Adgie D. answered • 07/27/19
English Tutor: TOEFL iBT Test Prep, ESL, Grammar, Writing, Speaking
The time recommended to spend preparing for the Toefl Test is 3-6 months, or between 100 to 200 hours. There are over 40 skills taught. In addition, you are practicing the questions, reviewing and acquiring vocabulary, learning test taking strategies, note taking and abbreviations, practicing speaking which include working on pronunciation, pacing, volume, and speaking without pauses or hesitation to name a few. We also work on transition words and phrases for speaking and writing.
When I work with a student, I start with a brief interview to find out if you have already taken the test, what your scores were if you have taken the test, what your level of education and English proficiency are, and what schools or business you are trying to get acceptance from.
Not everyone needs or wants to spend 200 hours preparing, but to be successful, it is an excellent idea to have a plan and to work on the skills that are the most difficult or confusing to you. Most importantly read, read, read and build vocabulary!
Most students want to focus on the Speaking Section, which is the most difficult because you are being asked to synthesize everything you know by responding verbally in a short period of time to questions about your opinion, comparing two ideas, reading and listening to a passage and then responding. It comes very quickly. You only have one time to read or listen to the passage and then you must respond and speak from 45 to 60 seconds. The score that most colleges and universities require for the Speaking Section is 25 or 26. Each of the four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing) is 30 points for a maximum total score of 120.
The Toelf Test is targeted to academic learning. You are being tested on a high level of vocabulary and your ability to connect ideas, remember details and demonstrate your capture of information in a way that shows if you not only grasp the English language, but that you also understand process, organization and complex ideas of the passages and/or questions.
Preparing for the Toefl Test is an excellent tool to also prepare you for everything else you do in your educational studies, your business and in general life because you are learning real life skills of reading and listening to information, make evaluations and choosing appropriate responses. I believe every student would benefit greatly from the skills taught in the Toefl Test preparation. These skills really prepare you for the academic environment of attending lectures, taking notes, responding to verbal and written questions both formally and informally.
Let me know if you have other questions about preparing for the Toefl Test and if I can help you.
all the best,
Teacher Adgie D.
