How to Know the Requirements Before Taking the TOEFL

Introduction

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) measures how well a person understands and uses English. People whose first language is not English may need to demonstrate satisfactory performance on the TOEFL to gain admission to a college or university at which English is the basic language. Before taking the test, you need to know how to plan for the test. Read on to learn how to know the basic requirements before taking the TOEFL.

Planning for the Test

Steps

1 Step One

Listen to English-speaking radio programs often to become comfortable with the rhythms, sounds and speed of the spoken language. Make a point of listening to different types of voices. When possible, focus on English as it is spoken in North America.

2 Step Two

Ask your English instructor if he or she feels you're ready to take the test.

3 Step Three

Read all the information given on the TOEFL website. Since the website is written in English, you can get a feeling for how well you gain and use information from the written language. The website explains where and when you can take the test, how to register and the cost of the test.

4 Step Four

Practice with the sample test questions on the TOEFL website.

5 Step Five

Decide whether you will be taking the paper-based test or the Internet-based test. The TOEFL website will give you the information you need to make that decision.

Taking the Test

Steps

1 Step One

Take the Internet-based test if you choose, which is described in detail on the TOEFL website. Practice questions are provided there to give you a good idea of what the test is like.

2 Step Two

Complete the paper-based test as an alternative, which will take about three and a half hours. Most of the questions are multiple choice. It includes a "Listening" section that focuses on English as spoken in North America, a "Structure and Written Language" section, which tests knowledge of standard English and a "Reading Comprehension" section. In addition, the test includes a test of your ability to write on an assigned topic.

3 Step Three

Budget your time. As you work through each section, keep track of how many questions are left and how much time remains. When you just cannot decide on the correct answer to a question, move on to the next one. If there is extra time after you finish the section, you can return to any questions that you have not answered.