First introduced to the students who aspired for higher education in the native English-speaking nations in the year 1964, the TOEFL or the Test of English as a Foreign Language is widely respected till date in assessing the English language skills of a person and is accepted for admission purposes to thousands of prestigious institutions in more than 150 nations like the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, et al. The motto of the test is to understand the language abilities of the aspirants and evaluate the following skill sets related to the English language: reading, writing, speaking, listening, and comprehending – based on integrated tasks that evaluate prowess related to the language and its application. What makes this testing system so reliable and popular is the fact that it has never stagnated – it advanced with the progress of time and its real-time demands embracing several innovative design features to simulate the use of the English language in the world of academics and beyond. This explains the need for extremely perfect TOEFL test preparation and performing brilliantly in the TOEFL exams.
Most of the universities and colleges in the native English-speaking countries ask for a TOEFL test result from the students at the time of applying for admission there. If the students perceive to study abroad in such prestigious educational institutions, they must clear the test and score above the cut-off level decided by those colleges. This is important because it lets the educational institutions get an idea if the aspirant can bear the load of the regular English language usage in their syllabus and courses. Apart from this, if any non-native English-speaking person is looking for a job in these countries or wants to migrate there and seek citizenship, taking this test becomes essential.
How does the TOEFL test help the applicants?
The TOEFL test helps the applicant to have a better command of this language and understand its complexities and profundities with in-depth insight. It makes the student an expert in conversing fluently with the native English speakers, writing about it comprehensively, and even reading and comprehension of this language. This ultimately helps the student to cope better with the advanced education system in such universities. It also helps them cope with the new environment if they are seeking citizenship to such a country or are looking to work there as a successful professional. Basically, the TOEFL test practice and high scores open up doors of opportunities for individuals.
What is the best way to prepare for TOEFL?
An organized approach towards TOEFL preparation is a must if you want to score high in this test and match the criterion attributed by the universities. For this, if the applicants just follow the below-listed steps, they are sure to get great results in the test.
1) Know the formats of the TOEFL test
An applicant just can’t perform well in the TOEFL exams if she/he did not prepare well keeping in mind the TOEFL exam syllabus. This also includes knowing the exact format in which the test is conducted. The official website of TOEFL provides you with comprehensive guidelines. So, let us talk about the TOEFL exam pattern:
a) Reading the language without any mistakes — The TOEFL syllabus includes reading various passages and write-ups in English and comprehending the matter given to them comprehensively. This is checked thoroughly when the students answer the questions regarding the passages provided.
b) Listening to a conversation in the native English language— The TOEFL exam also includes listening intently to a specific speech or conversation in the native English language and then summarizing the data or answering the questions regarding it.
c) Writing in perfect native English language— The applicants are also expected to write in English in a candid manner and this carries lots of importance in their overall test results.
d) Speaking fluently in the English language— The best way to prepare for TOEFL for the applicants taking the Internet-based test, even the fluency in spoken English is tested and marked.
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2) Knowing the types of TOEFL tests
There are two types of TOEFL tests that applicants can take to pass the exam.
a) The internet-based test —Presently, most of the students are opting for the TOEFL IBT which is actually an online exam where the student is required to appear through computer settings. These students get ample amount of time to appear for and attempt all the 4 sections listed above.
b) Paper-based test — The paper-based test is not so popular currently and requires the student to appear offline for the exams.
3) Setting up a particular goal in mind
The students can prepare better for the exams if they have a specific goal in their mind regarding their results. If someone is looking for the average cut-off for a university and just wants to gain that passing score, then a moderate amount of preparation is alright. For the ones aspiring to gain the best score, obviously, the efforts are double.
4) Creating an ideal study space
For all the students intending to pass the TOEFL exams in flying colors, studying in a peaceful space is important. Only then can the applicant concentrate well on the native English language usage and its proper summarizing and writing skills.
5) Practicing for the exams beforehand
There are innumerable exceptional options like the TOEFL mock test (available online) where an applicant can repetitively practice for disciplined grooming beforehand. But it’s always recommended to start such mock tests way before the exam dates so that the mistakes can be rectified ahead of time.
6) Joining a reputed online coaching platform
A reputed and reliable online learning platform like Upgrad Aboard holds TOEFL practice tests regularly for the students. Their experienced staff and coaches who are fluent in the native English language make the preparations for the students easier. With the right theory and practical knowledge from them, the students can be way ahead in their preparations for the TOEFL exams.
7) Joining the community
The students appearing for the TOEFL exams get a lot of support and encouragement because of the communities of fellow applicants. They set a certain goal together and compete with each other to excel and learn which ultimately helps them massively during the examination.
8) Putting the language to regular practice
Practice, Practice, and practice – this should be the only mantra to success for TOEFL aspirants. The more you practice, the more full-proof your learning, knowledge, and consequently preparation become. When the applicants are constantly using the language to converse among peers and even reading a lot of stuff in this language, ultimately their skills excel in this field.
The TOEFL exam is not a tough nut to crack if you know the tricks to handle the preparations with order and method. The guidance above and a good learning center like Upgradaboard cumulatively will make an aspirant’s dreams come true without much a do.
IELTS is required to be taken by international students and workers who wish to study or work in a country where English is the primary language of communication. Know the complete details.
It becomes necessary for candidates to meet the eligibility for IELTS exam and demonstrate their language proficiency while being assessed on four parameters, namely, Writing, Reading, Speaking and Listening.
The IELTS exam dates are allotted on a first-come and first-serve basis. Choose your date and timings beforehand to avoid the delay. You can register for the test both in online and offline mode.
Fully aware of the growing popularity of the language test, we bring to you a list of IELTS exam centers in India. The list will enable aspirants in better planning before registering for the test.
There are two types of IELTS tests – i) Academic IELTS and ii) General Training IELTS. Candidates are often confused about making the right choice of IELTS test that can meet their requirements regarding their education or job.
Picking the best IELTS books for preparation is essential for scoring well. It may seem tough at first but cracking the examination successfully is not impossible.
Writing task 2 in IELTS is descriptive essay writing. The applicants are supposed to write an essay in response to the statement or situation given in the essay.
Reading is the second part of the IELTS test and takes 60 minutes. It consists of three or sometimes four reading passages to increase difficulty, and there are a total of 40 questions to answer.
Please note that your performance on the speaking test is assessed based on the following criteria- fluency and coherence, grammatical range and accuracy, lexical resource, and pronunciation.
IELTS is one of the most used English Language Proficiency Tests. The exam is scored in bands. Your IELTS band score determines the performance level of your test.
To book the IELTS exam, the candidates can either visit their nearest test center or book the slot online by visiting the official website of IDP. If they choose to go with the second option, they should follow the steps given below.
IELTS Academic writing is meant for students who are applying for top-ranked universities and colleges in English-speaking countries. The writing task one is an academic summary writing based on diagrammatic and graphical representation.
Writing Task 2 is the second part of the writing section of IELTS, where aspirants are presented with a point of view, argument, or problem and asked to write an essay in response to the question.
In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 starts with a diagram, a visual representation of information. It can be a table, map, graph, process, diagram, or picture.
The essay for IELTS is part of Writing Task 2. It is the same for the General Training and Academic of the IELTS. You will get a topic and have to write an essay on the same.
The IELTS speaking cue cards come into play for the second part when the candidate will be choosing cue cards and then speaking on a topic for two minutes at least.
Mrinal Mandal is a study abroad expert with a passion for guiding students towards their international education goals. He holds a degree in mechanical engineering, earned in 2018. Since 2021, Mrinal has been working with upGrad Abroad, where he assists aspiring students in realizing their dreams of studying abroad. With his expertise and dedication, he empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of international education, making their aspirations a reality.