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TOEFL Test Preparation

TOEFL Test Preparation

What is the TOEFL Test

The TOEFL test is one of several English tests that exist to determine if you have the if you have the minimum level of English required to take university classes in any country in the world that offers classes in English.. It is a worldwide standardized test whose purpose is to determine the level of each student with respect to four skills, reading comprehension, listening comprehension and oral and written expression.. Basic skills required at the university to be able to follow classes in English.

There are two versions of the TOEFL test, the TOEFL iBT and the TOEFL Essentials. If your goal is to apply for admission to a university and the university asks for proof of your English level, the test you should take is the TOEFL iBT.

The TOEFL test is designed and administered by ETS and is offered at thousands of centers around the world. Registration is centralized by this body and the exam is unique worldwide (there is the possibility of taking it from home, but you must first check that the university expressly accepts it). There are several dates during the year when you can register. Contrary to the SAT, universities usually do not admit Bestscore, so it is not usually repeated and if it is repeated, it is necessary to have a clear strategy to follow when sending it.

What is the structure of the TOEFL iBT Test?

The TOEFL iBT test lasts approximately 2 hours and the maximum score is 120. The test has four sections and each section is scored up to a maximum of 30 points. These sections are:

  • Reading: Contains 2 written texts with 10 “multiple choice” questions each.
  • Listening: Contains 5 auditions (3 of academic type with 6 questions each and 2 informal conversations with 5 questions each).
  • Speaking: Contains 4 texts to which you have to respond orally into the device’s microphone.
  • Writting: You must write 2 texts according to the proposed theme.

Where and when can I take the TOEFL iBT Test

As mentioned above, the TOEFL iBT test must be taken at an approved test center, so when you start the registration process for the test you can choose the center closest to you. ETS has a multitude of approved centers around the world so it is not difficult to find one near us. The test dates are different depending on the country, city and center, but there are usually 2 or 3 test dates almost every month (see TOEFL Test Dates & Locations for more information).

Please note that it takes about 10 days for the results to be published and that once published, the 4 free recipients will not be available for official submission. So it is suggested to decide which universities to send the results to before even taking the exam.

Where can I access according to the score obtained

The level of English is an important requirement when you want to study your degree in that language. Therefore, it is usually a mandatory condition to obtain the score required by the university in order to be admitted. Before taking this or any other English test, you should check the admission requirements of those universities to which you are going to apply to see what exact requirements they ask for, since it may be that due to your academic curriculum you might not need any English test. Indicative access ranges are as follows:

  • TOP Universities: Above 100
  • High-ranking universities: Above 90
  • Mid-range universities: Above 80
  • Other institutions: Above 70
  • Community colleges: Above 60

How do I prepare for the TOEFLT iBT Test

All of our students at Five Lands receive support in preparing for this test, as well as determining which training is best suited to their academic goals. Preparing for the TOEFL iBT test is not just about reinforcing English proficiency in all sections. It is a matter of: knowing how to take the exam, having taken a multitude of mock tests prior to the official exam and controlling the time adequately.

Depending on the needs of each student, we propose one training or another, or none at all if it is not necessary. We offer asynchronous online training that you can do from home and that will help you maximize your final score. The training is offered for a full year but you can do it at your own pace.

Design your English test strategy

At Five Lands we help you not only to prepare for this exam but also to design the best strategy according to your academic goals. There are several aspects that you should take into account before taking this test. Our consultants evaluate your profile and propose the best way to prepare and take this test. Some important aspects to take into account are:

  • My initial level (mock test) and predictive score
  • What college rank am I looking for
  • How much time do I have before the application process?
  • If I take Early Action or Early Decision
  • If I can waive my English by another means

Contact us and we will tell you how we can help you.

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