Preparation and passing the TOEFL English language test. International TOEFL exam

TOEFL knowledge test in English is prerequisite for employment or training in Western countries Oh. It is possible to pass it in any country. For or USA foreign student you must take the TOEFL test. This is done to determine the person's level of language proficiency and ability to speak English fluently.

The TOEFL test is an international English language test. It was introduced back in 1964 by a test organization. Since then, all interested applicants must take it. Translated into Russian, this means “test of English as a foreign language.” Only representatives of those countries for whom English is not their native or national language are allowed to take it.

Not only prospective students of foreign universities take the TOEFL test. It is necessary for employment in fairly reputable companies and for internships in Western countries.
A special feature of the test is that all tasks are based purely on American English, which is fundamentally different from the British version.

TOEFL Test Structure Table

Therefore, when planning to pass the test, this fact must be taken into account.

The English language proficiency test can be taken in two ways:

1. Using Internet resources (computer method).
2. IN in writing(on paper).

Upon successful completion, a certificate is issued that is valid for two years.

Taking the test in writing

Passing a written language proficiency exam involves going through four stages, such as:

This method of testing still has legal grounds, but is not as popular as computer testing.

Testing using Internet resources

This type of testing was introduced in 2005. It allows you to more deeply assess your knowledge of the language. Compared to the previous test, some adjustments were introduced to it related to the definition of spoken English.

A test in this form involves going through several stages, such as:

Regardless of the type and stage of testing, you are allowed to make notes that can later help you pass this test.

To summarize, we can distinguish the following stages of passing the test:

• listening;
• speaking;
• letter;
• reading.

Where to take the test

To take the language proficiency test, you must register on the ETS website. This is an official website created specifically for this purpose. Only the person who intends to be tested should register.

Registration involves going through the following stages:

You must arrive at the testing center with a printed confirmation. All contact information regarding places and contact numbers is provided directly on the site.
It is important to remember that you must not be late for testing. You also need to take into account that this is a very long process, so you need to have in stock free time. The average time to complete the test is four hours.

Mock test

TOEFL test - enough ordeal for a person even with perfect possession foreign language. Before taking it officially, you can take a practice test in English.

sample TOEFL test tasks

Today on the Internet there are a huge number of sites offering to take a practice test. It is completed online completely free of charge and does not place any restrictions on the number of attempts. Taking a practice test will help identify weaknesses in testing, which in itself will indicate what else needs to be worked on for a positive result. Most often, the trial version can be found in scattered stages of the passage.

You can also take a trial test at a specialized center where the test is taken. This method has its advantages, since the test is provided in full and employees focus on errors. A practice test can also be taken immediately before the actual testing at the center.

It includes steps such as:

• listening;
• reading;
• letter.

Preparing for testing

Preparing for TOEFL involves learning or improving your knowledge of a language such as English. You can prepare for the test on your own or by attending special English language courses.

If a person decides to prepare for the test on his own, he can take advantage of practice English proficiency tests.

Trials are free and have an unlimited number of attempts. This test is mainly taken by people who already have a certain level of knowledge. Almost every country has created training courses that include a set of specially designed tasks.

They also provide highly qualified teachers with personal experience in passing the test. Test preparation center staff pay special attention to weaknesses person and provide the opportunity to take a free trial test.

preparing for the TOEFL test

Such centers do not provide for long visits. The entire training course lasts from 40 to 48 hours.

Having a TOEFL certificate indicates high level English language proficiency. It opens up new opportunities for a person. With it, it is possible to enter foreign universities and find employment in Western countries. It is also very welcome in reputable companies and is necessary for employment in government agencies.

TOEFL test.

Anyone who has studied English for career growth and studying abroad, I was faced with the need to confirm my knowledge of English. Depending on the situation, organization and country, you will need an international TOEFL certificate or, to confirm your knowledge of business English, sometimes it is also required, and for postgraduate and master's studies a certificate.

However, the most popular and frequently requested is the TOEFL certificate. The TOEFL test is considered by many to be more difficult than the IELTS test, but they are approximately the same. In any case, you need to prepare very well before taking such a test. I recommend this for more effective preparation.

Today, it is preferable to take the TOEFL Internet-based Test (its abbreviation iBT), since many universities and organizations give preference to it. The order of completing tasks in the TOEFL iBT test version is as follows:

What tasks are provided for each section can be seen below:

You can score points by completing at least one task from all sections. See the scoring system for the TOEFL test below:

Below are the passing TOEFL scores, what to expect:

The cost of the test and delivery dates vary by country and region. The cost of taking the test around the world ranges from $160 to $250. There are a total of 4,500 testing centers in 165 countries around the world where you can take this test. One of the significant disadvantages of this test is that its results are valid only for two years.

Download TOEFL test examples:

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is the most popular standardized exam today that tests knowledge of English as a foreign language. Passing this exam is mandatory for non-English-speaking foreigners who want to enroll in universities not only in the USA and Canada, but in Europe and Asia. The abbreviation TOEFL is correctly pronounced "tofl". The TOEFL exam was first conducted in 1964, and has since become one of the main international language exams. Testing is carried out by Educational Testing Service, the largest private language testing company.

PBT and iBT are two versions of TOEFL

The test is developed in two versions: TOEFL Paper Based (PBT), TOEFL Internet Based (iBT). At the time the TOEFL appeared, a personal computer was a very rare thing. The administration of the test event involved printing, circling answers, and writing tests in pencil. Today, the “paper” version of the exam (PBT) is almost out of use. It is carried out only in those areas where it is impossible to use the Internet (African and island states - Micronesia, Congo, Rwanda and some countries Central Asia- Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan).

When personal computers became quite common, it became possible to take the CBT (computer-based test). And since 2005, this test has been in iBT format (i.e. internet-based test, test over the Internet). Now TOEFL iBT can be taken in almost any country, test centers are located in many major cities. By the way, in large countries, including Russia, only the iBT version of the test is available.

Test structure

The exam format includes four sections, testing such basic language skills as Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing. Each aspect, in turn, contains a number of questions of a unique format, which you need to familiarize yourself with in detail if you want to pass this test. In the exam itself, the sections are presented in the same order as mentioned above: first there is reading, then listening, then the examinee is given a break - 10 minutes - then you need to demonstrate speaking skills and at the end you are required to complete written tasks. The test duration is only about four and a half hours.

Grading system

Overall score - from 0 to 120 points (the test does not provide for “excellent” or “satisfactory” grades; each university sets its own limits for the passing score);

Each of the four aspects is scored on a scale from 0 to 30 points.

Oral speech is assessed on a gradation scale from 0 to 4 points.

Writing skills are rated on a scale from 0 to 5 points.

The scores are then converted on a scale from 0 to 30 points.

Features and difficulties of TOEFL

The main purpose of testing is to check the English language knowledge required by the student, both in the learning process and in Everyday life. The TOEFL exam is designed for people who speak English at a conversational level and are able to freely discuss everyday problems. But the proposed material contains academic vocabulary, many scientific terms, abstract concepts and synonyms - this is one of the difficulties.

It should be remembered that the examinee only has contact with the computer. For many people who are accustomed to taking exams in the presence of a teacher, this may not seem very convenient and may even serve as a stress factor.

Another difficulty is related to planning the time allocated for completing tasks. At the top of the monitor there is a timer, inexorably counting down the time. To cope with all the tasks within a certain time period, you need to practice a lot.

TOEFL tests not only the level of knowledge of the English language, but also the ability to analyze information and highlight the main points; the exam involves assessing the skills of generalization, argumentation, drawing conclusions, and the like. Therefore, it is extremely important for the examinee to understand what is required of him in a particular task. Learning strategies for completing assignments and answering questions will help with this.

#1: Study the exam structure

TOEFL what is it? Exam test, but which is not even close to those held in domestic schools or universities. Therefore, even excellent knowledge of English is not a reason to refuse preparation for the TOEFL. It is necessary, first of all, to familiarize yourself with the format of the test, with examples of tasks from previous years. Not a single stage in the test should be unexpected for the applicant. Test tasks can serve as training.

#2: Take a practice test

Taking a practice test will help you become familiar with the structure of the exam and understand which sections you still need to work on. There is a lot of free materials on the Internet. You can also practice on the official TOEFL website.

#3: Prepare for a four-hour marathon

The duration of the TOEFL (iBT) is 4.5 hours, and fatigue and loss of concentration for the average person occurs after just two hours of intensive study. Therefore, it is necessary to set aside one day for a trial test at home. An experiment of this type will help the applicant evaluate his behavior in stressful situation and will become a kind of endurance training before the exam.

#4: Read academic texts

Academic texts can be an unpleasant surprise for applicants, even with good spoken English. Reading will help you learn to understand academic English scientific literature. The English-language Wikipedia will be an excellent assistant in this regard. You can also improve the perception of academic texts with the help of popular science magazines in English. Recommended magazines: Popular Science, Scientific American, Science News, Popular Mechanics, and The Economist.

#5: Listen to academic texts

The key to successfully passing the Listening part is listening to as many scientific texts. The topic must certainly be interesting for the applicant, otherwise the training will not bring him any pleasure. The TED channel offers a lot of educational lectures. Expand lexicon watching scientific programs will help and documentaries on English TV channels BBC and Discovery.

No. 6. Use the scientific “poke” method

Surprised? Even in such a serious exam, guessing the answer is not prohibited. It happens that even reading the question again does not help to find the correct answer. Then you should exclude obviously incorrect answer options, which will increase the probability of guessing the correct answer by 25% -50%, and this is already good.

No. 7. Learn to take notes

Three of the four sections of the exam require the applicant to write a short summary of the material read and listened to. The candidate will be required to answer questions or summarize. The text or audio fragment usually consists of 200−500 words. Therefore, you should not rely only on your memory; it is important to note some points ( keywords, examples, arguments, introduction and conclusion) on paper.

No. 8 Make standard preparations for the Writing and Speaking sections

Panic can overcome an applicant during the Speaking part. It is impossible to predict what exactly the question will be. However, a couple standard phrases each of the three stages is still worth learning. A few phrases will also be useful for transitioning between these stages; it is advisable to use introductory words and constructions. You can come up with phrases yourself or find them on the Internet. This set of phrases can also be used when writing an essay.

#9: Learn to paraphrase

When checking the written and oral answers of applicants, members of the commission pay attention not only to the ability to logically and consistently express their thoughts, but also to the ability to paraphrase - to express their thoughts in writing, without resorting to the words or constructions used in the question. Using something interesting phrasal verb or idioms is a huge plus.

#10: Ensure good health and fitness

Test of English as a Foreign Language. Is a development private company ETS (Educational Testing Service), a leader in language testing.

Purpose of passing

The purpose of TOEFL is to document or refute the candidate’s ability to use a language that is not his native language in everyday life, student life, and work. TOEFL confirmation is required when moving to English speaking country with the intention of entering educational institution or get a position in a corporation where knowledge of English is required.

Having a high score on the test, the candidate has the right to apply for training in one of 9000 educational institutions. This certificate opens the door to internships and employment in more than 130 countries.

A distinctive feature of TOEFL: it is based on American version in English.

Features of exam selection

In the UK, documents proving communicative competence obtained in the USA are often invalid, and vice versa. Therefore, tests in English on an international scale have appeared; they are recognized by most countries.

When choosing an exam, it is important to rely on the rules of admission to the educational organization or the requirements of the employer.

1. American: TOEFL.
2. British: Trinity ESOL, Cambridge ESOL.
3. International: IELTS, TOEIC, PTE, TELC.

Exam options

The test has two types:

1. PBT, Paper-based– in handwritten form;
2. iBT, Internet-basedTest– via the Internet.

In countries without Internet access (Zimbabwe, Chad, Tonga), only PBT is possible. In most universities, iBT is considered a priority because, thanks to combined tasks, several skills are tested at the same time. In Russia, only the iBT version is available.

TOEFL Structure and Completion Time

The exam contains 4 blocks: Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. The test must be completed in 4.5 hours. Separate blocks of tasks test the candidate's specific skills, as well as his ability to summarize information.

Reading

Reading and understanding academic texts.

• Reading 3-4 texts (up to 700 words each).
• Number of questions – 36-56:
• They are aimed at identifying main idea, details, conclusions of the text, filling out tables, presenting a summary.
• Completion time – 60-80 minutes (20 minutes per text).

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Listening

Understanding live spoken language.

• Listening to 6 texts:
• 2 lectures on academic topics;
• 2 discussions on everyday topics;
• 2 lectures on academic topics with student comments.
• Number of tasks – 34-51:
  • They are aimed at determining the topic of conversation, the attitude of the interlocutors to the problem; They focus on little things: numbers, names, appearance, titles.
• Travel time – 60-90 minutes.

Speaking

The ability to express an opinion on a specific topic.

• The answers to 6 questions are dictated using a microphone:
• 2 general – reveal the ability to clearly express thoughts. Preparation time: 15 seconds. You must respond within 45 seconds, after which the recording stops;
• 4 integrated - test the ability to synthesize data obtained from reading a passage and listening to a recording. Preparation time: 30 seconds. Reading and audio recording each take 45 seconds;
• You must respond within 60 seconds.
• Travel time – 20 minutes.

Writing

Ability to express judgments in writing.

• Writing 2 essays.
• Describe your thoughts (150-225 words), based on the written segment and audio recording. 3 minutes are allotted for reading, 2 minutes for listening. Must be completed in 20 minutes.
• Reasoned objection or agreement with a statement in essay format (300-350 words). Requires completion in 30 minutes.
• Travel time – 50 minutes.

Registration before testing

Possible registration methods:

Online

• Register on the page My Home Page (Register for a test). Specify TOEFL Test.
• Find a region from the suggested options, where delivery is planned.
• Select date passing the test.
• Specify directly the resource department in the selected region.
• For free You can use the service of sending results to 5 educational institutions.

• Pay for passage e test you can:
• Bank cards: MasterCard®, VISA®, JCB®, American Express®, Discover®;
• In PayPal.
• Electronic check if you have an account in the USA.

• Make a printout Registration Confirmation, indicating the identification number, date, time, and place of the exam.
• Registration starts 3-4 months in advance until the test date, it is available daily, 24 hours a day.
• Ends in 7 days. Late registration is possible (3 days in advance), with a fee of $40.

By phone

• Enter the data into the Registration Form.
• Call the Regional Registration Center (RRC) at +31-320-239-540.
• Provide information from the completed form.
• Write down the identification number, date, time, test center address.
• Pay for the test.
• Registration ends 7 days before the exam. Late registration is possible (1 day in advance), with a fee of $40.

By mail

• Download the Registration Form and enter the data.
• Send it with payment to the RRC address.
• The completed form must arrive at ETS a maximum of four weeks before the test date.
• Receive a confirmation message (Admission Ticket) indicating the date, time, and address of the event.
• If it is not available, call RRC at least 3 days before the registration deadline for the selected date.

Where to take TOEFL in Russia

In Russia, TOEFL is administered by the certified American Center for Education and Testing. It has branches in 29 major cities.

Moscow
Saint Petersburg
Vladivostok
Astrakhan
Izhevsk
Bashkortostan
Volgograd
Irkutsk
Ekaterinburg
Kazan
Samara
Yoshkar-Ola
Krasnoyarsk
Omsk
Chelyabinsk
Naberezhnye Chelny
Saratov
Petrozavodsk
Khabarovsk
Permian
Nizhny Novgorod
Novosibirsk
Krasnodar
Rostov-on-Don
Smolensk
Tver
Stavropol
Tyumen
Ulan-Ude
The frequency of the exam in each region ranges from once a week to once a month.

Mock test

The trial version consists of Reading and Listening sections, since Speaking and Writing cannot be tested by computer.

How much does it cost to take TOEFL?

The cost of testing is the same throughout the Russian Federation and is $255.

Validity

The TOEFL certificate has a limited validity period of 2 years, after which the results are deleted from the ETS database.
So, the procedure passing TOEFL includes several stages:

1. registration;
2. obtaining an identification number;
3. choosing a date, time and center for delivery;
4. exam fees;
5. arriving on the specified day at the American Center branch at least 30 minutes before the start;
6. taking a test;
7. getting results.