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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.