TOEFL Tips for Last Minute Preparations

TOEFL

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Priya
Priya Garg
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Aug 28, 2024 15:33 IST
TOEFL Preparation Tips: If there is not too much time left up your sleeve for the TOEFL exam preparation then, the last-minute preparation tips given in this article can help you prepare for your upcoming exam smartly and in lesser time. Make sure you remember these important points when you go to take your TOEFL exam for the added advantage. 
TOEFL Tips for Last Minute Preparations

It is customary for applicants to submit their English proficiency test results if they are applying to a college or university where the programme is taught in English. Many universities and educational institutions worldwide accept the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as proof of English proficiency. For those who wish to study abroad, the TOEFL test is not only a popular choice, but the students can also choose the format of the testing at their convenience. There are two test forms available: the paper-based test (PBT) and the internet-based test (iBT). 

English language proficiency has become a crucial prerequisite because of globalization, and there has been a rise in the number of international students and immigrants looking to study in or move to English-speaking nations. The TOEFL iBT test measures a candidate's proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English as it would be used in a classroom setting. 

Related Reads

TOEFL Exam Registration TOEFL Exam Dates
TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL Essentials: Which is better? TOEFL Preparation for Beginners

Top 5 TOEFL Tips for Last-Minute Preparation

In this section, we are going to be discussing TOEFL tips for last-minute preparation for students looking to take the TOEFL exam.

  1. Test takers are only allowed to listen to audio clips once in the TOEFL test. After that, the test taker has to provide feedback, draft a speech, or write about what was learned. One must learn to take notes and practise at home by listening to audio clips.  
  2. Students can gauge their progress in the TOEFL preparation by taking regular mock tests. Try to simulate the atmosphere, question styles, and restrictions that will be there on test day.  
  3. Develop your English language skills! The more you practise speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English, the more at ease you'll be when these tasks are assigned to you on test day. Try something new every day, such as finding a friend to converse with in English, reading an article written in English, listening to a podcast with English speakers, etc.
  4. The TOEFL iBT test can appear to be a daunting task. We recommend taking the TOEFL iBT test in a test centre or from home if you are comfortable typing responses with a keyboard. If you prefer to write your essay by hand, the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition option may be best for you.
  5. The four TOEFL sections each have a different time limit, so it's wise to plan your practice sessions accordingly and keep track of your time. Consider making an educated guess if you're having trouble answering a question before moving on to the next one. After finishing the section, you can review them once more if you have time.

Official TOEFL Preparation Material

In this section, we are going to be discussing the best TOEFL study material for students looking to take the TOEFL exam.

  • Test takers should be aware of the online study material available for the TOEFL exam. For up-to-date information on the TOEFL, candidates should only refer to reliable sources and check the official TOEFL website. The TOEFL iBT Test Guide offers four full-fledged practice tests, helpful hints, scoring tips, and sample questions for all four test sections covered in the test.  
  • Understanding the TOEFL Essentials Test helps students with various tips on time management, registration, how to effectively attempt the test and other topics. 
  • Leaners must religiously include the sample tests available online in their strategic plan for TOEFL preparation. ETS offers free study guides to support and enhance the skills of the test takers, which primarily focus on the type of content knowledge required for the test. 
  • With the help of the self-paced Official TOEFL iBT® Prep Course, learners can develop the communication skills needed to interact in English in a classroom setting. Skills like reading, listening, speaking, and writing are covered in-depth in courses and exercises. It also helps to track the progress with the help of pre and post-tests.

Related Reads

TOEFL Speaking Tips TOEFL Reading Tips
TOEFL Writing Tips TOEFL Listening Tips

Candidates can get in touch with us in the comments below. For university admission-related queries, feel free to get in touch with our Study Abroad Counsellors.

Last-minute TOEFL Tips FAQs

Q. How can you prepare for the TOEFL exam fast?

A. Here are some quick tips for fast TOEFL preparation:

  • Practice consistently: Regularly solve practice tests and focus on areas where you're weak.
  • Learn vocabulary: Expand your vocabulary, especially academic terms.
  • Master grammar: Practice grammar rules and sentence structure.
  • Improve listening skills: Listen to English news, podcasts, and movies.
  • Develop speaking fluency: Practice speaking with native English speakers or a language partner.
  • Use online resources: Take advantage of online courses, flashcards, and practice tests.

Q. What should I do 1 day before the TOEFL exam?

A. The day before the exam is crucial and you must revise all the important topics and vocabulary. You must also revise the TOEFL exam pattern and revisit each question type and how to tackle each one of those to avoid wasting too much of your time in understanding each of those questions in the main exam. 

Check the things to do one day before the TOEFL exam:

  1. Review key concepts briefly
  2. Relax and get adequate rest
  3. Prepare necessary items (ID, admission ticket)
  4. Eat a healthy meal
  5. Avoid intense studying
  6. Plan your route to the test center
  7. Set multiple alarms for the morning

Q. How can I score 100+ scores in the TOEFL exam?

A. To score 100+ marks on the TOEFL exam, you must prepare really well in advance and practice solving TOEFL sample papers and mock tests. To score 100+ on the TOEFL, you must:

  1. Practice all sections regularly
  2. Improve English skills overall
  3. Learn test-specific strategies
  4. Take full-length practice tests
  5. Build vocabulary and grammar
  6. Enhance listening and note-taking
  7. Develop clear speaking and writing
  8. Manage time effectively during the exam

Q:   How can I prepare for TOEFL at home?

A:

One searching for TOEFL preparation startegy without taking help of any coachings. 

  • Self-Study Resources: Utilize online platform like ETS, and practice questions and study materials.

  • Listening Practice: Listen to English podcasts, lectures, and audiobooks to improve comprehension.

  • Reading Practice: Read academic articles or textbooks to familiarize yourself with academic vocabulary and structure.

  • Speaking Practice: Record yourself speaking on various topics and review your pronunciation and fluency.

  • Writing Practice: Write essays and seek feedback form any experts. 

Q:   How long should I study for the TOEFL?

A:

The ideal duration depends on the TOEFL test taker's English proficiency and target score. Generally, dedicating 3-6 months with consistent practice sessions should yield the desired TOEFL scores. TOEFL test takers are further advised to analyze their practice test scores and identify areas needing improvement to tailor their study plan.

Q:   Can I pass TOEFL online?

A:

There is no such thing as failing or passing the TOEFL exam. The TOEFL exam is held online at a test centre near you and is also being conducted in the safety of your home via the online method. Candidates who have prepared for the TOEFL would qualify for the exam. Candidates should note that higher TOEFL scores would automatically increase their chances of securing a seat in the university and also make them a front runner for any scholarships being offered by the university. A low TOEFL score would require the student to re-take the exam to improve his/her performance.

Q:   Is the TOEFL difficult for Indian students?

A:

Yes, the TOEFL exam is relatively difficult than other English tests. However, the difficulty is subjective and depends on your current English proficiency level and preparation. While challenges like vocabulary gaps and adapting to the computer format (for the iBT) are common, dedicated preparation can help Indian students excel. Utilize official ETS resources like practice tests and study guides, supplement with free online tools and consider coaching classes if needed. Remember, consistent practice and addressing specific weaknesses are key to success.

Q:   Which book is best to prepare for TOEFL exam?

A:

The best book to study for your TOEFL exam is the one that has been published by ETS. The ETS is the conducting body of the TOEFL exam, hence, the books and study material available on the official ETS TOEFL website should be your only source of preparation for your TOEFL exam.

Q:   What is a Good TOEFL Score?

A:

TOEFL Scores: There are no good or bad scores when appearing for the TOEFL test. Candidates would be required to meet the TOEFL score decided by the universities. anything above would increase their chances of getting admission into the university and any score below the range could serve as a roadblock in the admission process. 

However, to make your test experience more personal and for you to understand your score better ETS has provided 4 to 5 proficiency levels for each skill. So where your score falls within that range tells you your proficiency for that skill. This will give you a fair idea about your performance, your strengths, sections that need improvement, and so on. Test takers can look at the table below to understand their TOEFL iBT Scores better. 

Skill/ Score Range

Level*

Reading

Score Range 0–30

Advanced (24–30)
High-Intermediate (18–23)
Low-Intermediate (4–17)
Below Low-Intermediate (0–3)

Listening

Score Range 0–30

Advanced (22–30)
High-Intermediate (17–21)
Low-Intermediate (9–16)
Below Low-Intermediate (0–8)

Speaking

Score Range 0–30

Advanced (25–30)
High-Intermediate (20–24)
Low-Intermediate (16–19)
Basic (10–15)
Below Basic (0–9

Writing

Score Range 0–30

Advanced (24–30)
High-Intermediate (17–23)
Low-Intermediate (13–16)
Basic (7–12)
Below Basic (0–6)

Total Score

 These are added together for a total score of 0–120.

Q:   Why indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School - UK?

A:

Indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School in the UK for several reasons, including its highly ranked programs, global outlook, and career support. Hult offers a range of full-time master’s degrees, immersive bachelor's programs, and MBA options that prepare students to excel in the global job market. The school is the largest and top-ranked global business school, providing students with an incomparable universal outlook. Additionally, Hult's focus on experiential learning, extensive career support, and the opportunity to study at multiple campuses around the world are attractive to Indian students seeking a global business education. Furthermore, the school's emphasis on innovation and meeting the needs of students and employers may also contribute to its appeal to Indian students

Q:   How can I get admission in the University of Manchester?

A:

The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses: 

The Undergraduate Application Process:  

Step 1:  You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.

Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.

Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.

Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements. 

Check out:  tips to improve your SOP

Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS. 

Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.

Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.

The Postgraduate application process: 

Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\

Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.

Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.

Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course. 

To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application. 

Step 5:  If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester. 

About the Author
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Written by
Priya Garg
Study Abroad Expert

Priya Garg is a seasoned content writer and editor. With her rich experience in content writing, teaching and research & analysis, Priya believes in providing only the correct information which is also up-to-date. H... Read Full Bio

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