UNVEILING THE BLUEPRINT FOR TOEFL SUCCESS
MY TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEY WITH INSIDER STRATEGIES AND PERSONAL INSIGHTS
Table of Content:
INTRODUCTION
As someone who’s not a native English speaker, I understand the difficulties that come with acing an English language test. However, I firmly believe that every obstacle has a solution, and with the right mindset, nothing is impossible. I’m thrilled to share my winning tips and strategies for conquering the TOEFL exam with you.
If you’re not familiar with the TOEFL, it stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is a standardized test designed to evaluate the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. Many universities and colleges require this test for admission to their advanced-standing programs. A high score, specifically 100+, can make your profile competitive and increase your chances of being admitted.
I was fortunate enough to grow up in a country where I could attend an English-speaking school, which helped me to develop my English language skills. Additionally, the primary language of my university was English, which indirectly prepared me for the TOEFL. I also had the opportunity to help others through a program called TOEFL Buddies, an initiative by Simpli Boards.
Through this, I’ll be sharing my personal experience and practical advice on preparing for and passing the TOEFL exam.
THE TOEFL HAS CHANGED!
The TOEFL assesses proficiency in four key areas: Speaking, Reading, Listening, and Writing. Each section evaluates language skills essential for success in academic and professional settings. The test lasts for two hours overall, with no breaks in between, as opposed to the old version, which lasted four hours. Registering is a straightforward process. Navigate to the ETS website to easily sign up and select the TOEFL exam. The fee varies between countries and can be checked on the ETS website.
From there, you can choose your preferred location and schedule. The test starts with the reading section, followed by listening and speaking, and ends with writing.
As of July 2023, ETS has made some changes, including:
- 2 reading passages with ten questions each, taking 36 minutes, as opposed to 3-4 questions before.
- A new, more modern “Writing for an Academic Discussion” task replaces the previous Independent Writing task.
- No more 10-minute breaks between sections.
MY SECRET RECIPE
SPEAKING
The Speaking section measures the ability to articulate thoughts clearly and coherently.
It consists of listening to a recording and reading a text as well. To enhance my speaking skills, I engaged in five one-on-one classes with an instructor who provided personalized feedback and scoring.
This direct interaction helped me identify areas for improvement and refine my speaking proficiency.
I also spoke as much as I could with natives to boost my confidence and asked for their feedback.
READING
The Reading section evaluates comprehension skills through passages on various topics.
I dedicated time to understanding complex texts and practiced extracting critical information efficiently. Additionally, I utilized YouTube videos to learn effective reading strategies and expand my vocabulary.
I expanded my vocabulary by reading books. I am a fan of fiction novels, and reading one book per week enhances my vocabulary diversity.
LISTENING
The Listening section assesses the ability to understand spoken English in academic contexts. I immersed myself in English media, including movies and podcasts, to sharpen my listening skills. I made a habit of noting down unfamiliar words and incorporating them into my daily conversations to reinforce learning. Moreover, I would listen to English podcasts that shared tips and tricks for cracking TOEFL. You may look for some free resources on YouTube.
WRITING
The Writing section measures the ability to convey ideas logically and cohesively. Alongside instructor-led classes, I practiced writing essays and responses to prompts independently. Mock tests provided valuable feedback on structure, grammar, and coherence, ultimately boosting my confidence in tackling writing tasks. Furthermore, I would seek the help of my native friends in correcting my essays. Mock tests played a pivotal role in my TOEFL preparation journey. They simulated exam conditions and allowed me to gauge my progress while building confidence. Through repeated practice, I familiarized myself with the test format, honed time management skills, and refined test-taking strategies.
DO’S AND DON'TS
TOEFL & CAAPID
Well it’s best to score as high as possible in TOEFL for US School admissions for CAAPID & PASS but it’s not a fact that Universities will accept the applications only if it’s 100 Plus Scores. TOEFL is one of the factors for the admissions as rightly said by Dr. Pradhan
For admission TOEFL score consideration are multifactorial based on your language of dental studies, country of studies, language courses you did etc. are Here are the list of Universities that may accept your application even if its less than 100 :-
I would like to request you to check the individual colleges.
CONCLUSION
Cracking the TOEFL demands dedication, perseverance, and a strategic approach to mastering the four key sections: Speaking, Reading, Listening, and Writing. By leveraging a combination of instructor-led classes, self-study methods, and mock tests, I successfully navigated the challenges of the TOEFL and achieved my desired scores. My journey underscores the importance of consistent effort and effective study techniques in conquering this milestone in English language proficiency. Simpli Boards also helps its Simpli Admission Assist(SAA) through the TOEFL Buddies concept and I would highly recommend all to take advantage of it.
MY ADVICE
- Start early and create a structured study plan. One must start preparing along with the INBDE Exam as it will have a constructive effect on non-native speakers.
- Utilize various resources, including textbooks, online materials, and practice tests. ETS has its resources feel free to explore those resources.
- Seek feedback from instructors or native speakers to improve your skills and Simpli Boards TOEFL Buddies can be one of the good resources.
- Remember to underestimate the importance of mock tests in simulating exam conditions and building confidence.
- Stay consistent and maintain a positive attitude throughout your preparation journey.
Remember, every step you take brings you closer to your goal of TOEFL success.
