3 TOEFL Test Preparation Strategies For ESL Students
In this article we help TOEFL tutors or teachers by offering a look at our TOEFL test preparation strategies, resources, videos as well as links to helpful websites that may benefit teachers in helping ESL students pass this test.
As you navigate this page you can read through the best approaches for each section of the test through resources and videos.
What does the TOEFL iBT mean?
The words TOEFL iBT stand for Test of English as a Foreign Language – Internet Based Test.
The TOEFL iBT is an internationally recognized standardized test designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native speakers.
It measures the ability to understand and use English in academic settings and is commonly required for admission to English-speaking universities and other educational institutions.
The test scores reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills to ensure individuals can effectively communicate in an academic environment.
The TOEFL iBT Outline
The image below outlines the basic format of the test. The best test preparation strategies when preparing to take the TOEFL test begin with understanding the outline of the test, the format of the questions, and the grammar needed to respond to the questions.
Why Do Students Need to Take The TOEFL Test?
The TOEFL test is the most widely accepted test for international acceptance into colleges around the world.
This test looks at how well students can use the English language in an academic setting.
With the TOEFL the focus is more on HOW you use the English language through the four language skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing!
Universities, colleges, and employers around the world use TOEFL iBT scores as a reliable measure of an individual’s readiness to engage effectively in an English-language academic or professional setting.
Taking the TOEFL iBT is essential for students seeking admission to English-language educational institutions or applying for visas, ensuring that they have the necessary language skills to succeed in their academic and professional endeavors.
The ETI Academy and TOEFL iBT Resources
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Click here to view the collection of TOEFL iBT ebooks in our TpT shop!
This is important when it comes to understanding everyday conversations happening on the campus between students, or with keeping the level of understanding of academic lectures at its best.
I’ve also set up a TOEFL iBT course through Teachable. This course will help you to understand key test preparation strategies and approach each section of the TOEFL iBT test in a way that will save you time and energy. Learn to master the skills needed for each section of the test by understanding our three step approach.
TOEFL iBT vs. the TOEFL iTP
The main difference between the TOEFL iBT and the TOEFL iTP is when to take the test.
- With the TOEFL iBT you are looking to gain entry into universities or colleges of your choice.
- With the TOEFL iTP you are looking to complete the English language level test requirements of the university you are already attending.
This article will focus only on the TOEFL iBT. For more on the differences between these two tests, click here.
Lesson Planning for the TOEFL iBT
The ETI Academy presents comprehensive test preparation videos that teachers can use to highlight important test taking strategies We provide subtitles for easier access to each of the sections of the test.
At the end of this article teachers can sign up to receive our TOEFL iBT email series for up-to-date information on the TOEFL exam.
TOEFL iBT Websites and Resources
We have put together a list of websites and resources in order to give teachers a better sense of direction when it comes to helping students track their progress in understanding each section of the TOEFL iBT.
The first is the Official ETS Guide to the TOEFL exam – sixth edition. I have used this guide when helping students prepare for the TOEFL exam, and I can say that it is a through how to guide students should refer to.
Order your copy of this all in one official guide for the TOEFL iBT test by ETS to help students get the scores they want.
The Official ETS – TOEFL Website
This website highlights all of the important and relevant information on the TOEFL iBT. It outlines how to register, how students can select colleges around the world based on scores, and offers free test sample questions for each section of the test. Click on the image to visit the website.
Free TOEFL iBT Test Prep Planner
This document highlights a week-by-week schedule in preparing to take the TOEFL iBT. It outlines how students can organize their study schedule for each section, what to expect on test day, scoring rubrics, and sample test questions. It is meant to be a companion guide to the Official ETS Guide Book. Click on the image to visit the website.
Click to download the FREE TOEFL Test Prep Planner to hand out to students on the first day of classes.
Teach With Our Comprehensive TOEFL Test Preparation Strategies
This test has four sections; Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The videos below present a general overview of each section, provide tips on how to prepare to take each section, and what to expect on test day.
Use our videos to help as a study guide when preparing for the test. The videos are presented in the order in which they appear on the test.
TOEFL iBT Reading Section Format
The video below presents a general overview as to the format of the reading section of the TOEFL iBT.
It will also provide the necessary test preparation tips on how to prepare to take the exam and what to expect on test day.
TOEFL Listening Section Format
This video presents a general overview as to the format of the listening section of the TOEFL iBT.
It will also provide the necessary test prep tips on how to prepare to take the exam and what to expect on test day.
TOEFL Speaking Section Format
This video presents a general overview as to the format of the speaking section of the TOEFL iBT.
It will also provide the necessary test prep tips on how to prepare to take the exam and what to expect on test day.
TOEFL Writing Section Format
This video presents a general overview as to the format of the writing section of the TOEFL iBT.
It will also provide the necessary test prep tips on how to prepare to take the exam and what to expect on test day.
How Long Should You Prepare for The TOEFL iBT?
Now that you have watched our self-directed videos on the best self-guided strategies to preparing for the TOEFL, should you continue to go at it alone, or should you get help with preparing for the test?
The official makers of the TOEFL tests, ETS, recommends students give themselves 3 months preparation time before taking the test.
Therefore, encourage students to register for the test, and use our videos, websites, and resources recommendations to begin preparing each and every day.
Use this FREE checklist with students to help keep their goals in check. Download this guide by joining the ETI Academy test preparation community.
PrepScholar as a Teaching Tool
If you are looking for a more structured approach, considering encouraging students to sign up for professional support.
The ETI Academy recommends signing up for professional support with PrepScholar.
PrepScholar is a website that offers online support and resources that will show you first hand the format of the TOEFL iBT questions and how you should approach answering the questions, in terms of what to look for in answering the questions.
Not sure if you should sign up? Try it for free first! You can also sign up for a free consultation to ask more questions!
How to Improve Student Practice Test Scores
The videos in this section will outline what students can do to help improve their scores for each section of the test.
View the full playlist of TOEFL videos by visiting our YouTube channel: The ETI Academy.
If you enjoy these videos, please like them and subscribe to the ETI Academy Channel.
Join our TOEFL iBT Facebook community group to get the latest on the TOEFL iBT by clicking here!
Other Useful Links
- English Exam website where you will find practice tests for each section of the exam
- ETS website provides many ways to start preparing for the TOEFL test
- Free TOEFL Test Samples by Magoosh to help with all sections.
Related Topics
Check out our other topics related to test preparation and international English tests;
- ELA Oral Presentation Rubrics for the Classroom
- 4 Stages of Language Development in the Classroom
- 5 Things to Know When Pursuing Graduate Studies Abroad
- 5 Ways to Reach Your Educational Goals
- Resources to Teach SAT Test Preparation
Join Us Today!
For even more resources about the TOEFL iBT, sign up and join the ETI Academy.
Share Your Thoughts!
We would like to hear from you! Let us hear your thoughts how you have been preparing to take the TOEFL iBT! Leave us your thoughts in the comments below!
