How to study and practice for the TOEFL exam – part 1

I assume that you of some reason have to take the TOEFL exam, and need some advice on how to practice for it in order to pass it successfully. I also assume the reason have to take the exam is either for student or work related reasons. Don’t worry; we will examine the exam and get prepared for it together.

The TOEFL test is valid in English-spoken countries, but also at some non-English spoken countries where most of higher education classes are performed in English. This does not apply to countries where higher education is performed in the native language of the country. I think you have already made preparation and know the requirements for studies already since you have decided to take this exam.

After they released the internet based version of the exam in 2005, it has more and more replaced the old computer based and paper based exams. They do adept to make the exams equally difficult independent of how you choose to complete your exams, but some feel the internet based version is a bit more difficult than the other forms of examination.

The exam is, as some other English language skill tests divided to four parts. In the first part of this series we will look how the test is constructed.

In the Internet based version of the TOEFL exam we find these units:
Reading - 39 question to answer in 60 minutes
Listening - 34 questions to answer in 50 minutes
Writing - 2 questions to answer in 55 minutes
Speaking - 6 questions to answer in 20 minutes

In the Paper based version the TOEFL exam we find these units:
Listening - 30-40 minutes, with three listening units and answering 30 questions
Structure / written – 25 minutes to answer 25 exercises on language syntax
Reading – 55 minutes to answer about 50 questions
Writing – 30 minutes to write an essay with 250-300 words

There are some differences to having a paper based or internet based exams. I think the most important factors to evaluate prior choosing the method will be 1) where you live vs. where the exams can be completed, 2) if you got internet, 3) your personal skills within writing, talking and reading. And as I mentioned above; many find the very nature of the paper based version much easier for them. While those taking internet based solution find it a bit harder. This is of course individual from person to person. I advise you to make the decision suiting you best. We will later in this series look at how to complete the TOEFL exam successfully and entering the exam with confident.