will make that money back and much, much more in the long run after you clear the TOEFL test. Not only that, but it’s going to cost you much more to take the test and fail it repeatedly. It’s not a cheap test. INVEST IN YOURSELF AND IN YOUR FUTURE.
As always, good luck with your test. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions for me.
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