TOEFL Preparation for Beginners: Where to Start

One of the greatest challenges for students aspiring to study abroad or immigrate to an English-speaking country is the preparation for the TOEFL exam. TOEFL preparation for beginners is one of the most talked about topic within today’s generation and TOEFL preparation seems like a rocket science if proper planning is not done or we must say if the candidate is not well prepared, he/she might end up feeling disheartened for scoring a low score in the TOEFL exam. In today's article of career 360, you will be able to check out some important requisites of TOEFL preparation for beginners.

TOEFL preparation for beginners

1. Understand the TOEFL exam

TOEFL preparation for beginners should start with analyzing what the exam is and how it is assessed. Deeper understanding of all the four modules of the test and its scoring parameters should be very clear to the candidates wishing to appear for the exam. After analyzing the assessment parameters, candidates must check the type of questions asked in each module.

For example: the writing module of the TOEFL exam has both independent and integrated writing tasks. So, the candidate must have clear knowledge about both types of questions.

2. Estimate the desired score

The desired score in the TOEFL exam should just not only be a personal choice of scoring a set score but also the candidate should check with the university requirements wherein he/she is wishing to apply for higher studies.

Some universities may expect a score of above 100 while for others even 90 is acceptable. So, setting the correct estimate of the score should be in the individual's mind before preparation of the TOEFL exam starts.

3. Analyze your weakness

To begin with a dedicated preparation of the TOEFL exam, the candidate must know his/her weakness. So, here we highly recommend that the student must attempt one TOEFL free test available online just to experience how the exam goes and what is the current level of his/her score.

After the mock test the student will be in a position to analyze all his/her weaknesses and in which module it was, this way the candidate can prioritize a particular module to first prepare followed by all others.

Also, sometimes the candidates realize that they still need to acquire general English skills related to grammar and vocabulary, so this way the time table to be made for preparation can be designed in the best of manner.

4. Set your target completion date of preparation

Once the weaknesses are analyzed, the candidates should set themselves a target completion date for TOEFL preparation so that the exam can be given within a perfect time frame.

Remember, that prolonged training and preparation without having a set time duration, the candidate may end up feeling bored and monotonous. So, to keep the spirits high, a set time table followed with dedication will help to achieve high scores within a short period of time.

5. Required study material

Now that the time table is prepared, always remember that for the TOEFL exam you should use only authenticated study material available online or offline so that you do not end up wasting time. You should select material that provides a clear explanation with examples, practice tests and complete mock tests.

6. Work on strategies to excel the type of questions

After gathering the material, start with your practice and preparation in a dedicated manner, keeping yourself motivated is the key skill here.

Check out the strategies used to attempt different types of questions. Break the strategies into smaller chunks and work on them.

For example: you are required to make notes in most of the question types in the TOEFL exam, so if you have not done this before, you may start making notes on authenticated YouTube videos of native English users by initially keeping the captions on and then switching them off.

To gain confidence in the speaking section, stand before the mirror and imitate the way an English speaker speaks on different academic topics, a daily practice of 10 minutes will also help you a lot in polishing your language skills.

7. Network with other students

To keep yourself motivated you may connect with other students preparing for the TOEFL exam and check out the strategies they follow to excel in a particular question type. On social media sites like Facebook, Instagram many students and trainers of the TOEFL exam have made free groups wherein they interact with each other and help each other with feedback for answers and much more.

8. Consider the feedback

In case you feel you are getting stuck with a particular module or there is no improvement or even if you are not able to follow the given strategies, you may seek help from a qualified teacher/ mentor who guides students preparing for the TOEFL test.

9. Check your progress and re-work on the strategies

Whether you have taken feedback from a mentor or other students preparing, you should not mind re-working on the given strategies and check what works better for you. Remember, every individual has a unique learning style.

Keep up with the regular practice and note your improvement every single day and analyze after every 7 days to see if the improvement track is on an increasing trend.

10. Stay mindful

Never forget your goal of immigration and fulfilling your dreams, little struggle or the initial challenges in preparation of the exam should not affect your inner goal. Stay calm, optimistic, physically and mentally healthy so that you come out with shining colors.