Hello Akash AvChaR,

What is the TOEFL iBT test?

• TOEFL is a standardized and globally accepted examination which measure the candidate's mastery of the English language.
• TOEFL focuses on how the English language is used in academic settings, and thus most universities accept this examination as it tells them exactly how ready you are in order to effectively adapt to the professors and people, whether it be in casual or academic English, in their university.
• TOEFL tests you in four section namely - Reading, Speaking, Listening and Writing.

Why take the TOEFL?

• It becomes very difficult for students who are coming from a non-English speaking society to adapt to the heavy usage of English in the universities in USA. Thus, via examinations like TOEFL or IELTS the admission board tests whether you are compatible to understand the lectures taken in a fairly English-based programme.
• A good TOEFL score will also enhance your application and also give the admission board the confidence about your easy adaptability.
• It is an examination which is required to be taken by all incoming international students no matter what degree programme they plan on doing.

Follow these steps in order to study productively for TOEFL:

• Start by getting to know the format of the test through either the official website of TOEFL or Madoosh. Magoosh is an excellent resource, it has multiple practice lesson videos and hundreds of practice questions.
• Find out why you are taking the test. For job, immigration, college or just self assessment. You will need to design your practice schedule accordingly. If it is for college you will have to try and get the best possible score.
• Have a score in mind so that you give the practice tests keeping that goal in mind. Once you check your practice test you will know what necessary improvements you need to make to your score in order to reach the goal you have set.
• Create ideal study place for taking the test. Ensure that the study place is quiet and comfortable. Make sure that you are able to pay attention in that space. Time your test sessions, take breaks if necessary between different sections.
• Get a study guide in order to effective practice your abilities. For reading, underline and mark important points, take notes and check your answer with the answer key later. For listening take note so as you don't forget what the speakers are saying, get familiar with their accent. For writing, jot down points and brain storm properly before you start writing. For speaking, answer the exact question which is being asked, keep it simple.
• Get help from a teacher or friend if necessary. Hire a tutor for effective results and evaluation.
• Read for thirty minutes everyday. Try reading non-technical english. Read story archives this has many stories from CNN for ESL learners, or read breaking news. Try summarizing and comprehending whatever you read. Reading will also help you improve your vacabulary.
• Practice listening to English with your goal in mind. Try understanding and comprehending whatever you listen to into ideas, purpose, transitions, stresses and intonations. Listen to speeches given by people in order familiarize yourself with their accent.
• Practiced timed writing before the test. Give twenty-five minutes to each topic. During evaluation review your grammar and spelling errors, review sentence formation. Write in English everyday and take help from teachers or friends.
• Try speaking in English at all times. speak in English with others and ask them to correct at all time you make a mistake.
• Use active and passive learning strategies. First start studying with a goal in mind, this is active learning. Passive learning is when you learn through movies, speeches, books etc.
• Keep taking practice tests to test your progress. Keep a record of your progress and work for the goal you have set.
• Study for 2.5 to 3 hours regularly, everyday for the next three months in order to get a good score.

All the best!

I hope this answers your queries.

Do revert back in case of any further questions.

Dear Akash, TOEFL is an Language Proficiency test that is taken by non native English speakers who are willing to go abroad either to study or work. This test is accepted by most countrues abroad. There is no minimum score that you need to get to pass the test. Your score is the parameter to decide the Universities that allow you to apply for their courses. So each University had a certain band or a score that is mandatory to be scored for admission into that University. There are 4 sections in TOEFL exam namely Listening, Speaking, Reading and writing. All this takes approximately 4 and 1/2 hours to complete. There is no other way apart from practising mock tests to clear TOEFL. There are many free videos available online and also there are TOEFL coaching centres.