READING SECTION

In reading section you will be provide with three or four passage.  The time limit will be 54 or 72 minutes respectively. Most questions are worth one point but the last questions in each set is worth more than one point.

Before you register for the TOEFL, read academic books, magazines and Newspapers. You should also go through the soft copy or PDF versions of the academic text.

Practice for smart reading:

While reading, follow these three steps to know the gist of passage.

1.      Find the purpose

The majority of passage on the TOEFL will either explain or Resolve or convince.

      Explain: When the passage explains, it gives information on specific topic and contain facts.

      Resolve: When the passage resolves, it is having some short of dilemma, debate or question.

      Convince: When the passage convinces, it will validate a certain viewpoint with some evidence.

2.      Understand the structure

On the TOEFL, the passages will all follow a very similar structure. It is having introduction, body paragraph, and conclusion.

      An Introduction paragraph contains the basic topic of the passage.

      Four or five Body paragraph provides more information about the topic.

      A conclusion brings the passage to a close with a final statement.

3.      Know about main idea

After reading the title of the passage, follow these three steps:

      Read the first two lines of the first paragraph.

      Read the first line of each body paragraph.

      Read the first and last line of final paragraph.

Cracking the TOEFL reading section:

In TOEFL there is several type of reading question. Let’s talk about one by one

1.      Vocabulary in context question:

For vocabulary in context questions, do the following.

      Go back to the passage and read a few lines before and after the word in question.

      Come up with your own the word for the shaded word based on the clues in the sentence.

      Return to the answer choice and eliminate any choice which are not supported by words or phrases for the passage or dictionary definition of the word but are not in the context of the passage.

2.      POE strategies for reference question:

      Eliminate answer that mention words or phrases that showed only after the reference.

      Eliminate those, whose use words or phrases that are not mentioned at all in the two or three sentences before the reference.

3.      Lead word question;

      Find the lead word in the respective passage.

      If not found, take other lead word from question and find in the passage.

4.      Detail question: (Same as lead word question)

      The correct answers to lead word and detail questions are generally within four or six lines of the lead word or detail.

      Eliminate the word or phrase which is beyond the six-to-eight line range.

5.      Paraphrase question:

      Eliminate any answer that brings new information.

      Try to identify the subject of the sentence.

      One of the choices will usually have a different subject, eliminate this choice.

6.      Definition question:

This type of question asks about definition in bold face sentence.

      Definitions frequently are introduced using the words which, that or means. Look for the sentence in which the author uses these words.

      Trim away propositional phrases. These are phrases beginning with words such as of, on, and in. A definition will NOT be propositional phrases.

      Watch out the sentence that merely last or introduce examples. Remember you need a phrases that tells you what a word or concept means, not an example of the word or concept.

7.      Before/After question

The key to this question is to stay as close as possible to the main idea of the first or last paragraph depending on whether you are doing before or an after question.

Eliminate those:

      Which introduce new information

      Interrupt the structure

      Repeat the information

8.      Sentence insertion question:

      Eliminate which does not match.

      Make sure the added structure matches ideas with both sentence before and after it. Wrong answers are only partial matches.

9.      Except/not/least question

      Rephrase the question.

      Use answer choice as checklist and find each one in passage.

      Number it TRUE or FALSE

      Choose the answer different from other three.

      Use POE (Eliminate which is in the passage)

      Chose which have extreme language (only for this question).

10.  Inference question:

      Read carefully the passage and answer choices.

      The choice must able to support the truth with the passage.

      Extreme wording (Always, never, impossible, all, none, best, worst) used means wrong answer.

      Eliminate which is beyond the information.

      The right answer is usually a cleaver paraphrase of information in the passage.

11.  Summary questions:

      Eliminate examples.

      Eliminate the choice which is cleverly worded or not in passage

Before summary question, we should know the main idea, purpose and gist of the passage.

MAIN POINTS:

      Smartly read the passage, find the purpose, structure and main idea.

      Attack the question based on question type.

      Find the answer to the question in the passage.

      Use POE (process of elimination) to eliminate wrong answer; correct answer does not contain strong language generally.

Recommendation for reading section:-

•       TOEFL iBT official guide.
•       Princeton cracking TOEFL Ibt
•       Cambridge  practice test
•       http://www.graduateshotline.com/sampletoefl.html#.VpYQmLZ9602
•       http://www.examenglish.com/TOEFL/toefl_reading.htm
•       https://www.bestmytest.com/toefl-reading/1
•       http://demo.toeflibtcourse.com/toefl_R11s.htm
•       http://www.testden.com/toefl/test/

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LISTENING SECTION:

In the listening section you have to hear 2 or 3 listening sub-sections each sub-section is having combination of lectures and conversations. Each sub-section has either two lectures and one conversation or two conversations and one lecture.

To crack the listening section, follow these steps….

Basic principle 1:- find the main idea or purpose

Lectures will be designed around a main idea, where as conversation will center on a purpose.

For lecture the speaker will typically introduce the main idea.

At the very beginning of the talk you will listen following lines:

·         “Okay, today i want to talk about……”

·         “What we’re going to talk about today is…..”

·         “Today, we’re going to look at……”

·         “Tonight, I wanted to look at….”

The professor will then follow with the topic of discussion. You should write down the topic name.

During a conversation the beginning of the conversation will reveal the speaker’s initial greetings.

This may be as follows:

•         “Hi, what can I do for you?”
•          “Hello, how can I help you?”
•          “What can I do for you today?”
•          “Is there something I can do for you?”

After this, the speaker will state his/her opinion. Usually, they ask for some short of help or assistance.

Basic principle 2:- Focus on the structure

Types of lectures structure

1. Compare/contrast
2. Cause- and -effect- relationship
3. Abstract category/specific examples
4. Sequences

Lecture structure #1: Compare/Contrast

This type of lecture involves finding similarities and differences between two or more things.

They introduce the framework by using

·         “Some theories”

·         “Possible explanations”

·         “Many different views”

After the framework, speaker lists them and mentions their characteristics.

Some Compare/contrast indicating words are:

•         “similarly”
•          “on the other hand”
•          “however”
•          “additionally”
•          “also”

Lecture structure #2: Cause-and-effect-relationship

In this type of lecture, the lecturer explains why a certain situation occurs.

They introduce the framework by using

·         “Why would this happen?”

·         “What is the reason for this?”

·         “How could this happen?”

·         “What leads to this”

If it seems the speaker is describing a cause-and-effect situation, listen for the cause.

Some phrase which indicating the cause are:

·         “X causes Y”

·         “X results in Y”

·         “X produces Y”

·         “X leads to Y”

·         “X brings about Y”

·         “X is responsible for Y”

After identifying the cause, look for the speaker to detail the effects with a phrase similar to the following:

·         “Y is caused by X”

·         “Y results from X”

·         “Y is due to X”

·         “Y can be blamed on X”

·         “Y is attributable to X”

·         “Y is happens because of X”

Lecture structure # 3: Abstract category/Specific examples

This type of lecture starts with an Abstract category and then move to specific examples or specific examples to general interpretation

Some abstract concept introducing phrases are

·         “One approach……”

·         “One theory….”

·         “The idea is…….”

·         “The concept ……’

·         “The basic premise is…….”

Then the speaker will move to examples:

·         “For example…”

·         “One instance of this is…..”

·         “Consider…..”

·         “We see this in/ with”

·         “This is illustrated by/with”

Lecture structure #4: Sequence

This type of lecture may present a series of steps or stages, like process, development, stages, transition.

They usually mention it by using

·         “First…………….. second…………………third”

·         “Next……..”

·         “Then………”

·         “Initially……..”

·         “Finally…………”

Types of Conversation Structures:

•   Problem/Solution
•   Service encounter
•   Significant event

Conversion structure #1: Problem/Solution

In this type of conversation one has problem and other provide solutions.

Problem may be introduced as issue, difficulty, trouble.

The word which indicates solution or advice are as follows:

·         “Why don’t you………….”

·         “If I were you, I’d…………”

·         “May be you should………”

·         “Have you tried/ thought of…………”

In this type of conversation it is important to focus on problem and its solution.

Conversation structure #2: Service Encounter

In this type of conversation one person usually discussing problem with teacher, librarian, office worker or security guard.

We have to focus on following word:

·         “requirement”

·         “application”

·         “recommendation”

·         “prohibited”

Conversation structure # 3: Significant Event

This type of conversation usually contains some kind of meeting, an announcement or a social event.

Usually speakers introduce the event with:-

·         “Have you heard about……”

·         “Did you see…….”

·         “Let you know about…….”

·         “program/event/opportunity/chance ”

After it they provide detail and plans to concerning the event, by following words:

·         “participate”

·         “plans”

·         “open to”

·         “Free”

·         “Busy”

Basic principle 3: Listen for TONE & ATTITUDE

Focus on purpose of conversation that will aid you the purpose of the tone.

Basic principle 4: Pay attention to transition.

Reversal transition

·         “You know what?”

·         “We’ll come back to that in a moment”

·         “ actually, Let’s””

·         “Instead”

·         “Better Yet”

·         “I don’t want to get into that Now”

Negation transition:

By the help of these you can identify that what the speaker talking about.

·         “I don’t have to explain that; right?”

·         “You guys are okay with this; correct?”

·         “We don’t need to go into that now; okay?”

Basic approach

Step 1: Actively listen to the selection

Focus on main topic, structure & tone.

Hear the main idea or purpose at the very beginning of the speech and the majority of the details and supporting examples throughout the rest.

Step 2: Use process of elimination (POE).

Eliminate those answers which are:

·         Too specific answer

·         Too broad answer

·         Not mentioned.

·         Trapping and tempting answers

·         Having extreme languages

·         Having new idea

·         Contrary to the main idea.

RECOMMENDATION:

1.     Listen English news online, audio CDs (barron’s and cambridge).
2.     Go through TOEFL iBT official Guide
3.     http://www.english-test.net/toefl/listening/A_lecture_in_biology_class.html#TOEFL_Listening_Comprehension
4.     http://www.graduateshotline.com/toefl/listening-practice-test1.html#.VpZAQrZ9600
5.     https://www.englishclub.com/esl-exams/ets-toefl-practice-listening.htm

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SPEAKING SECTION:

In speaking section you will have to face 6 different tasks.

Before you go for TOEFL test, I would like to recommend following:

Speaking in English as much as you can

Watch English talk shows.

Read Nova’s TOEFL Speaking and Writing Strategies.

Follow Notefull’s videos on YouTube.

Practice through android app TOEFL speaking master.

Go through TOEFL iBT official guide.

Question 1: Independent speaking question:

In this task you will provide with a question, which you have to answer in 45 seconds. Before speaking you have 15 seconds to prepare your response.

Use this template:

·         I feel that.....  // I believe that....  // In my opinion...

·         I feel this way for two reasons...

·         First of all... // First................ For example,…….

·         Secondly... // Moreover........... for example,……..

·         To sum it up...  // And that's why I feel that.... // And that's why I believe that...

Note: - if you have only one reason then you must give two examples of that reason.

Question 2: Independent speaking preference question:

In this task you will provide with a preference question, which you have to answer in 45 seconds. Before speaking you have 15 seconds to prepare your response.

A good answer to the second independent speaking question (preference) might follow this template.

·         I definitely Prefer X rather than Y.

Agree that X rather than Y

·         I feel this way for two reasons...

·         First of all... // ……………….. For example…

·         Secondly... // Moreover........... For example……..

·         To sum it up... //  And that's why I prefer X over Y

Question 3: Integrated reading/listening/speaking question:

In this question you will read a small passage then listen to a talk/conversation. Then you have to answer a question in 1 minute. Preparation time will be 30 second.

A good answer to the first integrated speaking question might follow this template...

·         The reading is about... // The reading concerns...

·         The man/woman disagrees/agrees with the proposal (or announcement, or memo, etc)…………….

·         He/she provides two reasons.

·         First...

·         Secondly......

·         So that’s why he/she is agree/not agree with this decision at all.

Question 4: Integrated reading/listening/speaking question:

In this question you will read a small passage then listen to a talk/lecture. Then you have to answer a question in 1 minute. Preparation time will be 30 second.

A good answer to the second integrated speaking question might follow this template...

·         The reading is about……… which the passage defines as……

·         The lecturer provides an example of……to illustrate this.

·         He/she states that……….

·         And so, this example clearly illustrates…(topic)…… 

Question 5: Integrated listening/speaking question:

In this question you will listen to a talk/conversation. Then you have to answer a question 1 in minute. Preparation time will be 20 second.

Usually you have to point out the problem and its 2 solution discussed in the conversation.

A good answer to the first integrated listening/speaking question might follow this template...

·         The man's (or woman's) problem is...

·         The student discusses two solutions.

·         First……

·         Second……

·         In my opinion, the man should choose/if I were there, I would chose 2^nd solution.

·         The first solution is not good because...

·         The second is better because….

·         That’s why I choose ……..

Question 6: Integrated listening/speaking question:

In this question you will listen to a talk/lecture. Then you have to answer a question in 1 minute. Preparation time will be 20 second.

The final speaking question doesn't really lend itself to the use of a template, but you might want to try something like this:

·         The lecturer explains... // The lecturer discusses....

·         He explains this by giving several examples

·         First, he states that... // First he claims that...

·         Second, he states that... // Second he claims that...

Before you go far test you must practice speaking through several source like office ibt, Princeton, speaking master android app.

…

WRITING SECTION:

In writing section you have to complete two tasks one is integrated and another is independent.

Before you going for the test follow these steps:

1.      First read the PDF version of

   Nova’s TOEFL Speaking and Writing Strategies

   Answers to all TOEFL essays questions.

2.      You should also go through 164 academic readings.

3.      Typing practice on QWERTY keyboard for 30 minutes daily. (Don’t practice on laptop keyboard).

4.      Go through TOEFL iBT official guide and its 184 writing topics.

INTEGRATED WRITING TASK:

In integrated task you will read a passage in 3 minutes followed by a short lecture related to the passage or contrary the passage.

Then you will have a prompt which is your question.

And then you have to type the response in 20 minutes.

Follow this template:

 Paragraph 1 (introduction):

·         The reading and the lecture are both about ________, which is _________.

·         The author of the reading believes that ______________________.

·         The lecturer casts doubt on the claims made in the article.

·         She thinks that _____________________.

Body Paragraph 1

·         First of all, the author claims that __________________.

·         He believes ______________________.

·         This point is challenged by the lecturer.

·         She says that ____________________.

·         Furthermore, she points out _____________________.

Body Paragraph 2

·         Secondly, the author states that ______________.

·         He argues ______________.

·         This argument is rebutted in the lecture.

·         The lecturer suggests _____________________.

·         In addition, she posits that _______________.

Body Paragraph 3

·         Finally, the author mentions that _____________.

·         He is of the opinion that _____________

·         The lecturer casts doubt on this by arguing _____________.

·         She puts forth the idea that _______________________.

Paragraph 5 (conclusion):

Note that I generally do not recommend that students write a conclusion to the integrated essay (there is little time to do so), but if you feel that you must write one, you can use this short template:

·         In conclusion, the lecture and the reading are both about ______________.

·         The professor effectively challenges the claims made in the article.

Your integrated essay should be about 250-300 words in length.

INDEPENDENT WRITING TASK:

In independent task you will have 30 minutes to types your response.

Follow G+3TiC=C of nova’s.

Write such a way that you are talking with someone.

Follow this template:

Paragraph 1 (introduction):

·         Sentence one:  A "hook."  This is an interesting sentence that describes the topic of the essay without stating your main point.  Example:  "There are many good gifts to give to a child."

·         Sentence two:  Your main point.  Example:  "I feel that the best gift to give to a child is..."

·         Sentence three:  A transitional sentence.  Example:  "I feel this way for two reasons, which I will explore in the following essay."

·         Sentence Four:  "First....."

·         Sentence Five:  "Second...."

Paragraph 2 and 3 (body paragraphs):

·         "First of all... FIRST REASON."

·         One or two sentences that give general information about this reason

·         "For example..."

·         One or two sentences about this example

·         "Another example is..."

·         One or two sentences about this example

Note that body paragraphs are more "free style" and using a template is not always easy (or necessary).  Try to include some of the above phrases, but be able and willing to improvise and expand when necessary.

Paragraph 4 (conclusion):

·         In conclusion... MAIN POINT."

·         "This is because REASON ONE and REASON TWO."

·         "For the reasons explored above, I strongly feel that... MAIN POINT."

Note that I usually suggest that students write a rather short conclusion.  It does not need to be as long as the introduction. Your whole essay should be about 350 to 400 words.

*ALL THE BEST*

&

*GOOD LUCK*