5 fast ways to improve your TOEFL score

If you dream of studying in the States, TOEFL could be your ticket to success. With the popularity of the Computer-Based Test, though, your results may depend more on your exam and computer skills than your English ability! To ensure you put your best foot forward and do your best, be sure to read our terrific tips before you tackle the TOEFL!

Computer skills count

The CBT is now the most common format for TOEFL, and poor computer skills can make you nervous, careless and slow. Improve your chance of success by being familiar with a computer and by making full use of the pre-test computer tutorial. Learning the section instructions ahead of time is also a must, in order to avoid confusion and save time during the exam.

Computer-adaptive questioning

In the CBT Listening and Structure sections, questions become harder or easier depending on whether you answer correctly or incorrectly. While this allows for more accurate scoring, it also means you can’t skip questions or go back and change your answers. Read each answer choice carefully, and be cautious of distracting choices – ones that may look correct at first glance, but are wrong. Finally, be sure to double-check your selection before clicking to confirm your answer and move on.

Build your memory skills

You can’t take notes or have any paper with you during the Listening section, so practice listening to longer conversations and remembering key details. The entire listening section takes 40 to 60 minutes, which can be draining if you haven’t practiced for that long. It’s a good idea to simulate actual test-taking conditions when doing a practice round at home.

Ace your essay

In the CBT, you have to write an essay on an assigned topic. Remember that idea content and organization are just as important as correct English in your essay, if not more. Practice not only writing short 30-minute essays, but also developing supporting ideas for a topic and creating quick and effective outlines. For further practice, make use of Englishtown.com’s writing classes, where teachers give you fast feedback on your essays and help you sharpen your skills.

Your main enemy is time

Many questions trap you into wasting time, so avoid this by setting yourself a careful limit for each question before you start the section. Also practice speed-reading techniques like skimming and scanning. You can’t lose points for incorrect answers, so take a guess even if you aren’t sure.

Which test is best?

Need to take an English exam to demonstrate your ability, but not sure which one to go for? Different goals call for different exams, so take a look at the advice below before you sign up!

I want to study in a North American university.

Eager to study in the US or Canada? If so, your prospective school is probably most familiar with the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

There are two versions of this comprehensive test: paper-based (PBT) and computer-based (CBT). There are three sections – Listening Comprehension, Structure and Written Expression, and Reading Comprehension – with an additional Writing section for the computer-based version.

Students are given a score reflecting their performance, and many universities require a minimum score for acceptance, usually around 500-550 for the PBT.

I want to work or study in England, Australia, or New Zealand.

If you’re heading to the UK, the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test should be the first exam you consider. It includes Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing tests, with a choice between Academic and General Training in the Reading and Writing sections.

If your main goal is to study at a university, then the Academic focus is better. If you are planning to live or work abroad, then the General Training test is probably a better bet.

There is no pass or fail grade for IELTS: participants are provided with an overall score from 1 (non-user) to 9 (expert user), as well as a score for each section.

I want to land a job in an international company.

With 200 multiple-choice questions covering everyday English topics, TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) is THE test for the workplace. With more than 3 million test-takers every year, it is widely recognized by corporations worldwide for measuring employees’ English level.

This 2-hour test is broken up into two sections: Reading and Listening. Because different jobs require a different level of English proficiency, there is no pass or fail for TOEIC. Instead, you will receive a total score ranging from 10 to 990.

If you are looking for a job where you can utilize your English skills, this may be the test to take to prove your ability.

I want to pursue a career in business.

BEC (Cambridge Business English Certificate) is a series of 3 proficiency tests, which revolves heavily around business topics. The tests – BEC Preliminary, BEC Vantage, and BEC Higher – cover skills necessary for business situations, like making presentations, negotiating, or writing business letters and reports.

Unlike TOEFL and TOEIC, the BEC test sets a minimum score required to pass and to receive the certification.

BEC is practical in nature, requiring candidates to engage in work-related discussions and write business letters. Like other Cambridge English certificates, a minimum score is required to pass the exam and receive the certification.