How to Enroll in a TOEFL Course

Introduction

Enrolling in a course to prepare for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a great way to improve chances of a high score. Take TOEFL prep courses online through various websites or in-person in traditional classroom settings. Find quality TOEFL courses by following a few easy steps.

Enrolling in an Online TOEFL Course

Steps

1 Step One

Get online and go to your favorite search engine. Perform a search for “Online TOEFL Course.”

2 Step Two

Look through the results list and click on websites that sound professional. See "tips" for some of the criteria to help you determine if it is a legitimate course offering.

3 Step Three

Select several websites and compare criteria such as TOEFL course curriculum, cost and the credentials of the organization offering the course.

4 Step Four

Follow the steps on the chosen TOEFL course website to enroll.

Enrolling in a Classroom-Based TOEFL Course

Steps

1 Step One

Do an online search for “TOEFL Course and (your state).” For example, try “TOEFL course and New York.” This search will bring up results from both state colleges and universities offering TOEFL prep courses and courses at designated testing preparation centers as well.

2 Step Two

Select links to course offerings at local colleges and universities.

3 Step Three

Read about course curriculum to determine if the course will cover the areas of study you require.

4 Step Four

Locate cost information for the TOEFL course on the college or university website.

5 Step Five

Select links to test preparation centers from your search engine result list.

6 Step Six

Read the curriculum of the TOEFL prep courses at the preparation centers and compare with that of local colleges and universities.

7 Step Seven

Note cost information for TOEFL courses at test prep centers and compare with costs of similar courses at local colleges and universities.

8 Step Eight

Follow instructions to enroll in TOEFL prep course on either the college or university’s website, or the testing prep center’s website.

Tips & Warnings

• Kaplan and The Princeton Review are both examples of reputable test prep centers that offer TOEFL courses around the country.
• Reliable online TOEFL course websites should have minimal spelling errors, a recent copyright date, and valid contact information, such as a mailing address.

How to Find TOEFL Practice Questions

Introduction

Earning a good score on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) can help non-native speakers of English get into the college or university of their choice. Studying with practice questions increases the chances of a high TOEFL score. There are several ways to find practice questions to prepare for the TOEFL, some available for purchase and some free of charge.

On TOEFL's Website

Steps

1 Step One

Go to the official TOEFL website and find the link for TOEFL Practice Online.

2 Step Two

Register for the TOEFL Internet-based test (IBT) in order to access a free sample test with questions used on previous TOEFL IBTs.

3 Step Three

Purchase additional practice tests through TOEFL’s website. Topics range from reading and listening practice to speaking practice.

On Public and Academic Library Websites

Steps

1 Step One

Go to your local public library’s website. If you are already a member of an academic institution, go to their library’s website.

2 Step Two

Look for a link to the library’s research databases.

3 Step Three

Find a database called “LearningExpressLibrary” and log in.

4 Step Four

Select “TOEFL Preparation” from the list of featured resources.

5 Step Five

Click on the TOEFL practice test you’d like to take.

At Public and Academic Libraries

Steps

1 Step One

Go to your local public library or, if you are enrolled at an academic institution, go to your college or university library.

2 Step Two

Access the library’s catalog and do a keyword search for “TOEFL,” or ask a librarian for practice test books for the TOEFL.

3 Step Three

Check out any books, CD-ROMs, sound or video recordings that cover TOEFL practice questions.

Tips & Warnings

• If your local public library doesn’t subscribe to the LearningExpressLibrary database, search the websites of other area public library systems until you find one that does. Once you have a library card for a particular library, most allow remote access to databases with the library card number.
• Check the copyright date on any test preparation materials checked out from the library. Some resources may be too old to be relevant for the current TOEFL test.
• Read the fine print on TOEFL’s website, and any other website that offers free practice tests. Sometimes you have to register or pay for goods and services in exchange for the “free” practice tests.

How to Get a Study Guide for TOEFL

Introduction

The Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL, is given to foreign students who wish to study in English at US colleges and universities. This test measures a student's English-language proficiency in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Follow these steps to get a study guide that will prepare you to take the TOEFL.

Steps

1 Step One

Register for the paper-based or the Internet-based test. Visit the Education Testing Service website, and select the TOEFL link. Choose the link "Register for the Test" in the middle of the TOEFL Test Directory page.

2 Step Two

Return to the Test Directory page and choose the "Products" link at the top. This will take you to the Products Directory page. On the left side of this page, choose "Resources for Test Takers." Then, at the Resources page, click the link for "Preparing."

3 Step Three

Find the heading "Assessing English as a Second Language," and choose the link for "TOEFL ITP Test Preparation Products."

4 Step Four

Go to the TOEFL Institutional Testing Program page. Decide whether you want one of the paper-based guides, "TOEFL Sample Test 6th Edition," or "TOEFL Test Preparation Kit, 2nd Edition." These guides offer hundreds of practice questions that generally appear on the test. Choose one of the links to place your order on the ETS website with a credit card.

5 Step Five

Select the "Store" link at the top of the TOEFL Institutional Testing Program page if you'd rather get the guide for the online test. The ETS store features "The Official Guide to the New TOEFL iBT With CD-ROM, 2nd Edition." This gives the advantage of on-screen reading and writing practice, and audio passages to work on your listening skills. At the description page, choose the "Buy now" link to order by mail.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also order the TOEFL study guides at other online bookstores. Pick up a copy from a local bookstore if you don't want to wait for delivery.

How to Get Financing to Pay for TOEFL

Introduction

Passing the TOEFL can be an important step for non-native speakers of English on their way to studying in the United States or Canada. A good score can mean admission to an undergraduate program, or even winning an assistantship to help cover the expenses of graduate school. The company that offers TOEFL, the Educational Testing Service, offers little assistance to those students who cannot afford the cost of the exam. There are, however, some ways to try and obtain funding. Read on to find out more.

Steps

1 Step One

Apply for the fee reduction service offered by the Educational Testing Service. This is a one time voucher that cuts the price of the TOEFL about in half. It is available to non-native speakers of English who are attending high school in the United States. Applications can be downloaded from ETS's website, and have portions that must be completed by both the student and her guidance counselor.

2 Step Two

Check with independent cultural or ethnic organizations to see if they offer vouchers. These groups offer aid to both those who live in the United States and those who are just looking to study there. Many such organizations representing different countries exist, and offer aid based on their own set of criteria. Usually, they offer a limited number to students who have the greatest need and/or have demonstrated high achievement.

3 Step Three

Inquire at your own school about fee assistance. Many institutions offer some kind of aid to those who need help applying to universities.

4 Step Four

Apply for a Fulbright scholarship. Should you be nominated, the Fulbright Commission will bear the costs of the exam.

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.